The success of the Grandfather Restoration Project draws from the wide variety of partners involved. This year I am excited to welcome a few new members to the Grandfather Restoration Collaborative. For an introduction, I asked a representative of each group to tell me a little about their mission and what they see as the benefits of joining the Grandfather Restoration Project.
Southern Appalachian Branch of the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA)
Members: Kyle Brown, Tyler Ross, Kathy Pack-Hill
Mission: QDMA is dedicated to ensuring the future of white-tailed deer, wildlife habitat and our hunting heritage. The Southern Appalachian Branch supports QDMA in this mission.
Benefit of joining Grandfather Restoration Project: We see the Grandfather Restoration Project as an opportunity for us to assist in performing much-needed management to improve forest health and wildlife habitat on the Grandfather District. We are also excited to learn more about this project so we can share that with others and help them understand the importance of sound forest management.
The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation
Members: Mickey Shortt, Jr.
Mission: Inspiring conservation of the natural world by helping our guests explore, understand and value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain.
Benefit of joining Grandfather Restoration Project: Closer connection and involvement with another land management group near Grandfather Mountain. Grandfather Mountain’s view shed is the Grandfather District of the Pisgah National Forest.
Friends of Linville Gorge
Members: Kevin Massey
Mission: Education & Service in Linville Gorge. Current projects include: Photo catalog of flora & fauna; Website and Google Earth collection of maps; Maintaining most of the trail north of Hawksbill
Benefit of joining Grandfather Restoration Project: Expand online wiki to educate community on CFLR science and projects; Support community organizing around CFLR objectives; Recommend and execute large trail restoration projects
Grandfather Restoration Project 