Land Conservation Advisory Board Meeting | March 18, 2026

Meeting Overview The Buncombe County Land Conservation Advisory Board held its regular meeting on March 18, 2026. The session focused primarily on updates from regional land conservation agencies and an educational presentation on conservation easements.

Key Decisions The board took two formal votes during the meeting. First, the agenda for the March 18, 2026, meeting was approved unanimously. Second, the minutes from the February 18, 2026, meeting were approved without discussion. No other motions or decisions were recorded.

Discussion Highlights A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by Jess Laggis of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SHC), titled "Easements 101." Laggis outlined SHC’s mission to protect habitat, scenic views, water quality, working farms, and recreational areas across a seven-county region in Western North Carolina and three counties in Eastern Tennessee. She explained that SHC operates as a non-profit land trust that works through voluntary agreements with landowners, emphasizing that conservation easements are legal agreements that restrict land use while allowing owners to retain ownership. Laggis detailed the extensive due diligence process SHC undertakes, which includes surveys, title investigations, environmental assessments, and appraisals, and noted that the organization is increasingly focused on farmland protection to address significant land loss in North Carolina.

During the discussion, board member Stagg Newman raised concerns regarding the north face of Mount Pisgah, noting that 380 acres are currently in private hands. He emphasized the area's importance for connectivity between the national forest and Pisgah View State Park. Newman also asked about the feasibility of connecting trails through easements, which sparked discussion among board members and SHC representatives. Additionally, a question was raised regarding SHC’s work on landscape resilience; Laggis explained that the organization uses data from The Nature Conservancy’s forest blocks and terrestrial resilience data to identify high-priority conservation areas.

In the "Update from Land Conservation Agencies" segment, board members Martha Ross and Lang Hornthal reported that the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved five new projects with funding from bond funds. SHC also noted that the DVRV project, which involves land acquisition after a landowner's passing through a will, is closing.

Community Input There was no direct public comment recorded during the meeting.

Follow-ups Board member Liesl Erb agreed to provide an update on the Warren Wilson project at the next meeting. Additionally, a request was made for Liesl Erb to provide an update on the MSD dam project at a future meeting. SHC stated it will continue to seek funding for conservation projects and is currently working on renewing its accreditation with the Land Trust Alliance. A community meeting regarding Jupiter Farmland Conservation is planned for November 10th or 12th.

Impact This meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to preserve natural resources and working farms in Buncombe County. By approving the previous minutes and hearing detailed updates on the complex funding and due diligence processes required for land conservation, the board maintained transparency in its oversight of regional conservation efforts. The discussion on Mount Pisgah and landscape resilience underscores the board's focus on maintaining ecological connectivity and protecting high-priority areas.