Keep Public Lands in Public Hands
Special interests are pushing to sell off parts of our National Forests and public lands. We must act now to keep our mountains, forests, and rivers open to everyone — not just those who can afford to buy them.
Big Win in Cherokee County
You spoke, and they listened! With over 4,400 petition signatures, Cherokee County Commissioners were forced to stand down on privatizing public lands.
Let’s keep this momentum going, there’s more work to be done!
Our Public Lands Belong to All of Us.
Our forests belong to all of us — the folks who hunt, fish, hike, bike, and spend our lives in these mountains. They’re a shared resource that supports our way of life and our local economy.
That’s why the April 2025 decision by Cherokee County, NC Commissioners was so alarming. All five county commissioners signed a petition asking to take National Forest land around Hiwassee Lake out of public hands and make it available for private development. After an historic grassroots movement in opposition, the Commissioners voted unanimously to rescind their petition in February 2026.
We can’t let our public land be privatized. If the rich get an inch of the land we all own, they’ll take a mile. We need to stand up now to keep our public lands open and accessible to everyone. Join us in proactively asking Southern Blue Ridge leaders to support keeping our public lands public, prioritizing conservation, clean water, and public access.
Get Involved. Sign Up & Sign Our Petition.
PETITION TO PROTECT OUR PUBLIC LANDS
We, the undersigned citizens of the United States, stand together to protect our National Forests, Parks, and other public lands from private commercial development. These public lands have provided a way of life for our residents, are part of our mountain heritage, and are important for future generations. Our natural lands and clean waters are the pride of our county — vital to our health, recreation, and economy.
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Why We Oppose Any Effort to Transfer or Sell Public Lands
Clean Water:
Our clean streams and lakes exist largely because National Forest lands protect them from erosion, pollution, and unchecked development.Steep Slopes:
Much of the Southern Blue Ridge is too steep and unstable for safe large-scale development. Building on these slopes increases the risk of runoff, landslides, and water contamination.Natural Beauty:
Our unspoiled forests, ridgelines, and mountain views define the Southern Blue Ridge and attract visitors who support local jobs and businesses.Public Recreation:
These lands provide vital access for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, paddling, and more. Privatizing or developing them would limit or destroy these opportunities.Lakes and Reservoirs:
Public lakes and reservoirs across the Southern Blue Ridge — from Fontana to Hiwassee to Chatuge and beyond — are irreplaceable community treasures, home to exceptional fishing and some of the last places where families can enjoy free public access.Tax Burden:
Rural development often costs more in roads, fire protection, and emergency services than it brings in through new tax revenue — shifting the burden to local taxpayers.Insufficient Infrastructure:
Many rural roads, utilities, and emergency services are not designed to absorb large private developments in remote areas.Lack of Public Input:
Residents must be fully informed and included before any proposal to transfer or develop public lands is advanced.WHAT WE ASK
That county leaders across the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains publicly oppose the sale or transfer of National Forest lands and other public lands for private or commercial development.
That counties prioritize conservation, clean water, and public access over short-term development pressures.
That the public be fully informed and involved in any future proposals affecting our shared natural resources.
Signed,
The People of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains
Contact Us
Ready to join forces? Give us your details and we’ll connect with you in no time. We’re eager to hear from you!