Land Conservation Advisory Board Meeting | May 20, 2026

Land Conservation Advisory Board Meeting Recap: May 20, 2026

The Land Conservation Advisory Board convened on May 20, 2026, to discuss ongoing conservation efforts and future funding opportunities within Buncombe County. The meeting was well-attended, featuring updates from various partner organizations including Riverlink, Conserving Carolina, Southern Highlands Conservancy (SHC), and the Land Conservation Assistance Program (LCAP). The board approved both the meeting agenda and minutes from their previous meeting on March 18th, setting a productive tone for the session.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on updates from partner organizations actively engaged in land conservation projects throughout the county. Riverlink highlighted their successful flood benching project at Swan & Noah, a collaboration with Friends and Neighbors of Swan & Noah. Conserving Carolina reported on the completion of their Light Center project, while SHC detailed recent property transfers, including Mountain becoming county-owned with an easement and a parcel in Pisgah View designated for park ranger housing. A key discussion centered on LCAP, with Ariel and Martha outlining a shift to an annual application cycle for easement purchase funding. This change aims to streamline the process, improve budget allocation, and provide greater predictability for land trusts seeking funding. Buncombe County also reported on the acquisition of a Kestrel Herb Farm easement and upcoming projects in Leicester Newfound, with $750,000 allocated for conservation easements pending county commissioner approval in June.

The board engaged in a robust discussion regarding the county's prioritization map for conservation efforts, noting concerns about its current focus primarily on highlands and a relative lack of emphasis on floodplains. This prompted a commitment to revisit the map in October, exploring potential adjustments to better reflect the county's conservation needs. A preliminary discussion was also initiated regarding a farmland preservation meeting hosted by the Jupiter Fire Department on November 12th.

There were no public comments offered during this meeting. However, the board acknowledged and appreciated the vital work of local organizations like Riverlink, Conserving Carolina, Echoes of the Forest, and Mountain True. Several officials emphasized the importance of securing funding to maximize state grant opportunities, highlighting a collaborative spirit among the various entities involved in land conservation.

Looking ahead, several action items were assigned to ensure continued progress. Board members are asked to provide availability for site visits via a Doodle Poll, while staff will investigate catering options for the Jupiter Fire Department event and follow up on a volunteer opportunity with the General Obligation Bonds Oversight Committee. Land trust partners are encouraged to prepare applications for the new annual LCAP funding cycle, paying close attention to upcoming deadlines. Finally, staff will update the board on the county budget decision regarding conservation easement funding in June. The upcoming discussion about potential adjustments to the prioritization map in October promises further engagement on how best to safeguard Buncombe County’s natural resources.