Blue Ridge Conservancy Adds Additional Land to Three Top Mountain Game Land

Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) recently transferred three properties totaling 439 acres to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) for inclusion into the Three Top Mountain Game Land in Ashe County. BRC had previously transferred ownership of 800 acres to the game land. With this transfer the game land is over 3,500 acres encompassing the majority of the mountain's ridgeline.

Three Top Mountain is approximately six miles long and located in the Amphibolite Mountains, known for their ecological significance. The mountain has a large, intact forest that consists of several high elevation natural communities and noteworthy plant species. According to the NC Natural Heritage Program, Three Top Mountain is an “Extremely significant location in the landscape as a connector between other core sites in the Amphibolite Mountains Macrosite.”

“Most lands situated at high elevations have excellent natural values and biodiversity- Three Top Mountain Game Land is no exception to this and serves as an important reservoir for a number of endangered, threatened, or rare species,” says Paul Thompson, Northern Mountains Land Management Biologist with the NCWRC. “It’s a great feeling knowing that we are expanding the protection of these natural resources and providing additional opportunities for wildlife related activities. Three Top Mountain Game Land is a lot larger today thanks to Blue Ridge Conservancy’s continuing hard work and their commitment to natural resource protection.”   

The property transferred by BRC is situated between 2,980 – 4,500 feet in elevation on both the eastern and western end of the mountain. These lands feature hardwood forest, headwater streams, steep slopes and valleys, and rock outcroppings. One of the properties will create a new public access to the game land.

“Blue Ridge Conservancy appreciates our long time partnership with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission,” says Eric Hiegl, Senior Director of Land Protection & Conservation Planning. “This partnership has expanded conservation land and public recreation opportunities throughout the region.”

To date, BRC has conserved 1,336 acres of land on Three Top Mountain.