ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County is set to boot a local hangout from its spot on the French Broad River because of a forgotten conservation easement, and locals who frequent the river bar and watercraft rental place are fighting back.

In 2016, French Broad Outfitters at Hominy Creek created an outdoor haven with launch and landing points for water excursions, ebike and pedal bike rentals, a bar, food truck and live music on about an acre where the creek meets the river.

But a conservation easement signed by Buncombe County and RiverLink in 2006 was recently found, and the easement for the 11.7-acre site — including the FBO spot — prohibits commercial activity on the property. That means FBO will have to close, RiverLink and Buncombe County officials said. Oct. 15 will be FBO’s last day at Hominy Creek.

“The conservation easement is legally binding, so there’s not wiggle room to make adjustments or negotiations,” Buncombe County Communications and Public Engagement Director Lillian M. Govus said last week via email.

FRENCH BROAD OUTFITTERS FORCED TO CLOSE HOMINY CREEK SPOT

Those who frequent the outdoor spot disagree and plan to take their arguments to Buncombe County commissioners.

Roberta Synal said 10-20 people are expected to address the board during its meeting Tuesday.

“One of us will read a prepared statement for about three minutes, and then others will speak about their experiences and sentiments,” Synal said via email. “It’s only one acre of the 12-acre easement in question and there’s no reason why something can’t be figured out to satisfy both the public and Buncombe County – which represents said public!!”

Synal said several people had written letters to commissioners requesting meetings to discuss the future of French Broad Outfitters.

“At this moment, we haven’t heard anything back from the commissioners,” Synal said.

A petition to save French Broad Outfitters at Hominy Creek has already garnered almost 1,800 signatures.

“Go over any weekend and see the draw to this nirvana: There are bicyclists, frisbee disc golfers, tubers, kayakers, music lovers and a whole, diverse community that co-exists responsibly in this one-of-a-kind place,” Synal said in the email.

“We don’t really know if Buncombe County did enough to research viable options that would include FBO staying where it is and how it is. After all, thousands of people enjoy this well-kept, well-monitored recreational spot, and this small, tax-paying business fulfills so many parts of Asheville’s criteria for economic growth, land conservation, and ensuring that the public has access to outdoors, cultural, and responsible fun.”

Synal said taxpayers should have a say in what happens to the property.

“Above all, we are the taxpayers and we have a say in how are monies are used and for what. There’s a lot of park property in Buncombe County, but only one FBO @ Hominy Creek … It’s a gem well worth holding onto. I would be devastated, along with many others, if this idyllic spot was no longer available,” Synal said.

Commissioners meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday at 200 College St., Suite 326 in downtown Asheville.