They were wanting to expand and use for thier festival and on goings. Either way it is great to see something like this that is not in someones backyard but on a major drive through for all to see and welcome.

The county did vote to pay that 100K towards the purchase of ten acres with a price tag of 1.4 million for ten acres.

(link...)

The Smoky Mountain Convention and Visitors Bureau Board and the Blount County Financial Management Committee have recommended that this $100,000 be applied toward the $1.4 million purchase of a 10-acre tract adjoining the Townsend Visitors Center. The money would provide a two-year option toward purchase of the property.

IF this is the same land, with the conservation easement in the hands of the FLC the land can still be sold but can never be developed. Right?

The farm in Townsend for which development rights have been given to the Foothills Land Conservancy is not the property next to the visitors center.

When a property owner gives development rights to the FLC, it is permanent. FLC is bound to honor and even protect in court the restrictions they agree to when they accept the development rights. It is different from using deed restrictions to protect property.