Fannin Chamber and CVB commits to major conservation initiative

May 7, 2025

Enjoy the natural beauty, the abundance of scenic trails, the breathtaking vistas and panoramic views. Fannin County has become an increasingly popular destination for people who appreciate nature and experiencing the wide-open, great outdoors.

And the Fannin Chamber & Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is determined to keep it that way.

“We love having visitors and seeing all the people who are drawn to the beauty of this area,” said Christie Gribble, president of the Fannin County Chamber & CVB. “And we have a commitment to protecting those natural resources.”

In that effort, Gribble has become a passionate advocate for a comprehensive conservation effort across the county. As explained on the chamber’s website (www.blueridgemountains.com/community/conservation), “Our conservation initiative’s aim is to protect the area's unique natural resources, promote sustainable tourism, and empower our community to take an active role in stewardship.”

Among the details of the conservation effort:

1). The importance for people to "Leave No Trace" as they explore and experience the wide array of outdoor activities. The best way for visitors to enjoy the pristine beauty of Fannin County is to keep it pristine.

2).  Protecting national forests and wildlife by partnering with local and national organizations to maintain natural habitats for native wildlife.

3). Practicing water conservation and protecting the streams, rivers and lakes in the county by collaborating with conservation groups to monitor water quality and organizing regular clean-up events.

In addition to promoting recycling and cutting back on waste paper, the chamber will also provide “Keep Blue Ridge Beautiful Bags” at all its events and at the visitor center.

“We want to encourage people to join us in this movement,” Gribble said. “It is about protecting the natural environment as well as the wildlife. We are giving away milkweed plants to protect fireflies and encouraging people to turn lights out at night so everyone can enjoy the stars in the dark skies that you don’t get near the larger towns and cities.

“We know our area is going to continue to grow. We want to do it in the right way, protecting the very things that attracted people in the first place.”