A federally significant marsh, a scenic view and a portion of the Nantahala River is part of the most recent protection of important lands conserved by Mainspring Conservation Trust.

More than 205 acres in the Rainbow Springs area of western Macon County is now part of a larger node of privately conserved properties totaling 2,619 acres near or bounded by the Nantahala National Forest, including four other conservation easements held by Mainspring and one held by The Nature Conservancy.

Approximately 85% of the newly conserved property is within the view shed of the Appalachian Trail and can be viewed from the Waterfall Byway and surrounding Nantahala National Forest lands. It has abundant aquatic resources and riparian habitat, including more than one mile of Nantahala River frontage. Upstream of the public section of the river that provides recreation opportunities and economic benefit to both Swain and Macon County, this project further protects these waters that are currently classified as Outstanding Resource Waters by the NC Department of Environmental Quality.

Located within the private property is the Rainbow Springs Marsh, which holds important federal significance. The marsh is part of a bog wetland that is so unique, it’s included the Mountain Bogs National Wildlife Refuge, one of approximately 30 areas in western North Carolina and northeast Tennessee that the US Fish and Wildlife designated in April 2015 as the Firescald Conservation Partnership Area.

Mainspring Executive Director Jordan Smith says it’s unique to work with a group of members who have conserved land for more than seven decades. “The Rainbow Springs area is one of the most ecologically significant and diverse areas within Mainspring’s entire region. We are proud to have worked with the Rainbow Springs Hunting and Fishing Club to protect the last significant tract within their ownership that was not permanently conserved. I am thrilled Mainspring was able to complete this important project.” 

Charlie Owen, one of the partners in the Rainbow Springs Club, says working with a local land trust that had responsive staff was a motivating factor for the members of Rainbow Springs. “All of us recognized the importance of the biological diversity of the property and the need to protect this valuable resource for future generations. Mainspring has been a great partner in making this possible.”

Mainspring Conservation Trust is a regional nonprofit that works to conserve the Southern Blue Ridge’s most important forests, farms, waters and cultural heritage places. Learn more here.

In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and comply with Governor Roy Cooper’s stay-at-home mandate, Mainspring offices in Franklin, Sylva and Murphy will be closed until at least May 8, 2020. Staff continues to work remotely and can be contacted via email during this time.

January 28, 2020 – The Board of Directors for Mainspring Conservation Trust has appointed Jordan Smith to be the regional nonprofit’s third executive director, effective March 1, 2020, following the retirement of Sharon Fouts Taylor.

Smith currently serves as Mainspring’s land conservation director, overseeing all facets of the land protection program and as a member of the senior management team. The Bryson City resident is a native of western North Carolina and holds a wildlife management degree from Auburn University. Before joining Mainspring in 2016, he worked with Norfolk Southern in South Carolina where he was part of the management team for the 16,000-acre Brosnan Forest.

Retiring executive director Sharon Taylor says Smith is a great choice for the organization. “I’m excited for Mainspring’s future under Jordan’s leadership,” she says. “Jordan will direct a talented staff with new ideas and energy to continue the mission adopted over twenty years ago under the name of the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee – saving the natural and cultural in this region that make it so special.”

Mainspring is a regional nonprofit dedicated to conserving important land, water and cultural heritage in the six western-most counties in North Carolina and northern Rabun County, Georgia. For more information, visit www.mainspringconserves.org.