An Asheville-based land trust has purchased 433 acres in Yancey County at the confluence of the Cane River and the North Toe River, where they merge to form the Nolichucky River. The acquisition by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy permanently protects natural resources, aquatic habitat and a substantial stand of native river cane.
The tract has more than 3 miles of frontage on the Cane and Nolichucky Rivers, which are a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Critical Habitat for the endangered Appalachian elktoe mussel, and which provide exceptional habitat for other rare species.
“SAHC’s new Cane River Confluence preserve showcases extraordinary beauty and critical natural resources,” said Michelle Pugliese, the conservancy’s land protection director. “The presence of rare and culturally important river cane for Native artisans, as well as vitally important water resources, makes this acquisition a spectacular success story.”…