Resilient Forests
MountainTrue engages communities in safeguarding the treasures of our public lands, including wildlife, old growth forests and rare ecosystems. We believe the management of these lands should maintain and restore their ecological integrity and promote recreational opportunities.
Seasonal Hikes
MountainTrue hosts several guided hikes in our WNC mountains to see some of the best views and natural habitats in the area. Hikes vary by year, so check out our events calendar for the most up-to-date information about our upcoming hikes.
Our Forest Work
Public Lands Protection, Policy and Planning
MountainTrue advocates for the protection of our national and state forests in addition to our national, state, county and city parks as a part of WNC public lands. We work collaboratively with stakeholders from the conservation, recreation and commercial sectors to ensure sustainable management of our public lands.
The Western North Carolina Alliance, one of the organizations that merged to form MountainTrue, was instrumental to ending the practice of clearcutting locally. Today, we monitor every timber sale to ensure old growth and other special areas are protected and that road building is minimal.
Invasive Species Removal
Native species in our region are being pushed out by non-native invasive species throughout WNC public and private lands. MountainTrue through partnerships with local conservation organizations and governmental departments has carried out numerous non-native invasive species control projects to help restore native species to the region.
Forest News
MountainTrue’s Response to Forest Service Message on the Buck Project
It’s come to our attention that those who commented on the Buck Project through MountainTrue’s comment portal received a message from the Forest Service in response. While we’re glad that the Forest Service is taking the time to engage with people who comment on their projects, we have a very different take on the Buck Project than what their message shared. You can read our response here.
Take Action: Protect the Public’s Role in Public Lands
The U.S. Forest Service has released an extreme set of proposed changes that would cut the public almost entirely out of decisions affecting our public lands. Speak out against the Forest Service’s proposal and protect the public’s role in public lands here.
Protect Old-Growth Forest and Vibrant Ecosystems in the Buck Project
The Buck Project in Nantahala National Forest has the potential to be one of the most destructive timber sales in WNC in a century. Take action here to protect the vibrant ecosystems, pristine waters and old-growth forests that are on the chopping block.
Take Part in the Very First BioBlitz of the Nantahala Gorge
Join MountainTrue, Nantahala Outdoor Center and Nantahala River Lodge for the Nantahala Gorge BioBlitz – a citizen-science program that will pair residents with more than a dozen expert naturalists to document one of the exceptional natural areas of Nantahala National Forest. The Nantahala Gorge BioBlitz is an opportunity for people who love the great outdoors and want to learn more about the plants and creatures who call Nantahala Gorge their home. Despite its outstanding character, the Nantahala Gorge has never had a systematic biological inventory and the BioBlitz is likely to turn up new records for the area.
Did You Miss Our Annual Gathering? You Can Still Take Action Here!
We had a wonderful evening hanging out with MountainTrue members at our Annual Gathering on Wednesday night. If you missed it, you can still take action to protect WNC’s mountains here. We hope you’ll get involved and join us next time!
Florence is Coming. Here Are Some Resources to Help Keep You Safe
With the path of Hurricane Florence shifting south, parts of Western North Carolina could see high winds and significant rain this weekend. Here are some useful resources for staying safe.