SCDNR acquires 10,570 acres to protect critical habitat, public recreation

JASPER AND HAMPTON COUNTIES, S.C. (WSAV)—The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and other partners have acquired more than 10,000 acres in Jasper and Hampton counties.

The 10,570 acres will be used to protect critical plant and animal habitats while also expanding public recreation opportunities in the Lowcountry. The SCDNR said that there are opportunities for hiking, bird watching, nature photography, hunting and fishing on this new property.

The SCDNR said that the $50 million purchase of the Buckfield and Slater properties establishes what will be known as Coosawhatchie Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

In total, 10,570 acres are protected and make up the property, with an additional 1,992 acres pending, the SCDNR said. Another 13,100 acres of adjoining and nearby land is already protected by public and private entities.

The property acquisition was a joint effort of the Open Space Institute Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy in South Carolina (NCSC), the S.C. Conservation Bank and SCDNR’s Heritage Trust Program, along with help from state and federal lawmakers in securing funding, the SCNDR said.

“This is another huge victory for conservation in South Carolina and a tribute to the invaluable partnerships that have helped protect Coosawhatchie Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management area for generations to come,” SCDNR Director Robert Boyles said. “I am proud that over the last five years SCDNR, with the strong support of our devoted partners, has protected or is in the process of protecting 56,000 acres owned and managed by the agency. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the perpetual stewardship of this precious public resource.”

There are approximately 68 priority plant and animal species identified in South Carolina’s State Wildlife Action Plan that are known or expected to be found on the property, according to SCDNR. Those include federally at-risk species, including the gopher tortoise, Eastern diamondback rattlesnake and Florida pine snake.

“The permanent protection of these properties is significant because it is home to rare are charismatic species like the gopher tortoise and diamondback rattlesnake,” the NCSC Coastal and Midlands Conservation Director David Bishop said, “but even more important is the larger network it creates by linking other protected properties. We’re pleased that this special place will be open for the public to appreciate.”

The SCDNR said that the Coosawhatchie HP/WMA consists of upland mixed pine hardwoods, sand ridges, open fields, bottomland hardwoods and waterfowl impoundments. The property also protects more than eight miles of frontage along the Coosawhatchie River, three miles along the Tulifiny River and 25 miles of internal creeks and streams.

“This is yet another significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to protect our state’s most precious natural resources,” Gov. Henry McMaster said. “By prioritizing conservation, we are not only protecting our environment and wildlife but enhancing our quality of life by ensuring these beautiful landscapes are not lost to overdevelopment but preserved for future generations to enjoy.”

The property will be closed during scheduled hunts. Please reference the current SCDNR laws and regulations guide for applicable hunting and fishing rules.