Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development Overview
The Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Area includes seven counties in northwestern North Carolina. Their jurisdiction encompasses the counties of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey. The area is approximately 1,607,272 acres, with a total population of 199,222. Social and economic problems are similar to those of much of rural America.
Governmental services are provided by municipal, county, state, and federal agencies. Many boards, authorities, and commissions assist with governmental functions.
The climate of the area is generally moderate with relatively mild winters and cool summers. The area's soils and geology restrict many uses of the land. Steep slopes limit many agricultural and other uses. However, woodland, pasture, and Christmas trees are suited for a high percentage of the area. Scenery is outstanding as a result of the high relief.
Land resources within the region are very vulnerable to abuse in land use. Orderly development within these limitations is a challenge to the RC&D Council.
One positive feature of the area is the abundance of water supplies throughout the project area. The numerous streams are of extremely high quality.
Fish and wildlife resources also are bountiful, and with proper management their numbers may be increased. Trout streams are found throughout the area and provide excellent fishing.
Deer hunting is among the best to be found anywhere. Wild turkey restocking in the area has proven very successful, exceeding expectations. Some rare and endangered plant and animal species are found within the area and efforts are underway to protect them.
Agriculture and forestry are significant sectors of the area's economy and opportunities for increased production and resulting increases in income are available throughout the area.
All counties have the dominant agricultural enterprises of beef cattle, dairying and truck crops. Christmas tree and ornamental production is having a positive economic impact in the area. Industrial enterprises in the area consist of hose and automobile parts, mining, and electric - electronic components.
Outdoor recreation and tourism are significant to the local economies. More than 13 million visitors annually visit the Blue Ridge Parkway. Other scenic attractions that draw tourists to the area include Grandfather Mountain (elev. 5,964), Mount Mitchell (elev. 6,684-highest point in Continental United State east of the Mississippi River); Roan Mountain (Elev. 6,367), and Mount Jefferson State Park (elev. 4,660), Stone Mountain and Doughton Park are also parks of interest in the area. The rivers of Toe, New, Watauga, Mitchell, Yadkin, Cane, Linville, Roaring, and Nolichucky provide recreational opportunities such as fishing and canoeing. Skiing is a rapidly growing winter sport, and numerous outstanding commercial recreation facilities are found here. There is still a need for more recreational opportunities for residents of the area.
As the industrial and business sectors of the economy grow, industrial payrolls are replacing lost jobs on the farm resulting in overall growth of the business community.
Communication systems are generally satisfactory, while transportation facilities are fair to poor since terrain hampers development of good transportation systems. The new four lane road from Wilkesboro to Boone has greatly improved the transportation system in the Blue Ridge RC&D area. A new four lane is planned from Interstate 26 in Madison County through Yancey, Mitchell, Avery, and Watauga counties to connect with Hwy 421. When this project is completed, it will provide four lane accesses to the area.
Enhancement of community facilities and services is one of the main goals of the Blue Ridge RC&D Area.