Recently in Parkway Category
Lewis Ledford, the state parks director said, "Sue has done an outstanding job of guiding the development of Haw River State Park, created in 2005. She was directly involved in developing staff and creating a draft master plan and building a close relationship with the local community. Her skill and experience will be invaluable as we fashion our newest state park on one of the most beloved landmarks in the state."
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, McBean graduated in 1987 from Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in natural resource management. She worked in seasonal positions for the U.S. Forest Service and for state parks systems in Ohio, South Dakota, Massachusetts, California, Colorado and Alaska before joining North Carolina's state parks system in 1993. She worked as ranger at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area before being promoted as superintendent at Haw River in June 2006. She holds certifications in environmental education and advanced law enforcement and has been a law enforcement instructor for the division. Grandfather Mountain State Park was authorized in June following the acquisition of 2,456 acres along the crest of the famous mountain from the Morton family's Grandfather Mountain Inc., which continues to operate its famous attraction alongside the new state park. The scenic property in Watauga, Avery and Caldwell counties is laced with a 12-mile network of popular hiking trails and a series of remote campsites. As the first park superintendent at Grandfather Mountain, McBean will be involved in forming a citizen park advisory committee, hiring initial park staff and developing management plans in conjunction with the Grandfather Mountain attraction staff.
A



The ASU Chapter of Friends of the

By Lindsay Ward
The university and the high country residents may be coming
together to better the community. The public service research program at a-s-u
is seeking input from high country residents. the honors class is titled
parkway research seminar and is geared toward community-based research
techniques. The class is funded through a three-year learn and serve America
grant and led by dr. Norman Clark. Clark said community-based research works to
research specific areas by creating partnerships and answering questions posed
by the community. The grant will be spent in a partnership with the Blue Ridge
parkway. For the current school year, the class is focusing on the Hebron falls
in Boone. The students are addressing several concerns including illegal
camping in the area, parking and littering. Members of the class will be
interviewing the public from six to 7:30 p-.m on Monday through Wednesday. Each
participating individual will be asked about personal experiences,
recommendations and how each uses the area. Those interested in providing input
for the study are asked to register for a time through the web site at p s r p
dot appstate dot edu, or by calling (828) 773-7056. Dinner will also be
provided.