BREVARD, N.C. — The entirety of South Carolina’s highest peak, Sassafras Mountain, will now be protected from development, thanks to the planned sell of an 8,000 tract on the North Carolina side to a conservancy group.

Former U.S. Rep. Charles Taylor, R – N.C., is selling the land, which runs along the South Carolina border, in a $33 deal with the Carolina Mountain Conservancy and the Conservation Fund.

Announcement of the sale marks the groups’ acquisition of the largest privately-owned bock of wilderness remaining in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, according to officials.

While the South Carolina side of the peak was already protected, there was concerns that Taylor’s portion could be developed and obstruct the 360-degree view of the peak, which reaches 3,560 feet.

“The Taylor family has offered the opportunity to add another jewel to the crown of conserved land in Western North Carolina,” said Kieran Roe, executive director of CMLC.

Taylor, who is chairman of Champion Cattle and Tree Farmers, acquired the East Fork Headwaters tract in stages, staring in the early 1980s.

“When my wife, my sons and I began to talk about what we wanted to see happen to the property, it became clear that conserving it for the public was an idea we all supported,” he said.

The land is bounded by the state line for more than 8 miles and includes 9 miles of the Foothills Trail.

Local conservationist Wes Cooler called the plans for the sale “a great day for natural resources and land conservation in the Carolina mountains.”

“In my humble opinion, the importance of this ranks right up there with the protection of the Jocassee Gorges for the region,” he said.

If the acquisition becomes a reality, the project will open up more than 50 miles of streams teaming with rainbow, brown and brook trout, according to Roe.

Taylor’s son, Owen Taylor said he and his siblings grew up hiking along the waterfalls and fishing in the mountain streams on the property.

“By working with the conservation groups, we hope that our children and future generations will continue to have access to the land while opening it up to wider public enjoyment and protecting the water supplies for long-term community benefit,” he said.

The property is currently under contract by the groups for $33 million, which they say represents a gift of 40 percent to 50 percent of its recently appraised value.

A North Carolina couple, Fred and Alice Stanback has expressed an interest in supporting the purchase with a lead gift, and the groups are also raising other private contributions, according to Roe.

CMLC officials have submitted a grant proposal to the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund, asking for $5.38 million.

Roe said he is confident that the money will come through for the purchase and expects the deal to become finalized by the end of the year with a $3 million payment.