Haywood County forms a Land for Tomorrow chapter

by MPC

Judy Coker of Cataloochee Ranch knows first-hand the pressures development places on Haywood County’s most precious commodity — the scenic vistas that tourists and residents alike find so attractive.

“The window of opportunity to act to save these jewels is getting smaller and smaller everyday,” Coker said of the land, farms, rivers, forests and scenic views in Haywood County. “We live in one of the gems of the country, not too cold, not too hot. Not to dry and not too wet. Lovely mountains with sturdy farmers taking care of the land and bright citizens, descended from strong stock, caring for our communities. The entire state is blessed with these factors but our western part is particularly blessed.”

But Haywood County has been discovered by “folks with deep pockets, catering to folks with even deeper pockets,” she said. “They are buying up the farms, changing the topography, stressing the water ways and altering a quiet way of life.”

As a way to preserve the rich Haywood County heritage and landscape, Coker has established a local chapter of Land For Tomorrow, a statewide partnership that in June 2005 released a five-year business plan to protect rivers, wetlands, floodplains, coastal waters, working farms, legacy forests, local and state parks, gamelands, natural areas, historic landmarks and land visible from scenic highways.

Local Land For Tomorrow chapters are being established around the state to help the statewide organization generate support for the passage of a 2006 bond initiative that would generate $200 million per year for five years to carry out the five year business plan that was presented to the legislature in June 2005. “It is critical that people understand the beautiful treasures that are often located right outside their front doors,” said Kate Dixon, executive director of Land For Tomorrow. “Land For Tomorrow is dependent on these local chapters to begin educating their local leaders and fellow citizens about the importance of conserving these critical lands. These are places that matter to our economy, our clean water and natural beauty. Once they’re gone, there’s no replacing them.”

Local partner organizations forming the local chapter of Land For Tomorrow include Maggie Valley Sanitary District, Haywood County Erosion Control, and Haywood County Soil and Water District.

This effort is being supported by Land For Tomorrow Ambassadors that include former governors Jim Hunt, Jim Holshouser, Jim Martin, Hugh Morton of Grandfather Mountain among others. As of now there are 101 partner organizations in the effort.

Those interested in the project should contact their senators and representatives before the May 9 special session.

For additional information about Land For Tomorrow go to www. landfortomorroworg. To join the local effort contact Judy Coker at 926-3633 or judcoker@aol.com. A special hike and informational gathering promoting the event will be held at Cataloochee Ranch April 22.

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