Published: September 29, 2008
LINVILLE
North Carolina will buy Grandfather Mountain and its about 2,600 acres of backcountry wilderness, preserving one of the state's natural treasures.
Gov. Mike Easley and family members of the late Hugh Morton are expected to announce the purchase today.
The $12 million deal will not include state ownership of the 600-acre tourist attraction that includes the Mile High Swinging Bridge, the nature museum and animal habitat, but North Carolina will have a conservation easement on that land. The agreement ensures that the scenic attraction will continue and can't be developed for other use.
A private nonprofit corporation will be established for Grandfather Mountain, and Morton's heirs will be on the founding board of directors.
Crae Morton, Hugh Morton's grandson and the president of Grandfather Mountain Inc., said that people will still enter Grandfather Mountain as before, and then have access to the hiking trails to the backcountry area that will be in the new state park. (more…)
