October 13, 2011
Contact:
Ann Barrett, The Conservation Fund, (703) 908-5809, abarrett@conservationfund.org
On behalf of The Conservation Fund, I would like to congratulate David Ramsey of Unicoi, Tenn., for being named Field & Stream’s 2011 Conservation Hero of the Year.
David’s steadfast work over the past 15 years to ensure the protection of one of the largest unprotected tracts of mountain land in the eastern U.S., known as Rocky Fork, has set him apart as a true champion of conservation. His ties to this rugged habitat—a critical in-holding within the Cherokee National Forest in eastern Tennessee—run deep. He and a number of other local citizens have faithfully led the call for federal funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, helping the U.S. Forest Service secure more than 75 percent of Rocky Fork.
With the finish line in sight, approximately 1,200 acres remain unprotected. Together with David, the Forest Service, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, Trout Unlimited and other dedicated groups and citizens, we support the full funding of the President’s FY12 budget proposal, which includes $5,000,000 needed to preserve this final tract and complete the protection of a world-class haven for wildlife, ensure water quality and support economic opportunities for neighboring communities.
Thank you Field & Stream for recognizing David’s devoted efforts to saving this national treasure for generations to come.
Watch this great video of David talking about why he's worked so hard to save Rocky Fork:
Rocky Fork, Tennessee is the largest unprotected tract of land in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Our thanks to Greg Hutson for donating the use of these images of Rocky Fork, Tennessee. Click thumbnails to view a larger version.
Images by Greg Hutson are for personal use only. To order prints email: LRTM@bellsouth.net
Rocky Fork is a nearly 10,000-acre tract of land that is the largest unprotected tract of land in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The U.S. Forest Service would like to permanently protect the 10,000 acres of Rocky Fork and has been working with the Fund and the state of Tennessee to make this happen.
Along the Tennessee-North Carolina border in Unicoi and Greene counties, approximately 30 minutes from Johnson City, Tennessee, and Asheville, North Carolina.
Back in 2008, the Fund purchased more than 7,000 acres at Rocky Fork and has been holding it and transferring portions to the state of Tennessee and the U.S Forest Service for permanent ownership and management as funding become available.
Our most recent project was completed in October 2011, when we conveyed a 1,400-acre parcel to the Forest Service. With this transfer, only about 1,200 acres of the approximately 10,000-acre Rocky Fork area remains unprotected! The U.S. Forest Service plans to purchase the final acres as federal funding is secured. The state of Tennessee also is expected to acquire a portion of Rocky Fork as funds become available.
Environmental benefits: Rocky Fork, named after the cool waters of the creek that runs down its center, lies within Cherokee National Forest and abuts the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina, creating a vast unfragmented haven for rare wildlife such as the peregrine falcon, eastern hellbender and the Yonahlossee salamander, which has never before been found south of the Nolichucky River Barrier (TN/NC). In all, 10 species of greatest conservation need have been recorded on the property. Rocky Fork is part of the Unicoi Bear Preserve and contains prime bear breeding habitat. Preserving Rocky Fork also protects the water quality in neighboring communities.
Rocky Fork’s many resources provide a range of world-class recreational opportunities that have been attracting generations of visitors from across the country. About 1.5 miles of the popular Appalachian Trail crosses the southwest border of the property, and half the property can be seen from the trail. Sixteen miles of pristine blue-ribbon trout streams, including the waters of Lower Higgins Creek and Rocky Fork Creek, harbor exceptional populations of native brook trout. Rocky Fork also boasts habitat for game animals such as bear, turkey, deer and grouse.
With its focus on the community, the Fund has partnered with local leaders to seek diverse economic benefits in conserving Rocky Fork, including a possible land exchange with the Forest Service and increasing Rocky Fork’s and the region’s importance as a top nature-based recreation and tourism destination.
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