Posted: Tuesday, January 12, 2016 12:00 am
It was a pleasure to meet and learn about N.C. Wildlife Habitat Foundation Executive Director Eddie Bridges via Richard Barron’s recent article (“A Voice for the Wilderness,” front page, Dec. 20).
I so admire Mr. Bridges’ advocacy for preserving the Guilford County prison farm for agricultural use and open space. My hope is that many citizens of Guilford County will raise their voices with Eddie’s in support of this quest. What a shame it would be to spoil the natural landscape and lose this property to development of any sort.
The Rich Fork Preserve, located in High Point, needs an advocate like Eddie Bridges. This property, purchased with taxpayer funds, is at risk. The Guilford County Board of Commissioners has proposed giving this property away.
The 114 acres of pristine woodland were purchased to preserve open space in an area where little remains. There are native wildlife and plants that reside there now, and there is great value in this natural state. Some people advocate for changing this property into mountain biking trails, a use totally incompatible with its intended purpose.
Advocates for the Rich Fork Preserve need to come out and speak for the gentle use and maintenance of this property as open space.
The Guilford County Board of Commissioners will meet for a discussion of these issues on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at the High Point Public Library. This property is jewel that we cannot afford to lose.
The writer lives in High Point.
Public Lands for Agricultural & Community Enrichment 