But the same railroad that brought
tourists in was hauling logs out, thus contributing
to the destruction of the very
scenery that helped make Asheville an
appealing destination. A desire to preserve
the area’s scenery and clean air moved a
group of mostly local men to form the
Appalachian National Park Association in
1899. Joined by representatives from seven
neighboring states, the association pushed
for the establishment of forest reserves and
national parks in the southern Appalach -
ians to protect the region’s greatest asset,
the land. Directors of the association
included Schenck, estate superintendent
Charles McNamee, and local newspaper
publisher and former state senator Charles
A. Webb.