Land Conservation Advisory Board Meeting | Feb. 18, 2026

Land Conservation Advisory Board Meeting Recap: February 18, 2026

The Land Conservation Advisory Board (LCAB) convened on February 18, 2026, for a routine update and discussion focused on ongoing conservation projects and future planning within Buncombe County. While the meeting was intended to be accessible via livestream, technical difficulties prevented public participation during the designated comment period. Despite this setback, the meeting covered significant ground regarding land acquisition, funding strategies, and future initiatives impacting our community.

A major focus of the meeting was the "De-Review" project, a 324-acre tract of land west of West Asheville slated to become Buncombe County's largest park. The board received a detailed update from Michelle Pugliese of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SHC) outlining plans for the park, which will incorporate a conservation easement to protect its natural character and a designated area for infrastructure like parking and potential recreational facilities. Discussion centered on securing funding through the North Carolina Land and Water Fund and the Outdoor Recreation Landscape Partnership Program (ORLP), with board members emphasizing the importance of a timely park opening to avoid similar delays experienced at Pisgah View State Park. The county is providing $7.5 million for infrastructure development, although initial bond funding faced a setback due to shifting county priorities. The board approved the minutes from their previous meeting and the agenda for this session without correction, marking a procedural step forward.

Beyond the De-Review project, Tom Fonzo from the Carolina Conservancy provided updates on several other initiatives. These included renewing their application to the North Carolina Land and Water Fund for the Duff Branch project, celebrating the grand opening of the Fairview Community Forest in March, and progressing with stream restoration projects on Nasty Branch and in Beacon Park. SHC also shared updates on their ongoing conservation easement work, highlighting the need for continued preservation efforts. Ariel and Nancy initiated a discussion on future LCAB topics, planning an easement 101 presentation by Jess Lagas and a briefing on the new LCAP grant process, with an eye toward organizing a community event focused on farmland preservation.

While the public comment period was unfortunately impacted by technical issues, the meeting highlighted a strong commitment from both county and conservation partners to preserving our natural resources. The board acknowledged the importance of sustainable trail design and expressed interest in collaborating with SHC to engage the community through events. County representatives reaffirmed their dedication to land conservation and working collaboratively with organizations like SHC and the Carolina Conservancy.

What's Next? Here’s what to watch for:

• County Commissioner Vote (March 17th): Three projects previously approved by the LCAB will be presented to the Buncombe County Commissioners for a final decision.
• Grant Applications Continue: The Carolina Conservancy will continue pursuing grant funding for stream restoration projects, a vital effort to improve water quality in our region.
• Community Event Planning: David and Ariel will be working to organize a community event focused on farmland preservation, potentially partnering with the Foundation for Soil and Water.
• LCAP Grant Process Update: Expect a presentation from Ariel and Nancy on the updated LCAP grant process, providing valuable information for those seeking funding opportunities.
• Exploring a Land Conservation Bond: County staff will be collaborating with the Trust for Public Lands to gauge public support for a potential land conservation bond, which could provide significant funding for future preservation efforts.

This meeting underscored the ongoing dedication to land conservation in Buncombe County and highlighted several key projects that will directly impact our community's access to natural spaces and the health of our environment. Stay informed about these initiatives as they progress!