Environment

With the oldest mountains in the world, a mild climate, a global biodiversity hotspot, unsurpassed outdoor recreation and rejuvenation possibilities, major watersheds, productive soils and rich mineral deposits, the environment of WNC is the wellspring of our green economy possibilities.

biodiversity

Western North Carolina is prosperously located in a biological melting pot. Resulting from the gradual wearing of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the oldest mountain chain in North America, and the dynamic of being a boundary zone during the last ice age, is one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Interwoven in the multitude of species and resulting ecosystems is a rich repository of natural knowledge that is serving as the foundation of emerging industries including natural biotechnology, nutraceuticals and botanicals. Many other and often traditional industries are beginning to recognize this rich source of untapped innovation and technology as well.

topography

Also known as the “NC Mountains” region, WNC is physically defined by the Blue Ridge Mountains and includes gems such as the Smoky Mountains, Looking Glass, Mount Mitchell, and Grandfather Mountain. Between the mountains are lush watersheds including the headwaters of the French Broad, New, and Savannah rivers. These mountains and rivers and the considerable public parks and forests that protect them make WNC the pinnacle region in the Eastern U.S. for outdoor sports, recreation and gear manufacturing. The geologic stability of the mountains, as well as their ability to serve as a natural barrier to extreme weather events, make the region an attractive location for data centers as evidenced by the location of Google, Apple, Facebook and NOAA facilities here.

climate

The year is defined by four distinct, yet mild seasons with winter temperatures in the mid-40s and summer temperatures averaging in the mid-70s. However, with town elevations ranging from Asheville at 2000 ft up to Beech Mountain at 5500 ft and mountains in between, the region’s climate is anything but homogenous. Separated by just a two hours drive are the town of Highlands which is the wettest places in North Carolina receiving nearly 90 inches of rainfall annual, and the town of Marshall which nets 40 inches of annual rainfall and is the driest town in the state. Microclimates and the resulting diversity of flora and fauna abound. The combination of mild climate, microclimates and soils types can support a wide variety of agricultural products. With a strong regional demand for locally produced foods, an artisan heritage and resources like AdvantageWest’s Blue Ridge Food Ventures incubator, WNC has a broad range of food business opportunities.

natural resources

WNC is covered in predominantly hardwood forests and has a long heritage of timber products. This practice, while severely impacted by the out-migration of furniture and other wood products industries, continues today and is ripe for new high-quality sustainable forestry, value-added wood products and biofuels/energy opportunities. Lesser known is the scale of mineral mining in WNC and its potential role in emerging clean energy industries. Mica, silica, quartz, feldspar, and lithium are all found in the region and are key inputs to solar photovoltaic cells, high efficiency electric batteries and other cornerstone clean energy technologies.

rejuvenation

With the combination of a rich plant diversity, varying topography, and a mild climate Western North Carolina has long been a destination for recreation and rejuvenation. As well, the region is home to two of the top three National Park System parks, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Golden Gate National Recreation Area is #2). Travel related to the environment remains one of the largest industries in WNC and this increasing shifting towards ecotourism opportunities. For residents and companies of WNC, these assets are a year round source of recreation, rejuvenation and inspiration.