INTRODUCTION

Tanbark Ridge (Elev. 3080 ft.)

B l u e R i d g e P a r k w a y

Swan Mtn. (Elev. 3180 ft.)

R a v e n R i d g e Ln J o n e s C o v e R d

Future Home Site

B u m p R d

Fuller Ln J o n e s C o v e R d

<image: Bird’s eye view of Redacted Cove>

Nestled in a cove in the shadow of Redacted Mountain & Redacted Ridge, the Client Family owns two parcels totaling approximately 40 acres. These parcels fall within the far northwestern extent of the township of Swannanoa, just outside of Asheville, NC. The first parcel is approximately 20 acres in size and is divided north to south by Jones Cove Road (PIN NO: 9770081422); the northern tract is the location of the Client ’s future home (Samsel Architects and Drake Fowler). The second parcel is 18.5 acres and is located to the south and east of the homesite (PIN NO: 9770182300). The property, and area in general, is composed predominantly of former agricultural lands and successional forests. Discreet stands of mature forest can be found confined to the northern extent of the eastern parcel and the area in between the streams on the homesite tract.

PURPOSE & INTENT OF THIS MANAGEMENT PLAN

The intent of this management plan is to be utilitarian, educational, and dynamic. Just as landscapes adapt and respond to natural forces, a management plan must do the same by identifying, adapting, and responding to current conditions while preparing for potential future impacts, problems, or issues that may arise. The recommendations provided within this management plan deliver the Client the information needed to proceed with site development in the sustainable and responsible manner to which they have expressed commitment. Information presented here should be accessible and functional without sacrificing the conveyance of technical knowledge.

This plan includes a field inventory and analysis of the onsite conditions, a review of relevant records and regulations, as well as, the identification of natural and other plant communities present on the Client properties. This collection of data informed the development of the following key objectives and provided a means with which to identify appropriate management activities, strategies, and techniques.

Improve woodland habitat quality.

Increase increase native plant species diversity.

Control/decrease invasive plant populations.

Provide guidance for future activities and development of the property that is both appropriate and supportive of the overall natural environment.

Provide the Client ’s a long term vision for informing how they care for, connect with, learn from, and become good stewards of their land.

Vision

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:

The Client are committed to becoming good stewards of the land and in so doing wish to manage the property for future uses while enhancing the ecological function and aesthetics of the landscape.

Stewardship

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A GOOD STEWARD OF LAND?

Stewardship is an ethic that embodies the responsible planning and management of resources. Stewardship is not only a management approach but – perhaps even more so – an ethic that emphasizes responsibility, collaboration, participation, and communication in the planning and management of land resources (Gundersen and Makinen 2009). Being a good steward of the land, simply put, means understanding and improving the dynamic relationship between ecosystems and human well-being within the context of our changing landscapes.

The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it and to foster its renewal is our only hope. —Wendell Berry