Mills River Launches Landmark Land Preservation Program
If you’re thinking about moving to Hendersonville or one of its neighboring towns like Mills River, there’s even more reason to fall in love with the area. Mills River has officially launched a visionary Land Preservation Program, putting community values, agricultural heritage, and environmental stewardship at the heart of local development.
This initiative—created with $500,000 in seed funding from the American Rescue Plan—aims to conserve the very spaces that make this region one of Western North Carolina’s most sought-after places to live. By preserving farmland, forests, streams, and open spaces, Mills River continues to show why living in Hendersonville and its surrounding communities is such a special choice.
A Vision for Sustainable Living
The Land Preservation Program was born from a groundswell of community support. Residents of Mills River spoke up about the importance of protecting rural landscapes and avoiding unbridled residential sprawl. In response, the Town Council established a strategic framework that would conserve land while still allowing responsible growth.
Town Manager Matthew McKirahan summed up the mission beautifully: “The launch of the Land Preservation Program is an intentional approach to help achieve the town’s vision to preserve, sustain, and cultivate community.” This initiative encourages voluntary conservation and offers financial assistance for landowners considering preservation easements.
Why It Matters: Farmland Under Threat
According to the American Farmland Trust’s Farms Under Threat report, North Carolina lost a staggering 732,000 acres of farmland between 2001 and 2016—more than any state except Texas. In fact, 78% of that land went to low-density residential development. Mills River is no exception, with over 2,000 acres of agricultural land lost in Henderson County since 2020 alone.
For those who want to relocate to Hendersonville or Mills River for its beautiful views, slower pace, and small-town charm, this issue hits close to home. The new Land Preservation Program acts as a bulwark against that trend, working to ensure that the pastures, forests, and wetlands you see today will remain tomorrow.
How the Program Works
The town isn’t taking this on alone. By partnering with nonprofit conservation organizations and willing private landowners, Mills River aims to create long-term preservation options. The town’s role is largely financial: covering the ancillary costs associated with setting up a conservation easement—like surveys, land appraisals, and legal fees—that often deter landowners from taking action.
Here’s how the program benefits landowners and the community:
- Voluntary Participation: Landowners opt in if they want to conserve all or part of their property.
- Financial Support: Assistance is available for costs associated with finalizing an easement.
- Long-Term Benefits: Protected land may qualify for tax benefits and supports future agricultural or ecological use.
Applications are now open, and landowners interested in learning more can visit millsriver.gov or email the Planning Department at planning@millsriver.gov.
What Kinds of Land Are Eligible?
The program prioritizes large tracts of active farmland—particularly those close to major roads and public utilities, where the pressure to develop is the highest. However, it also embraces a wide range of natural settings. Properties that feature floodplains, streams, forests, wetlands, or steep slopes are just as valuable in terms of environmental preservation and are encouraged to apply.
This inclusive approach ensures that the Land Preservation Program isn’t just about farmland—it’s about maintaining the ecological and aesthetic fabric of Mills River and the places surrounding Hendersonville.
A Boost for Quality of Life
For current residents and those planning to move to Hendersonville or Mills River, the program offers an invisible yet invaluable benefit: peace of mind. Knowing that the region is committed to greenspace and sustainable planning makes living here feel like an investment in well-being and community values.
It also contributes to property values and tourism. After all, one of the top things to do in Hendersonville is enjoy the great outdoors—hiking mountain trails, visiting local farms, or simply taking in sweeping Blue Ridge views. Preserving land ensures these pastimes remain possible for generations to come.
Why It’s the Right Time to Relocate
If you’ve been on the fence about moving to Hendersonville, now might be the perfect time. With forward-thinking community programs like this one and an active citizenry that prioritizes sustainability, you’re not just purchasing a home—you’re joining a lifestyle rooted in balance, beauty, and belonging.
Programs like the one in Mills River highlight the care and foresight embedded in how the region grows. Whether you’re looking for small-town charm, outdoor experiences, or simply a chance to put down roots somewhere that values land as much as people, Western North Carolina continues to raise the bar.
Explore your options, visit our local parks, talk to neighbors, and get to know what’s it like living in Hendersonville and surrounding towns like Mills River. There’s never been a better time to join this thriving, thoughtful community.