The 248-acre property conserved by the conservation easement conveyed to LTLT has numerous conservation values. It lies on either side of the Waterfall Scenic Byway which runs from Rosman to Murphy and is adjacent to National Forest System lands. There are prime farmland soils being farmed and productive forest land that is managed for timber harvest, and, it has nearly 4,000 feet of Nantahala River flowing through it and over 700’ of Black Creek.
According to Myra Waldroop’s records, the family has owned property in Rainbow Springs since as early as 1853.
“My grandfather, C.W. Slagle, acquired land in Rainbow Springs over a number of years,” said Myra. The family used the property for family vacations for many years. During the ’20s and ’30s the Ritter Lumber Company operated in one of the meadows complete with a thriving lumber town including post office, commissary, hotel and school. A railroad hauled lumber down the river to be shipped away. In 1948, Myra’s father, Carl Slagle, retired to Rainbow Springs, and later, Myra inherited a portion of the her grandfather’s property where both of her daughters now live. There are many stories of four and five generations who have fished, hunted, and gathered with friends and family at “Rainbow.” “Many family traditions live on,” says Myra.
“With this long history, my family and I decided we wanted this property protected from development. The LTLT was our solution. We appreciate working with the folks at LTLT. A special thanks to Sharon for her patience as we worked out the details of the Deed of Conservation.”
In her presentation of the award to the Waldroop family, Sharon Taylor said in part, “... the Waldroop Family conserved their land because of their love of the land and the heritage that the land represents.”
For more information about LTLT, call 828-524-2711 or visit www.ltlt.org.