MILLS RIVER, N.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Town of Mills River announced the formal launch of its Land Preservation Program on Tuesday.

Officials said the program encourages and financially supports the voluntary conservation of agricultural lands, environmentally sensitive areas and open spaces from development.

The town council established the program in 2024 and allocated $500,000 of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support the preservation of what the Mills River community identified as important cultural and natural resources.

Officials said the town intends to partner with non-profit conservation organizations and private property owners to pursue options for land preservation and grant funding for a conservation easement, like property surveys, land appraisals and leg

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