Land Conservation Advisory Committee Meeting | Jan. 21, 2026

Land Conservation Advisory Committee Meeting Recap – January 21, 2026

The Land Conservation Advisory Committee (LCAC) convened on January 21, 2026, with a full agenda focused on ongoing land conservation efforts and future strategies for Buncombe County. The meeting included introductions of three new committee members – David Serapinta (State’s Natural Heritage Program), Liesl Erb (Warren Wilson College), and Cameron Carlow (Weathergate-Grober School) – alongside staff members Ariel Tyeb (Farmland Preservation Manager) and Martha Ross (Farmland Preservation Coordinator). The committee approved both the meeting agenda and minutes from their previous meeting in November, setting a productive tone for the session.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updates from partner organizations actively involved in land conservation within Buncombe County. Representatives from the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) detailed their work managing parks, restoring streams in the Swannanoa River watershed, and finalizing conservation easements with Warren Wilson College. Buncombe County staff reported on three projects currently approved by the LCAC, slated for presentation to the County Commissioners in March. They also highlighted their exploration of a potential open space bond later this year, which would represent a substantial investment in preserving natural spaces. Conserving Carolina’s work was briefly addressed, with staff noting their ongoing projects.

The meeting also saw key leadership changes within the LCAC. Following the departure of several long-standing board members, elections were held to fill crucial roles. Nancy Edgerton was elected as Chair, and Lang Hornthal secured the position of Vice-Chair, both receiving strong endorsements from the committee. This transition ensures continued leadership as the LCAC navigates evolving conservation challenges. A brief but insightful public comment was offered by Bruce Schlesinger, a Fletcher-Bunkham resident, who shared his experiences working with Buncombe County on common area conservation within his homeowner's association.

Beyond updates and elections, the committee engaged in several important discussions with implications for future conservation efforts. A key focus was on revitalizing the Passive Recreation Subcommittee, which reviews projects related to open space and recreation. Recognizing the value of community engagement, the committee lauded a recent successful meeting in Upper Homie Valley and expressed plans to continue similar outreach initiatives. Furthermore, the committee explored potential funding opportunities through the North Carolina Foundation of Soil and Water Conservation for community events related to farmland preservation. Discussions also centered on streamlining the application process for conservation projects, potentially through a yearly grant cycle, and ensuring transparency by sharing land trust prioritization criteria with the board.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting that will directly impact land conservation in Buncombe County. The committee is actively exploring options to streamline the application process for conservation projects, with county staff expected to present a proposal regarding a potential yearly grant cycle. Additionally, the LCAC will consider presentations from land trusts outlining their prioritization criteria for conservation projects, fostering greater alignment and transparency in decision-making. These ongoing efforts demonstrate the LCAC’s commitment to safeguarding Buncombe County's natural resources for current and future generations.

This recap aims to provide a clear overview of the Land Conservation Advisory Committee’s January 21st meeting, highlighting key decisions and discussions that will shape the future of land conservation in our community.