"Future generations will inherit a natural world that is greatly enriched through the addition of The Gorges to our state parks system and gameland preserves," said McDevitt. "The opportunity to preserve this magnificent part of our natural heritage allows us to pass some special gifts on to our children."

Following Duke Energy Corporation's offer to sell the Jocassee Gorges property to the state, the General Assembly passed legislation last year authorizing the creation of the park in the area. Since that time, DENR has been working with The Nature Conservancy and Transylvania County interest groups to determine how to best preserve the lands. DENR officials have consulted with county commissioners and other elected officials and met on numerous occasions with local citizens and hunting groups. A survey of Transylvania County residents conducted early this year by The Nature Conservancy indicated that the majority supported traditional park activities, such as fishing, camping, and hiking.

"In our efforts to reach a consensus on the management of this property, we heard a resounding common voice for the preservation of this wild, spectacular beauty," said McDevitt, chief steward of the state's natural resources. "We hope those same voices will join with us to create the park and to work with the Division of Parks and Recreation and the Wildlife Resources Commission to enjoy the many benefits this partnership will provide all North Carolinians."

Preservation of the Gorges area has been touted as the premier land conservation opportunity of the decade. Placing the land in public ownership will preserve one of the most significant scenic and biological sites in eastern North America.

As part of the management plan for the lands, DENR will work closely with the Wildlife Resources Commission to accommodate the needs of the hunting community. The plan calls for providing access to gamelands and kennels to hold lost hunting dogs for owners to claim. It also proposes a hunting phaseout strategy in those areas designated as a state park. In order to accommodate the hunters through two hunting seasons, the entire 6,725 acres will remain open for hunting until May 1, 1999 and the southern and eastern portions of the property will remain open for hunting until May 1, 2000. The phaseout strategy is contingent upon WRC approval.

The next step in establishing the new park will be a public planning process which will offer citizens the opportunity to participate in the preparation of the park's master plan, a document which lays out the long range plans for the park, including facility development and management. A citizen advisory committee will be appointed to work with the park superintendent on planning and management issues.

Governor Jim Hunt included almost $7.8 million for the land purchase, initial development, and operation of the park in his budget announced earlier this month. The preservation of the Gorges at Lake Jocassee is part of Hunt's stewardship and natural heritage protection package, which also includes funding for additional natural resource protection in our state parks system and inventories of the state's natural areas.

Hunt's budget calls for improving the heritage program, which was created in 1976. His budget includes $243,037 to identify and protect fragile natural areas covering one-third of the state. Also included in Hunt's stewardship and natural heritage package is $245,100 to enhance protection of the natural resources contained in state parks and to address pollution and other environmental problems that threaten these natural areas. Hunt's budget also calls for $240,661 for lifeguards to protect swimmers at Falls and Jordan Lake state recreation areas.

Contact Person: Don Reuter, 919-715-4113