A RESOLUTION URGING THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA TO PURCHASE CHIMNEY ROCK PARK FOR PUBLIC USE (2006-09-27/R-17)

WHEREAS, Chimney Rock Park, a 1000 acre privately held natural preserve in Rutherford County, North Carolina, has been offered for sale; and

WHEREAS, this extraordinary parcel has been well maintained and has benefited from, the sound ecological practices employed by the same family for 104 years; and

WHEREAS, the Park is home to numerous state and federal listed rare species; and

WHEREAS, the Park has contributed to the local and state economy by hosting 200,000 to 250,000 visitors annually, the great majority of those being out of area tourists; and

WHEREAS, Chimney Rock Park is situated in Rutherford County which in 2005 had the third-highest unemployment rate in North Carolina out of 100 counties; and

WHEREAS, Chimney Rock Park being operated as a tourist destination has traditionally employed 60 full- and part-time individuals; and

WHEREAS, Rutherford County ranked 26^th in tourism impact out of the state’s 100 counties, generating tourism revenues of over 118 million dollars; and

WHEREAS, Rutherford County tourism, greatly aided by tourism in the Chimney Rock/Lake Lure area, contributed state and local tax receipts in 2005 of 7.1 million and 3.75 million dollars respectively; and

WHEREAS, the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, the legislators of Rutherford County, the General Assembly and Governor Easley have shown the desire, foresight and commitment to establish a state park in Hickory Nut Gorge; and

WHEREAS, the 1000-acre Chimney Rock Park would be an addition of inestimable value to a new state park and such as been previously recognized by the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation and state officials;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council does hereby strongly urge and encourage the State of North Carolina through its various agencies, divisions, and legislative bodies, to do all that is possible and necessary to acquire Chimney Rock Park and add that acreage to the planned Hickory Nut Gorge State Park.

This the 27^th day of September, 2006.