A coalition of 17 public, private, and non-profit organizations marked a major conservation victory this week with the announcement of the largest conservation easement in South Carolina history. The effort, known as the Pee Dee Basin Initiative, will permanently protect more than 62,000 acres of forestland spanning Georgetown, Marion, and Williamsburg counties.
Governor Henry McMaster joined leaders from the Open Space Institute, Resource Management Service, LLC, and the SC Forestry Commission to herald the landmark project.
Protecting the Woodbasket and Coastal Rivers
The initiative secures a vital portion of the nation’s “woodbasket” by shielding the protected tracts from the intense development pressure associated with South Carolina’s rapidly increasing population, particularly along the coastal plain.
The project, which received nearly million in funding, is designed to safeguard critical habitat for priority plant and animal species along three key coastal rivers: the Black, Pee Dee, and Santee rivers.
Public Access and New Management
Beyond habitat protection, the initiative yields significant recreational and economic benefits. The project ensures new public access to more than 7,500 acres of land for recreation and ecotourism.
Key components of the initiative include:
- An 880-acre fee-simple addition to the Wee Tee State Forest, which will be managed by the SC Forestry Commission.
- The creation of new Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), which will be managed by the SC Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).
The combined effort ensures that this vast tract of forestland will be preserved for environmental health, sustainable economic activity, and future public enjoyment.
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