Since the establishment of eastern National Forests at the beginning of the 20th century, the forests of western North Carolina have been recognized and valued for their importance to scenic outdoor experiences and directly connected to the health of the region. The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in particular cover a remarkable and unique landscape, spanning the biodiversity hotspot that is the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Here in this verdant corner of America, wild rivers carve deep valleys into the highest mountain ranges in the Eastern U.S.
Ecologically, the ancient forests of western North Carolina support a diversity of forest communities, from dry piedmont forests to high-elevation spruce-fir forests. Along with a diverse landscape, the forests support some of the most pristine waters in the country. Waters from the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests supplement municipal water supplies in eight southeastern states, from Kentucky through Georgia.
As part of their national Treasured Landscapes, Unforgettable Experiences conservation program, the National Forest Foundation has designated the Nantahala-Pisgah National Forests as a Treasured Landscape campaign site.
Through this designation, which the NFF is calling the Investing in the Great Outdoors campaign, they are working with the U.S. Forest Service and community partners to address and expand much-needed restoration efforts on the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests of western North Carolina.
The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests are also among the most visited in the National Forest System. The landscape contains a broad range of nationally recognized recreation destinations. Over the last 30 years, as the area’s population and visitation has increased, so has pressure on the Forests to provide clean water and recreation from a healthy forest landscape.
At the same time, forest infrastructure, mostly constructed in the 1950s, has degraded over time. Areas of the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests that experience high visitation are being “loved to death.” The Treasured Landscape campaign aims to fix that.
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