Community Cheers as 83 Acres Along French Broad River Saved from Development

Woodfin -- As homeowners gathered for a vibrant block party commemorating a historic victory—the preservation of 83 vital acres along the French Broad River—the air in Richmond Hill was heavy with the aroma of summer and the sound of celebration on Saturday.

Three years of passionate community advocacy culminated in the event, which was hosted by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC).

This beautiful area, a wooded bluff next to Richmond Hill Park, was threatened for years by massive development. Residents of Richmond Hill and the larger Woodfin community were deeply alarmed by the initial plans, which called for a sprawling mixed-use complex with hundreds of apartments. The environmental effects on the delicate river ecosystem and its endangered species were among the worries, as was the possibility of debilitating traffic on the neighborhood's small roads.

Leading the opposition was the "Richmond Hill & River Rescue" coalition, a resolute union of locals and environmental organizations such as MountainTrue. They showed a resolute dedication to protecting their peaceful community and the natural beauty that characterizes it by organizing, planning, and persistently voicing their concerns.

They were successful because they persisted. The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy made a big move in March 2025 when they were able to acquire the 83-acre parcel. This purchase essentially put a stop to any further construction on the property, guaranteeing its status as a protected natural area.

Due to its ecological significance and close proximity to Richmond Hill Park, the property has long been of interest to the conservancy, a longstanding non-profit organization devoted to preserving the area's natural treasures.

The recently protected area is an important habitat, not just a piece of undeveloped land. It is a part of the French Broad Priority Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Area, which is home to rare plant life like the nodding trillium and endangered species like the mole salamander. It also has distinctive features like a vernal pool.

The ultimate goal of SAHC is to incorporate the recently protected land into Richmond Hill Park, which could increase the size of Asheville's largest forested park from 180 to 263 acres. Although the property is not yet accessible to the public and is presently undergoing management planning and assessment, its future is now assured for conservation and, eventually, public enjoyment.

The block party on Saturday, which featured music, cold beer, and cool snow cones, was more than just a get-together; it was a celebration of the resilience of Western North Carolina's conservation spirit, community, and teamwork. It was the beginning of a new era for Richmond Hill, one where its future will be defined by the peace of the French Broad River rather than the bustle of development.

WNCTimes

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