Raven’s View

Riverlink has secured the “missing link” in the Wilma Dykeman greenway, a series of parks and paths along the French Broad River by Amboy Road. The owner of Edaco, the junkyard situtated in the middle of the parks, agreed to sell the property to Riverlink — for less than recent appraisals.

Executive director Karen Cragnolin negotiated the remarkable deal, with major financial help from Shelli and Bradford Stanback. Cragnolin has been instrumental in spearheading revitalization along the river and has been slowly but steadily securing purchases and easements along the river for the Wilma Dykeman Greenway, which could one day stretch for 17 miles along the river. The Stanbacks recently placed their farm in Sandy Mush in a conservation easement with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Land Conservancy, on of the largest major victories for open space in Buncombe County this year.

You can help for just $50.

Riverlink is selling deeds of support for $50 per linear foot. The money helps Riverlink make the 5-year, $900,000 payment to the owner of the junkyard.

Timmy O’Neill, who Black Dome will bring Nov. 16 to Asheville, was featured in the Green Scene column of Mountain Xpress this week. The new issue hit the stands today.

Rebecca Bowe’s Green Scene column is a must-read for anyone who plays outdoors. She always has some pertinent news items, such as a new report out by the Mountain Voices Alliance that outlines strategies to protect Appalachian forests by stopping urban sprawl.