A small, but important part of Caldwell
Despite having only a small sliver of the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway touching the far northwest corner of Caldwell County, the country's most visited national park remains an incredibly important part of our future.
A recent story in the Asheville Citizens-Times reports that the scenic highway park that stretches along Blue Ridge mountaintops from Virginia to the southwestern end of North Carolina has a backlog of approximately $200 million in repair work, as well as various staffing shortages and other challenges.
At the same time, the national park is soliciting suggestions on its general management planning for the next 20 years.
There are three alternatives being considered and the park service wants the community's help in choosing the right one for the 73-year-old attraction.
Due to a lack of space, I can't go into much detail about the three alternatives, but an in-depth explanation is available at http://parkplanning.nps.gov./blri. Click on “Open for comment” to access the plan.
The gist of the three alternates is as follows:
€ Alternative A - Continuation of current management practices.
€ Alternative B - Emphasis on original parkway design and traditional driving experience.
€ Alternative C - Increased flexibility in managing for scenic qualities and regional resource connectivity.
There are also management plans proposed for Julian Price Memorial Park, a favorite destination of local residents for picnics, fishing and camping, and Linville Falls, one of the most beautiful places in North Carolina - if not the world.
Anyone who has spent any time at all on the Parkway needs no explanation as to why this national jewel deserves all the investment, attention and use that we can manage. Its breathtaking views, unique recreational opportunities and protection of pristine mountain landscapes are known worldwide.
About a one-mile stretch of the Parkway is located in Caldwell County, but some of its most breathtaking views from Watauga and Avery counties are the northern wilderness and mountain areas of the place we call home.
Of course part of the appeal of living in Caldwell County is that in approximately 30 minutes to an hour, local residents can be on one of several sections of the Parkway enjoying waterfall walks, historic attractions and peaceful Sunday drives.
But why is the Parkway important to Caldwell County, and why should we care how it is managed? Landmark events such as the Bridge to Bridge Incredible Challenge, which uses the Parkway for the last leg of the ride, and the future of Caldwell County's tourism efforts depend on it.
If you're a fan of the Parkway or have an interest in Caldwell County's future, please take some time to get familiar with the proposal and provide some input.
If you've never heard of the Parkway, drop what you are doing today and invest the time (and gas money) in getting familiar with it. You won't be disappointed.
Edward Terry
Editor