[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 26 (Monday, February 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE HIGHLANDS-CASHIERS LAND TRUST

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                           HON. HEATH SHULER

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 9, 2009

  Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Centennial 
of the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, or HCLT, and to recognize the 
contributions which the HCLT has made to the Western North Carolina 
community, and especially land conservation efforts, over the past 100 
years. The HCLT works to preserve the natural areas, scenic beauty, and 
green spaces of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau for the enjoyment and 
benefit of the public.
  The HCLT has been in operation since 1883, though known then as the 
Highlands Improvement Association. The first land purchase was 
effectuated in 1909. This initial purchase was for 56 acres of land on 
the Summit of Satulah Mountain, overlooking the town of Highlands, for 
$100.
  The HCLT is the oldest land trust in North Carolina and one of the 
oldest in the United States. The trust protects over 1,700 acres in 
Western North Carolina. Included in the protected lands are two sites 
of particularly significant historical importance. The Hill property in 
Horse Cove is significant for its role during the Trail of Tears. The 
site was used as a holding area for Native Americans before they began 
the treacherous trip to Oklahoma, leaving their native homes and 
villages behind. The second site, the Warren Property, was an original 
land grant from the first pioneer to the area, Barak Norton. The unique 
property was featured in the October 2008 issue of ``Southern Living 
Magazine'' for the breath-taking vistas.
  Among the more recent endeavors of the HCLT are various educational 
and philanthropic projects. The HCLT raised more than $450,000 to 
purchase a property to be used as a park in the town of Highlands, 
North Carolina. They also preserve properties which protect rare and 
endangered species of plants and trees, included in this is the 
original Satulah Mountain land. Satulah Mountain is home to many 
species of endangered plants and wildflowers which are studied by 
university students from all over the world. In conjunction with these 
efforts the HCLT strives to remain active in the community through the 
Mountain Retreat, an 80 acre conservation easement used for many 
Elderhostel programs, focusing on Appalachian culture, music, and 
heritage.
  Madam Speaker, the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust has made an 
indelible contribution to land preservation in Western North Carolina 
and I commend them for their continuing dedication to both conservation 
and community.

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