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Land Conservation Advisory Board

Purpose

The Buncombe County Land Conservation Advisory Board was created by the County Commissioners in 2004 to promote the use of voluntary land conservation easements to preserve the beauty and ecology of Buncombe County.

Buncombe County Land Conservation Advisory Board works with the community to identify priority lands for conservation in Buncombe County. Lands are considered high priority if they are included in one or more of seven classifications: large parcels (100+ acres); ridge tops or highlands; waterways, wetlands, watersheds; adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway; historic and working farmlands; adjacent to protected areas; and ecologically sensitive areas.

Board Position Details

Table: Boards & Commissions
Positions11
Term Length3
Number of Terms2

Board Meeting Schedule

What's A Conservation Easement?

Conservation easements are voluntary deed restrictions placed on an owner's property that prohibit or limit future development on the property. These restrictions are perpetual and may be enforced in court. Since the easements are voluntary, there is considerable flexibility afforded an owner in tailoring the easement to the owner's needs. Conservation easements do not require a landowner to allow public access to their property.


Committee Members

Table: Land Conservation Advisory Board Committee Members
Role Member
Chair Greg Hutchins
Vice-Chair Nancy Nehls Nelson
Member Bob Gale
Member Matthew Fusco
Member Robert Turner
Member Jacob Wiesman
Member Joel Mazelis
Member Sarah Fraser
Member Vacant - Currently Being Filled

Board Responsibilities:

  1. Make recommendations to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners regarding:
    1. The funding of conservation easement projects that meet the criteria set in accordance with Sec. (b)(iv) below.
  2. Advise the Agriculture and Land Resources Department concerning:
    1. The maintenance of an inventory of areas that are now protected by conservation easements or conservation methods; and,
    2. The maintenance of an inventory of land that may be appropriate for conservation; and,
    3. The promotion of conservation in Buncombe County.
    4. The criteria that should be used in determining the funding of conservation easement projects consistent with the land conservation goals and objectives of the County.

Archived Agendas & Minutes

Documents & Forms

View & download data, maps, and documents related to the Land Conservation Advisory Board.

Locate & Contact

Soil & Water Conservation District

Contact

P: (828) 250-4785

Soil & Water Conservation District
49 Mount Carmel Road, Suite 101
Asheville, NC 28806

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.