Nature Conservancy Acquisition of Tract in Hickory Nut Gorge Assures Public Access to One of Best Climbing Locations in Southeast United States.

LAKE LURE, NC, Oct. 3, 2007. The Nature Conservancy announced today that it has acquired a key tract of land on Hickory Nut Gorge's biologically-rich Rumbling Bald Mountain that will also provide public access to one of the most important recreational areas in the gorge.

The 46-acre tract, purchased from John Hayward Moore, will eventually be transferred to the State of North Carolina for inclusion in the new Chimney Rock State Park . In addition to its biological importance, purchase of the tract will guarantee climbers and hikers access to a key section of Rumbling Bald Mountain , much of which is owned by The Nature Conservancy.

"To have The Nature Conservancy and eventually the State of North Carolina own this property is really a great thing,” said Sean Cobourn, past president of the Carolina Climbers Coalition. "It assures access to one of the greatest climbing areas around."

Cobourn said the Moore property, which is just northeast of Lake Lure , will offer a variety of climbing options from bouldering to multi-pitch routes. "It has something for everybody," he said.

The Nature Conservancy purchased the tract at fair market value from Moore , whose family has owned the tract for generations. His grandfather, Lee Powers, and his uncle, Hayward Powers, acquired the property along with other real estate holdings in the area in the 20th century as Lake Lure was being built. During the last decade, Moore has worked closely with The Nature Conservancy to permanently protect the most biologically-important of these land holdings and has established a charitable trust with the organization to further its conservation efforts in the Gorge.

"I was blessed by inheriting some of Rumbling Bald Mountain , and I'm pleased to know that this land will be protected and enjoyed for generations to come," Moore said. "When the public hikes on the trails on this property, I hope they think about all of the people of this community who came before us and kept this place so special."

The acquisition of the Moore tract is the latest purchase of land in Hickory Nut Gorge by The Nature Conservancy, which began its conservation work in the area more than 26 years ago with the acquisition of Bat Cave . Since then, the Conservancy has worked to protect nearly 3,500 acres in the Gorge, much of which will be included in the new Chimney Rock State Park.

"Piece by piece, working with private landowners and other conservation organizations, we've been able to weave an impressive mosaic of protected land throughout Hickory Nut Gorge," said Katherine Skinner, executive director of The Nature Conservancy's North Carolina Chapter. "This work has resulted in the protection of critical lands and waters that are home to an impressive list of rare plants and animals. As is the case with the Moore tract, it will also provide new recreational opportunities for climbers, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts."

In addition to its ownership of Bat Cave , Nature Conservancy preserves include more than 1,100 acres on Rumbling Bald Mountain and several hundred acres throughout Hickory Nut Gorge. In recent years, the Conservancy has been purchasing and protecting smaller tracts in an effort to link together key natural areas. In 2005, the Conservancy partnered with the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (CLMC) to help fund the acquisition of the 1,600-acre World's Edge tract, which will be a major component of the Chimney Rock State Park . The Nature Conservancy and its partners, CMLC, The Foothills Conservancy and The Conservation Fund, continue to work together on land protection strategies in the gorge.

"It amazes me to think how much has been accomplished in the last two decades," Skinner said. "It is a testament to the commitment of so many people in the community, including private land owners like John Moore and his family."

For additional information about The Nature Conservancy and its work in Hickory Nut Gorge, go to www.nature.org/northcarolina.