Archived Outdoors

Landowners protect 29 acres on Pigeon River

out bethelpreserveRural preservation leaders in the Bethel community of Haywood County have announced the permanent protection of 29 acres through two separate conservation easements. 

 

One property protects 26 acres of largely agricultural land, while the other includes three acres of mostly forested land. The two properties feature more than 3,200 feet of river and stream frontage, including 1,000 feet along the main stem of the Pigeon River, 2,000 feet on the West Fork of the Pigeon River, and 250 feet of a small tributary stream. By protecting these streamside areas from development, the landowners will help protect water quality for downstream farmers, the Towns of Canton and Clyde, Evergreen Packaging, trout, one species of rare fish, two species of rare freshwater mussels, and hellbender salamanders. 

Both properties were protected through bargain-sale conservation easements. A conservation easement is a voluntary and permanent agreement that limits certain development on a property in exchange for possible federal, state, and local tax benefits, a cash payment, or some combination.  

“We are very grateful to the landowners and to all our partners for helping to protect our rural lands and waters,” said Dave Curphey, president of the Bethel Rural Community Organization. “We’re thrilled to know that these properties will forever contribute to Bethel’s rich rural heritage and high water quality.”

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 828.712.6474.

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.