ASHEVILLE (AP) ó The Nature Conservancy has acquired almost 56 acres in Hickory Nut Gorge that eventually will become part of Chimney Rock State Park.
The Asheville Citizen-Times reported Tuesday the land eventually will be transferred to the state Division of Parks and Recreations for inclusion in Chimney Rock.
The Nature Conservancyís Southern Blue Ridge project director says the group has worked since the early 1980s to protect Hickory Nut Gorge property. David Ray says the most recent acquisition is important because it provides a forested buffer for the Bat Cave Preserve.
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Information from: The Asheville Citizen-Times, http://www.citizen-times.com