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Hunters, hikers join forces to save Sugar Loaf

By Lisa Majors-Duff
Sugarloaf Creek, Jackson County Herald photo by Lisa Majors-Duff

More than 5 miles of "crystal-clear" streams are said to be found on 4,347 acres formerly owned by Champion International in Jackson County's Dark Ridge/Sugar Loaf area. The untainted mountain waters are said to be one of the best places to find rainbow and native brook trout. The area, which had been open to public use prior to the November sale of the property, is once again for sale. Those who've hunted, hiked and fished in the area adjacent to the U.S. Forest Service's Roy Taylor Forest would like to see it preserved in its natural state.

An effort is under way locally to protect more than 4,000 acres in northern Jackson County for public use.

The property, which adjoins the Roy Taylor Forest on one side and the Cabin Flats area of Balsam on the other, has been open to public use for hunters and hikers alike for more than 80 years, Tom Chandler, a Waynesville outdoorsman, told the Jackson County Board of Commissioners last Thursday (March 16). During that time the 4,347 acres belonged to Champion International, which used the property for timberlands. It was also managed by the N.C. Wildlife Commission as a game land, he said.

The area was transferred into private hands in November, part of Champion's disposal of its Western North Carolina holdings. GPT Enterprises, a Georgia investment group, purchased the land for $7 million and has offered the property for resale at $10.5 million, according to Mitch Gurganus, the Highlands appraiser handling the property.

"(The investors) are ready, willing and able to sell this propery to whomever is willing to buy it," Gurganus said. "But they are not willing to hold it off the market. This is just a business deal for them."

Jackson County's commissioners voiced their support for preserving this area, which includes the old ruby mine accessed by Sugar Loaf Road on U.S. 23/74, with a unanimous vote to draft a resolution to that end.

"I am in total support of preserving this tract of land," Chairman Jay Denton said. "It will be a real loss if it's not perserved."

"If this property goes to a developer, it will be a disaster up there," Commissioner Conrad Burrell said.
Board members did not change their tune when presented with the fact that state or federal ownership of the property, valued by the county tax assessor's office at more than $7 million, would be removed from the tax rolls and any improved tax rate if it were developed. Instead, they commented on the value of the land as a tourist attraction for those who enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing and hiking.

Champion International acquired the property in 1916 from Jackson County Lumber Co. Roads were cut and trees were harvested. The area is now being advertised as a "prime location for residential or resort development" with elevations ranging from 2,800 feet to 5,400 feet.

"I would love to see a conservation situation occur here," said Gurganus, a retired U.S. Forest Service ranger who now works as a Realtor and appraiser on mostly large tracks for various nationally-recognized companies. "To me this is the best large track of land in private ownership in North Carolina. It's the best of the best."

One of the most desirable aspects of the land is the "crystal clear" Dark Ridge Creek, which is said to be home to rainbow as well as native brook trout, Chandler said. Three major creeks in all are found on the property, with more than 5 miles of "high-quality trout waters" available.

"This is some of the best mountain water left in the country," said Gurganus.

Highlands District Ranger Erin Bronk also knows and appreciates the value of the land.

"This particular property is beautiful, with some excellent resources," Bronk said. "It would be very desirable, especially since it ties in with other Forest Service property."

But, Bronk said, there are no existing appropriations available to purchase the land, and Congressional support would be needed to acquire the land. She suggested that those who'd like to see the area saved start by writing their congressmen, especially Rep. Charles Taylor, who sits on the House of Representatives' appropriations committee.

Anyone who'd like to help in the effort to preserve Sugar Loaf can call Tom Chandler, (828) 456-6496; Ned Mills, 586-0288; Danny Hooper, (828) 452-1558; or Carl Stepp, 586-6955.

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