This mountain hack site was located on the 11,000 hectare Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area spanning portions of 4 counties in southwest Virginia: Russell, Smyth, Tazewell, and Washington. Typical of the Appalachian Plateau, the habitat is mixed with numerous cliffs and rock outcrops common. Local relief varies from 730 to 1370 meters. The hack tower was erected here just prior to the first and only year of use for this site, 1985. The tower was 5 m tall and positioned on a knoll facing northwest at an elevation of approximately 1200 meters. It overlooks a long, marshy bowl known as Panther Lick, a little over 6.5 km northwest of the town of Saltville, VA.

This site was one of two that marked the beginning of the mountain reintroduction effort in 1985. Unfortunately, the Clinch Mountain site was plagued with Great Horned Owl problems, which were believed to have lead to the premature disappearance of 3 of the 6 young falcons. Although this area was very near a known historical nest location, it was agreed that the owl problems were enough to discontinue use of the site for future releases.

List of Hack Attendants

Jeff Sabol
Karen Simmons