The designation marks the beginning of NFF’s Investing in the Great Outdoors Campaign, which aims to raise private contributions to supplement limited federal funding for restoration work in these unique, regionally renowned sites. Popular sites in the Pisgah-Nantahala see some of the highest visitation of any national forest in the Eastern U.S. and play an important role in overall forest health. 

Leveraging private donations and support from community organizations, NFF’s collaborative approach aims to rally everyone around the goal of improved forest health and sustainable recreation. 

Proposed activities include improved boating access and trail construction on the Chattooga River; access improvements along the Nantahala River and trail maintenance, invasive species treatments and campgrounds improvements at Tsali Recreation Area. 

The NFF is the nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service. To donate to Investing in the Great Outdoors, visit www.nationalforests.org/donate/support-treasured-landscapes.