Purpose
The purposes of the Black Mountain Greenways and Trails Committee are exclusively charitable and educational.
Mission Statement
The Black Mountain Greenways and Trails Committee exists to promote greenways and trails in Black Mountain NC and the surrounding area
Vision Statement
Our vision is abundant greenspace connected by greenways and trails throughout Black Mountain and the surrounding scenic mountains, supporting safe walking, biking, hiking and outdoor activities for a thriving outdoor community of citizens and visitors.The Black Mountain Greenways and Trails Committee shall develop an annual strategic plan of goals, objectives, and activities to guide the committee and its members toward fulfillment of its mission and vision
Membership
Membership in the Black Mountain Greenways & Trails Committee is open to anyone who is interested in promoting, supporting, expanding, and maintaining greenways and trails within the area of Black Mountain.
Members are those who regularly participate in BMGTC’s activities and projects.
Members may also include individuals who represent other community groups or projects with similar interests that support the goals and objectives of the BMGTC.
Founding Committee Members
Julie White
Julie White is a long time advocate for cycling of all types. She has served on the boards of the Black Mountain Greenway Commission, Buncombe County Greenway Commission, and Connect Buncombe. She has served in an advocacy roll for the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, Southern OffRoad Bicycling Association, International Biking Association, and BikeWalk NC.
While she enjoys cycling and hiking of all types her passion is for traveling by bicycle to places that are new to her.
Julia Weatherford
Julia first became interested in greenways in Black Mountain in the 1980s when discovering there was no safe way for her children to ride bikes to school. She served on the ad-hoc Black Mountain Greenways Committee in the 1990s, which formed the original concept that was later adopted as the Black Mountain Greenways Masterplan.
She served as the first Chairman of the newly appointed Black Mountain Greenways Commission. A 2003 60 day bicycle ride from the Atlantic to the Pacific served as inspiration and increased exposure to what is possible when a town prioritizes greenways and walkability.
Ann Lutz
Ann Lutz is a community leader, biker, hiker and gardener. Ann longs to see more greenways, parks, public spaces and outdoor art in Black Mountain.
Ann currently serves on the Black Mountain Greenways Commission regularly attends the Black Mountain Recreation Commission meetings.
Sally Cochran
Sally Cochran has been an advocate and activist in numerous community enhancement efforts. Her particular passion and focus include environmental education for children, food security issues and support of the arts.
For more than 30 years as a ‘professional volunteer’, Sally has worked to bring people and organizations together for the greater good of the community.
Steve Cochran
Steve Cochran has been a long time supporter of environmental imperatives from his early days in scouting and continuing today in retirement. His corporate career and decades as a consultant in regional, national and international sustainable development reflect this commitment.
Steve’s various volunteer positions in Western North Carolina include the Asheville Parks and Greenways Commission, the Clean Air Community Trust and the ‘HUB’ Board for responsible and sustainable regional development.
Jen Billstrom
The co-founder of Velo Girl Rides, Jennifer Billstrom, has been designing cycling routes and leading rides and tours for more than 20 years.
Jen has served on the Black Mountain Greenways Commission and is currently a member of the Executive Committee of the Friends of the Fonta Flora State Trail.
