Jackson County Is Developing A Conservation Plan To Protect Key Tracts Of Land While Balancing Development.
District Four, The County’s Largest District At 170,000 Acres, Contains Diverse Natural Resources, Including Farmland, Forests, Rivers, And Scenic Vistas.
Equinox Environmental Is Leading The Project, Funded Through A Collaborative Effort. The County Commission Is Covering About Half Of The $167,500 Total Cost, With Additional Support From The Tourism Development Authority And The Community Foundation Of Western North Carolina.
A Steering Committee Has Outlined A Vision For The Plan, Focusing On Responsible Land Use Decisions That Protect Forests, Streams, Rivers, Farms, And Wetlands Amid Increasing Development Pressure. Key Goals Include Preserving Agricultural And Ecological Resources, Supporting Farmland Sustainability, Protecting Watersheds, Promoting Climate Resilience, And Fostering Public Education On Land Stewardship.
The Planning Process Began In Late 2023, With Research, Mapping, Ordinance Reviews, And Case Studies
The Conservation Plan Will Not Impose Legal Ordinances But Will Serve As A Guiding Document For County Planners. The Team Is Also Analyzing Strategies From Other Communities, Both Within And Beyond The Southern Appalachian Region, To Identify Best Practices.
Public Engagement Is A Key Component, With Meetings Scheduled In March And July. As The Project Progresses, Findings Will Be Refined Into A Final Conservation Plan For County Review.
