12th Annual Finalist – Environment. In 2003, the widening of US Highway 421 from Winston-Salem to Boone and it’s realignment with the Blue Ridge Parkway at Deep Gap was completed.

NC DOT, unfortunately, did not make adequate allowances for managing the water runoff at the highway’s boundary intersection with Critcher Farms. Over the last 10 years and even until today, this once pastoral landscape has eroded into a chasm of canyon proportions – almost beyond repair.

All local remembrances are of a once high scenic quality unblemished landscape of a well-managed cattle farm.

This photograph is a long exposure panorama of existing conditions. Photograph Copyright Houck Medford, All Rights Reserved.