Wilson Creek Update
The offer to sell property has been withdrawn. This is positive yet work still remains. The public hearing has been cancelled. However, County commissioners will still hear concerned comments on the subject at their meeting next Monday, August 27, where citizens may urge the commissioners to uphold their earlier imposed 12 month moratorium on zoning changes for development in the Wilson Creek corridor.
Talking Points:
1.) Suggest the county reject any development proposal until planning is complete and, most importantly, that they take as much of the remaining 1-year moratorium period (10 months left) to plan deliberately and properly for the protection of Wilson Creek watershed forever.
2.) The elected officials are in a position whereby they can work with the Planning Department and other stakeholders. They still need to hear the public and other parties’ interests and support for planning in order that best management principles and practices may be fully considered and implemented as long range effort to balance the communities' needs and protection of its natural resources.
3.) There are only so many dollars available to purchase lands for protection so having a management plan that balances growth with eco-tourism and environmental considerations is both proactive and responsible in working towards meeting needs of current AND future generations. Both planning and conservation acquisition and management are critical pieces of a conservation plan.
Caldwell County Commission Meeting: August 27 at 6pm – 905 West Avenue NW, Lenoir, NC - in the basement level of the Caldwell County offices.
Contact Info:
Caldwell County Commissioners: Contact phone number (828) 757-1300
Chairman – Faye Higgins
http://www.co.caldwell.nc.us/emailcontact/fayehiggins/
Vice-Chairman – Ron Beane http://www.co.caldwell.nc.us/emailcontact/ronbeane/
Vice-Chairman – Don Barrier http://www.co.caldwell.nc.us/emailcontact/donbarrier/
Vice-Chairman – Herb Greene http://www.co.caldwell.nc.us/emailcontact/herbgreene/
Vice-Chairman – Dr. John Thuss http://www.co.caldwell.nc.us/emailcontact/johnthuss/
HELP PROTECT WILSON CREEK - A FEDERALLY DESIGNATED WILD
AND SCENIC RIVER!
Wilson Creek, which flows 23 miles from Grandfather Mountain to the Johns River in Caldwell County, is one of only 4 rivers in NC designated as National 'Wild and Scenic'. Wilson Creek is also designated as an “Outstanding Resource Water” by the NC Department of Environment & Natural Resources, the state’s highest water quality classification. It is one of the most pristine bodies of waters in NC and is a popular destination for anglers and paddlers.
However:
On Monday August 6 the Caldwell County Planning Board passed a zoning request by a Florida developer – The Archer Group - which would allow the development of nearly 650 acres along Wilson Creek. This tract includes both sides of the creek and roughly lies between the confluence of Lost Cove Creek to the north downstream to the confluence of Harpers Creek to the south. The Brown Mountain Beach Rd, and the Edgemont Rd., both state maintained roads, follow the creek through this property for approximately 4.5 road miles as they parallel Wilson Creek.
The developer has requested to build two bridges spanning the creek (note: no development has occurred along Wilson Creek since the 1900's mainly due to frequent severe flooding and washing out of bridges) and multiple road accesses to the development.
Even though a 1-year development moratorium put in place by
the Caldwell County Commissioners, the Planning Board, by a 5-4 vote approved
this request.
# # #
For
More Information see Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Management Plan
http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/nepa/grandfather/wilson_creek.pdf