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Buncombe County is blessed to have one of the most beautiful natural environments in the United States, and in the center of the Blue Ridge Mountains, among the oldest mountain ranges in the world.
From distinctive Mount Pisgah, which towers almost 6,000 feet and can be seen from downtown Asheville, to the highest peak east of the Mississippi (Mount Mitchell, at 6,614 feet above the Swannanoa Valley just beyond the county line in Yancey County), our county is known for its beautiful mountain ranges and lush valleys.
When George Vanderbilt came to the old Battery Park Hotel in the late 1880’s, he would sit on the balcony for hours and look out at what he thought was the most beautiful place earth (and he should know, he travelled its four corners!) Awestruck, he purchased 125,000 acres of land from Biltmore Village to the high mountains on the Haywood County line. He named the most prominent mountain "Mount Pisgah" after a reference in the Book of Exodus.
In that Biblical passage, God told Moses that although he himself wouldn't enter the Promised Land, he could see it off in the distance. Looking toward Mount Pisgah, I guess Mr. Vanderbilt saw his promised land. And it's our land of promise, too.
I grew up in these mountains and my family has lived here for almost two centuries. My love for the land of Buncombe County is in my blood, and I know of no place I'd rather live or raise a family.
Among the first things God requires of us is that we be good stewards of the earth. That means taking care of our environment.
- Under my leadership, the Land Conservation Program has placed over 1,800 acres of farms and forest each year into permanent land protection called conservation easements. Click here to read a recent story on the subject by Ashley Wilson in the Citizen-Times;
- I'm very proud of my service on the Community Energy Advisory Council to better ensure that our community has the energy we need through conservation, renewable energy, and other measures;
- Buncombe County's Go Green initiative, which I support enthusiastically, has focused on energy efficient facilities, sustainable business practices, and smart transportation policies;
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- With our close cooperation, the Bent Creek Institute is using our biodiversity to help create medicinal and natural product biotechnology and is forming productive partnerships, collaborations and programs in research, economic development, medical care, product development and commercialization, conservation, marketing and public outreach -- to bring international attention to the region’s unparalleled plant biodiversity, exceptional reputation for health and wellness and cultural distinctiveness;
- As Chairman, I have worked with the South Buncombe community to force the complete clean up of the CTS hazardous waste site on Mills Gap Road. The county has extended public water lines to homes where private wells have been contaminated from the toxic substance TCE (chemical name trichloroethylene.) This toxic chemical, known to cause cancer and other detrimental health impacts, has migrated from the old CTS plant through the groundwater to neighboring properties. I understand why familes are so scared for the health of their community. The situation is unacceptable. The community deserves much credit for their passionate advocacy to force the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to respond more aggressively. I have met personally with many members of the neighborhood andwill continue to do so. I will not rest until the building has been removed and all contaminants have been fully cleaned up.
- Under my leadership as Chairman, the county has entered into a lease with the University of North Carolina at Asheville to establish a "craft campus" on 153 acres of the old county landfill. This campus will allow for the expansion of UNCA's craft program on a beautiful hill overlooking the French Broad River. The methane gas generated from the landfill will power the craft campus, including glass making and studio crafts. This campus will expand the creative craft economy in Western North Carolina and serve as a model of green building.
- I am proud of the exemplary work that the all-volunteer, community-based groups such as Quality Forward undertake in our community. They have planted over 5,000 trees in the county, taken the lead in cleaning up our rivers, streams and roads, and educated our citizens --- adults and children alike --- on the importance of recycling.
Buncombe County is a special place in many ways, not least because of its natural beauty. We must do our part, in whatever way we can, to guarantee that our children and our grandchildren --- and all future generations --- continue to enjoy the bounty of the wonderful environment God has blessed us with.
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