Watauga River Access at Guy Ford Road

Edgar Peck has been working to secure access to the take-out for Watauga Section 3 / put-in for Watauga Gorge for several years. The parking area to access the Watauga River at Guy Ford Road is privately-owned. The Blue Ridge conservancy has been working to purchase the 2.3 acre property on the downstream river left side of Guy Ford for about 2 years. This is about to come to fruition, securing a permanent public access to the river. This site provides a put-in to the Watauga Gorge section of the river below Guy Ford Road, as well as a take-out point for Section 3. In addition, this property will provide river access for fishing,swimming, picnicking, and other activities for residents and visitors alike.

A bit about the process: The property owner has signed a contract to sell the property. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Watauga County TourismDevelopment Authority (TDA) have approved large donations toward this purchase, covering over 70% of the costs associated with the purchase and initial development of the property. The Blue Ridge Conservancy plans to purchase this property and transfer ownership to Watauga County. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission has pledged to assist with the development and supervision. The remaining monies for this purchase will be raised through private donations. We need to raise approximately $20,000.

The CCC currently has $7,000 in the Access Reserves Fund. The CCC Board of Directors suggests the CCC donate $1,000 towards this purchase. Please vote your your support of this measure below.

The CCC Board of Directors also encourages private donations. All funds raised will be used to support access and conservation in the Watauga River Basin. Please feel free to call, text, email, or message Edgar Peck with any questions peckel@appstate.edu

DONATE ONLINE: Donate Online on the Blue Ridge Conservancy

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