Another 207-acre tract on Little Yellow Mountain in Mitchell and Avery counties has been saved from development thanks the efforts of The Nature Conservancy and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.

The two organizations have purchased the tract, which takes in the 5,504-foot peak, ensuring that the entire mountain top will remain free of development. Eventually, all of the property will become part of Yellow Mountain State Natural Area.

Little Yellow Mountain is an important piece of the Roan Mountain natural heritage area, one of the most biologically diverse areas in the Southern Appalachians with 76 rare species of plants and animals found there. The conservations efforts for Little Yellow Mountain began in 2007. Today, 1,300 acres are protected in all.

In addition to private donations, the organizations took out a loan to complete the conservation.

“In tough economic times, we have to marshal our forces to make conservation happen,” says SAHC Board Member Jay Leutze.

828.253.0095 ext. 209.