by Chris Joyell, Communications Director

The Grandfather National Scenic Area would increase High Country tourism revenue and jobs by over ten percent.

To read the economic study, click here to download in pdf

State Purchases Grandfather Mountain In September, North Carolina Governor Mike Easley announced the state's plans to buy Grandfather Mountain and preserve the private park and popular tourist attraction against development. One of the state's premier signature landmarks, Grandfather Mountain will be North Carolina's 34th state park. This land is currently owned and being purchased from the Morton family and Grandfather Mountain Inc. A purchase price of $12 million has been agreed on for the 2,601-acre undeveloped portion of the tourist destination. A conservation easement is also in the agreement for the remaining 604 acres that will be managed through a nonprofit entity by the heirs of Hugh Morton. The state will also acquire an easement around the mountain to enhance its preservation efforts. Grandfather Mountain provides sweeping views of the proposed Grandfather National Scenic Area. The state purchase of Grandfather Mountain strengthens the argument for establishing the GNSA, as the Scenic Area would boost tourism to the region, and elevates GNSA to a statewide concern.

In October, Colorado State University released an economic study stating that the proposed Grandfather National Scenic Area (GNSA) would attract an additional 1.5 million visitors a year, resulting in the creation of 724 new jobs, while generating an additional $38.4M in annual revenue for Avery, Caldwell and Watauga Counties.

The Scenic Area would encompass 25,500 acres of the Pisgah National Forest along the Blue Ridge Parkway from Grandfather Mountain to Blowing Rock and would apply scenic protections only to public lands currently managed by the Forest Service. The Scenic Area would stretch across portions of Avery, Caldwell and Watauga Counties and would not affect private property or private property rights.

Most visitors cite natural beauty and scenic views as reasons they come to this area," said Amanda Fife Lugenbell, Assistant Director of the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority and Visitor Center. "As a tourism-based community, these scenic areas are undeniably important. Protection of these areas would only strengthen the area's reputation as a travel destination.

According to the most recent data from the North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development, tourism currently accounts for $312,090,000 and 4,190 jobs in the three-county region. A National Scenic Area would increase High Country tourism revenue and jobs by over ten percent.

"This is an economic stimulus in its own right--and it costs taxpayers nothing," said Hanes Boren, owner of Footsloggers, a popular recreational outfitter located in Boone and Blowing Rock.

The scenic designation requires a congressional act in order to be realized. The Scenic Area proposal, which extends across the 5th and 10th congressional districts, has drawn support from the High Country's community and business leaders, however Rep. Virginia Foxx (5th Dist.) and Rep. Patrick McHenry (10th Dist.) remain uncommitted.

Democratic challengers Roy Carter (5th Dist.) and Daniel Johnson (10h Dist.) endorsed the scenic designation earlier this summer, citing benefits to the region's environment and economy. While neither candidate was successful in November's elections, hope remains that the economic study will help persuade the incumbents to reconsider the benefits of the Scenic Area.

"We are confident that the recent economic study will inspire support from political leaders who have the power to see the Scenic Area through to reality," said State Representative Cullie Tarleton (93rd District). "In this economy, the Scenic Area would provide this region with a huge boost."