Thanks to the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina for supporting Friends of Panthertown in 2018 with a Cashiers Community Fund grant award of $10,000. The funds will be used in support of our ongoing Panthertown Valley trail maintenance and stewardship projects.
Panthertown Valley is a popular 6,295-acre backcountry recreation area located in Cashiers in the Nantahala National Forest. According to Nantahala District Ranger Mike Wilkins, more than 25,000 visitors enjoy outdoor recreation in Panthertown each year.
Individuals and groups of all ages often explore this incredible natural resource. These include hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, equestrians, rock climbers, birders, anglers, scouts, students, and families. Users include Cashiers residents, their guests, and many visitors to the Cashiers community that contribute to our local economy.
Our organization is the only organization devoted entirely to protecting and maintaining Panthertown Valley, an incredible natural resource located in Cashiers. Friends of Panthertown works in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service by coordinating volunteers for much-needed conservation projects and trail maintenance activities throughout Panthertown Valley.
This grant will partially fund volunteer coordination, stewardship outreach, and training for our volunteers. It will also allow us to purchase essential tools, materials, and safety equipment for our trail crew to maintain 30 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails in Panthertown Valley for residents and visitors of Cashiers to use.
Friends of Panthertown will continue to organize trail work days to maintain 30 miles of public non-motorized hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails in Panthertown Valley for Cashiers residents, visitors, and the greater community to enjoy.
This project will emphasize public stewardship of this outstanding natural resource and allow us to continue the work that we do to protect this special place.
Panthertown Valley is an incredible natural resource very worthy of protection. Our stewardship will encourage conservation and protection of Panthertown, with local residents and visitors alike using this incredible natural resource for education, health and wellness, environmental benefit, and as a prime natural resource to enjoy in the Cashiers area.