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#05-273 December 19, 2005

DNR protects significant habitat in South Carolina's special places

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources Habitat Protection Section protected 10 different properties during the fiscal year, comprising 18,137 acres.

The Habitat Protection Section, created in fall 2004, was established to work across division lines and coordinate all land protection efforts involving the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Heritage Trust Program and Scenic Rivers Program were integrated into a Habitat Protection Section under DNR's Land, Water and Conservation Division. The section also coordinates the statewide Focus Area Initiative and the Forest Legacy Program.

During the fiscal year, nine different properties were acquired through fee simple acquisitions and another involved the purchase of a conservation easement. The properties, located in seven different counties, were acquired using a variety of local, state and federal funds. Partnering with other conservation entities proved essential in safeguarding these areas.

Lands acquired during the fiscal year included three barrier islands in the ACE Basin known as North Williman Island and Buzzard Island in Beaufort County and Pine Island in Colleton County. Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve in Lexington County was expanded to help shelter the largest sandstone outcrops in the state. Property along Turkey Creek in York County was obtained for wildlife management as was additional land adjoining the Edisto River in Dorchester County. A third parcel at Bonneau Ferry in Berkeley County was acquired to enhance wildlife habitat. Two properties adjoining Jocassee Gorges were purchased in Pickens County, including the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina at 3,554 feet.

Besides land acquisitions, DNR purchased a conservation easement on property adjoining the Cooper River in Berkeley County. The easement will protect water quality and augment management of DNR lands in the area.

The state's Habitat Protection program is protecting the parts of South Carolina's heritage that make the Palmetto State a unique and enjoyable place to live. These properties will be available for the education and enjoyment of current and future generations. Heritage Trust is South Carolina's oldest habitat protection program with a dedicated source of funds for property acquisition. Currently, 69 preserves protect more than 81,000 acres statewide. Twenty-four preserves are available for public hunting as part of the DNR Wildlife Management Area program, which includes 46 different areas comprising more than one million acres.

For more information on state heritage preserves or wildlife management areas, write DNR, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202; call (803) 734-3886 in Columbia. Find out more about DNR managed lands at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/managed/index.html?

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