Working with a partnership of public and private stakeholders, the New River Conservancy (NRC) has purchased a 3-acre undeveloped parcel on the North Fork of the New River at Deep Ford Bridge, and will transfer it to Ashe County for the operation of a public river access on the North Fork of the New River in Lansing, N.C. This will be the first formal access point on the North Fork, and will create both a take-out for float trips on Big Horse Creek and the North Fork, and put-in for trips on the North Fork of the New River.
Ashe County originally identified this project as a parcel of interest and is positioned to be the final take-out. NRC is an accredited land trust that has recently developed two additional river access projects with the State Park system and Ashe County. A partnership with the Conservation Fund helped facilitate this acquisition.
Helene damaged homes, destroyed riverbanks and derailed the recreation-based economies of our watershed. Along with Greater Lansing Area Development (GLAD), NRC will be building this new park to get back on track, provide opportunities for you to enjoy the New River and to expand the river’s network of protected lands.
Lansing, with its growing recreation economy, was one of the hardest hit places in our watershed and we’re helping to continue the progress of this resilient community despite hurricane Helene. A new park will fill a significant gap in access on the North Fork and open up exciting possibilities to enjoy Big Horse Creek.
Recovery is one step at a time, and protecting the Deep Ford property is a big step. With your help, we can return the river to a place of respite, relaxation and recreation.
Cover photo: North Fork of the New River from the Deep Ford Bridge.
This photo: Tract of land at Deep Ford Bridge on the North Fork of the New River. 