During the meeting, board members adopted a slightly-revised mission statement, which “is to preserve Saluda’s rural and unique small-town character by:

“Protecting undeveloped land in commercial and residential areas for agriculture and public use.

Establishing greenways (and parks) to connect people, land and community.

Empowering Saluda community members to be responsible stewards of their land and natural resources.”

The previous mission statement’s opening sentence also contained the word “rural,” but not “small town.” SCLT Board President Betsy Burdett wanted to keep “rural” in the updated opening sentence, stressing, “You have to keep the ‘rural’ part, or you’ll have condos all around the ‘small town.’”

The 51-acre tract near Old Mountain Page Road has a forest management plan. That landowner is interested in selling his property, possibly keeping a few potential home sites. Board members noted that the owner wants to transfer his property responsibly. Burdett plans to take SCLT Land Committee members to that property.

Board members reported that both lakes at their Twin Lakes recreation area near Saluda are being drained, to allow workers to begin repairing the dam. Repairs cannot be made until the lakes are completely dry. Board members complimented a large, artistic poster, which Dick Neff created, to help raise funds for the repairs.

Board members discussed the possibility of offering night hikes as part of the group’s Walk in the Woods” outings. The next Sunday with a full moon, a potential time for night hikes, will be June 23.

Some board members plan to attend the North Carolina Land and Water Conservation Lobby Day, in Raleigh, on March 27.