In the News
We at PAC were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Al Rolla. Al served as PAC's President in 2006 and as Vice President in 2008. Al was chair of PAC's Stewardship Committee and spent many days with "feet on the ground" helping monitor conservation easements. Al gave tirelessly of his time to do everything needed, from serving on the Board to parking cars. Al will be sorely missed.
During June, 2009...You may have heard by now that the erosion control and ridgetop development ordinances passed at the County Commissioners' meeting on Monday night. It was a very positive and moving experience, and a huge victory for preservation!
We owe a great debt of thanks to our current commissioners, and past PAC-Board member Renee McDermott was instrumental in these great measures to protect our watershed.. Our partners in conservation, Save Our Slopes, led by Lisa Krolak, also had a great deal to do with the success of the vote. Our land trust was beautifully represented when PAC President Rebecca Kemp spoke, addressing each of the three issues.
It’s so great not to feel like the lone rangers out here. Our community is in sync with PAC’s work.
On June 22, WLOS-TV taped a segment in Tryon about The Pacolet Area Conservancy's work. The segment featured PAC conservation landowner Gerald Pack, PAC Executive Director Sally Walker and PAC Land Protection Specialist Pam Torlina.
The conservancy lost a friend when Suzanne Austell Martin, original Board member and past-President of PAC, died recently. 20 years ago, Suzanne helped get PAC off the ground, serving as Secretary to the initial Board. Her commitment to this area's landscape was beyond question, and she is one of the reasons PAC has been able to be so successful with its preservation work.
PACWalk for Preservation raised $7,000 on May 2 for the protection of our area's natural resources. Thanks to Tryon Estates Retirement Community in Columbus, NC for hosting the event and for raising the magic number of $5,555! Thanks, too, to Finish Line Sponsor Nature's Storehouse, our wonderful health food store and more in Tryon, NC. PAC is grateful to the many volunteers who made this event successful!
Grant News....PAC is one of only two organizations in the state of North Carolina to be awarded a scenic by-ways grant. PAC's grant is to study the natural resource protection along the scenic byway Hwy 176, which runs relatively parallel to the Pacolet River from Tryon to Saluda. PAC is also the beneficiary of a Blue Ridge Forever SWAP grant, and a Wal-Mart mini grant.
In order to save trees in our US climate as well as save expenses in this economic climate, PAC asks that you consider this site your ever-evolving newsletter. Please visit PAC's website frequently for updated news. For those who treasure receiving the printed word on recycled paper at your mailing address, PAC may publish an end of year wrap-up.