The Conservation Lands
Sunalei encompasses an abundance of natural habitats that are unique to the Blue Ridge Mountain Region-- the conservation value of the land was assessed by the diversity and rarity of plant and animal species present. The Forest at Sunalei, along with its neighbor, Sunalei Preserve, have set aside 132 acres of conservation land, and plan to conserve significantly more acreage, in order to protect and preserve this remarkable environment, offering Homeowners pristine views and unparalleled natural beauty. Under the guidance of biologists and botanists, locations of High Priority Conservation Areas were determined, and have been designated a part of the Sunalei Conservation Lands. These lands will remain “forever wild” and include the craggy ridge along Snake Mountain, and lower lying lands encompassing the head waters of the North Fork of the New River. The Conservation Lands are owned and managed by the High Country Conservancy.
In the Fall of 2005, Trail Master Richard Hayes Phillips was recruited from the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York to design a trail system for Sunalei. Richard camped out and spent a month studying the topography and sensitive ecosystems of the mountain. As a result of his work, trail systems throughout the conservancy lands have been designed to minimize the impact on the unique habitats while allowing for quiet enjoyment. Property Owners and their Guests can enjoy scenic hiking trails that wind their way through the undisturbed habitats of the conservation lands, providing a glimpse of natural beauty that is unlike any other.
The Sunalei development occurs within the Nationally Significant Amphibolite Mountains Macrosite and is a critical link between the Nationally Significant Long Hope Valley ecological site and the State significant Potato Hill-Rich Mountain Bald ecological site. The Potato Hill, Rich Mountain Bald, Snake Mountain, and Elk Knob complex of sites is considered one of the most extensive, undeveloped examples of high elevation pastoral landscape in the entire Amphibolite Mountains Macrosite. The conservation lands encompass five globally or critically imperiled natural communities, including the Southern Appalachian Bogs and High Elevation Seeps. The lands provide habitats for at least 219 plant species and 108 animal species, several of which are on the NCNHP Rare or Watch Lists.
