Blue Ridge Conservancy wins Ashe County backing for Parkway land donation and Trails Month proclamation

The Ashe County Board of Commissioners voted to provide a letter of support for Blue Ridge Conservancy’s proposed transfer of roughly 55 acres to the National Park Service for addition to the Blue Ridge Parkway and approved a proclamation declaring July Blue Ridge Conservancy Trails Month.

Eric Hiegel (introduced by the chair) described the parcel as about 121 acres total — roughly half in Ashe County and half in Wilkes County — and said Blue Ridge Conservancy plans to donate roughly 55 acres in Ashe County to the National Park Service. He framed the transfer as primarily view-shed and escarpment protection rather than new trail development.

“We need to come to local municipalities and get a letter of support for that as well as at the state level,” the presenter said, asking the board to endorse the land dedication.

Separately, Jordan Sellers of Blue Ridge Conservancy asked the board to approve a proclamation declaring July as Blue Ridge Conservancy Trails Month to encourage local round-up fundraising for the Northern Peaks Trail and related trail work in Ashe and neighboring counties. The board moved and seconded both actions and approved them without extended debate.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about future trail construction and emphasized that the transfer to the National Park Service is intended to protect the view-shed around the Parkway overlook.