Richland Ridge Study Area

The Richland Ridge Study Area includes seven environmentally sensitive parcels located in the Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina subject to conservation easements held by NALT.  Among the natural communities found in the Richland Ridge Study Area is the rare and fragile Southern Appalachian shrub bog community. Unlike northern bogs of glacial origin, mountain bogs form in poorly drained depressions or on gentle slopes. The property includes a southern Appalachian bog as well, a critical globally imperiled natural community.  Montane Oak-Hickory Forests are present along the upper slopes and several granite outcrops receiving groundwater seepage with significant lichen and bryophyte cover create high potential for rare species within these areas.  Small streams and riparian areas within the watershed of the West Fork stretch of the French Broad River, a healthy stream ecosystem whose water quality has been rated excellent are protected by these conservation easements. 

Habitat for several North Carolina watchlist plant species such as yellow lady’s slipper, Fairy Wand, and Carolina hemlock is also protected. Other significant natural features include a Meadow Bog, a locally uncommon rush species (Juncus diffusisimus), Bog Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum ssp. stewardsonii) which is a state-listed Significantly Rare plant species in North Carolina, and a population of American Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle americana), a rare Watchlist Category 7 species in North Carolina.  The conservation values of these properties are innumerable and by incorporating planning strategies such as limited development, conservation easements, and fee title acquisitions, these pristine natural areas have been forever protected from the impacts of intensive development that could have otherwise occurred.