About 12 acres of land on Roan Mountain conserved with land trust

Property about a mile north of Carver's Gap on Roan Mountain has entered into a conservation agreement with land trust Foothills Land Conservancy. The more than 12 acre property owned by the Brill family lies within the Blue Ridge Conservation Opportunity Area, an area identified by Tennessee where there are species and habitats with conservation needs. The property also adjoins the southern boundary of the Cherokee National Forest and is within five miles of other preserved natural areas like Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park and Pisgah National Forest. "It continues that cohesive environment that's already there and makes sure that it permanently remains protected," said Mark Stevans, executive director of the Foothills Land Conservancy. "We keep an eye on that. The conservation values of a property are significantly more impactful when it's within a geologically or geographically connected area with other conserved properties." According to a Foothills Land Conservancy, the conserved property includes habitat for the Golden-winged Warbler, a migratory songbird. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has deemed the Golden-winged Warbler "in need of management." The bird is also a target species as part of the national "Working Lands for Wildlife" partnership, which aims to conserve habitat on working lands. The landowner will continue managing the property to support breeding habitat for this declining species in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Working Lands for Wildlife program. "Whether it's the Brills or other property owners across the region that we serve, that conservation easement is really tailored to what they want and how they use the land that conserves the property forever," Stevans said. "A family like the Brills is a great example, who believe in stewarding something that's significant, including the 12 acres of their property." Jorgelina Manna-Rea is a Report for America corps member reporting on issues relating to the environment for Six Rivers Media.