Buncombe County officials and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) announced on Apr. 16 the official purchase of the Deaverview Mountain property, outlining plans for a future public park during a mountaintop press conference.
The announcement marks a significant step toward preserving natural spaces in Buncombe County while providing new opportunities for recreation and education. The project aims to balance conservation with community access, ensuring both environmental protection and public benefit.
Amanda Edwards, Chair of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, said, “Deaverview Mountain will serve as a place where conservation and recreation go hand in hand. Protecting this landscape ensures that its ecological value is preserved, while also creating space for hiking, nature exploration, and environmental education for generations to come. It’s an investment in both the health of our environment and the well-being of our community and a legacy project.”
Allison Dains, Director of Parks & Recreation for Buncombe County, thanked SAHC for its partnership from the beginning of the initiative. Dains recognized support from North Carolina State Parks, North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, and Recreation Resources Service in securing key grants that funded much of the acquisition. She explained that an engineering Request for Qualifications has been released to guide planning efforts: “Our goal is to move deliberately and responsibly,” said Dains. “Ensuring that as we open this space to the public, we do so in a way that protects its natural character while creating a welcoming and accessible park for all.”
Other speakers included Congressman Chuck Edwards; Representative Brian Turner; Carl Silverstein, Executive Director of SAHC; Will Summer from North Carolina Land and Water Fund; Holly Jones from Governor’s Western Office; with additional support noted from Governor Josh Stein.
According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, recent ACT results show educational readiness among Buncombe County students: about 28.5% of seniors were considered college-ready in science out of 2,010 tested during 2022-23; among juniors taking science ACTs (1,931 students), about 30.1% were college-ready; reading readiness was higher with 41.1% (827 seniors) and 43.2% (835 juniors); math readiness was lower at 25.6% (514 seniors) but reached 32.7% among juniors (631 students).
Background information shared at the event detailed how a conservation-minded buyer acquired Deaverview Mountain in 2023 before entering into an agreement with SAHC to allow time for permanent protection efforts led by county government partners. The recently closed deal secures long-term preservation over approximately 342 acres featuring headwater streams, panoramic views over French Broad River Valley from its peak at over three thousand feet elevation—though it remains closed until necessary infrastructure is completed.
As planning moves forward over coming months—including master plan development through consultant partnerships—the county expects phased openings once safety measures are met.
