Wild South seeks a congressional designation to establish the Grandfather National Scenic Area, which would permanently protect 25,000 acres of forest comprising the viewsheds of Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain.
North Carolina businesses, residents and politicians have voiced their support for the proposed Grandfather National Scenic Area, which will honor and preserve 25,500 beautiful acres in the Pisgah National Forest near the town of Blowing Rock, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Grandfather Mountain.
The GNSA will preserve some of the few remaining old growth stands onthe East Coast. These trees, some of which predate the Declaration of Independence, are an important part of our state's heritage.
Regional economists, business owners, and local governments agree: natural amenities are the economic engine of Western North Carolina. Tourism brings in more than $150 million annually to Watauga County, and directly provides 3,000 steady jobs to county residents. By designating a new Grandfather National Scenic Area (GNSA) in the Pisgah National Forest, the federal government can permanently protect some of the region’s most precious economic assets: scenic views from the Blue Ridge Parkway and the tourist destinations of Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain.
If your business would like to sign onto the following endorsement letter, please contact Chris Joyell at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or call him at (828)258-2667 Honorable Members of Congress United States Senate United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Dear Members of Congress, As the representatives of recreation and tourism-dependent businesses affected by the health of our national forests, we strongly urge your immediate leadership in Congress to ensure the designation of the Grandfather National Scenic Area.
WHEREAS, the Town of Blowing Rock, known as “the Crown of the Blue Ridge,” is renowned for its scenic views and is a popular destination for heritage tourism and outdoor recreation; and WHEREAS, the proposed Grandfather National Scenic Area would conserve scenic views from Blowing Rock, the Blue Ridge Parkway and other regional destinations that attract visitors to the region and to Blowing Rock; and
WHEREAS the proposed Grandfather National Scenic Area would ensure the continued availability of outstanding recreation opportunities available to residents and visitors alike within the Pisgah National Forest; and WHEREAS, the citizens of Blowing Rock have serious concerns about the negative ramifications to tourism, recreation, old growth forest and wildlife of continued logging in the proposed Scenic Area. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Blowing Rock Town Council does hereby strongly support creation of the proposed Grandfather National Scenic Area. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town of Blowing Rock Town Council does specifically request that the U.S. Forest Service abandon plans to log within the proposed Scenic Area as part of the Globe project.
Grandfather National Scenic Area
Wild South seeks a congressional designation to establish the Grandfather National Scenic Area, which would permanently protect 25,000 acres of forest comprising the viewsheds of Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain.
