Elevating a nature preserve along the Congaree River to national park status recognizes its importance as an old-growth forest, a wildlife habitat and as an increasingly popular site for nature lovers. Legislation submitted by Sen. Ernest F. Hollings and Rep. James Clyburn has been endorsed by state recreation and park officials and the Department of Natural Resources. It deserves the bipartisan support of South Carolina's congressional delegation.
Designated the Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976, the area includes nearly 30 miles along the north bank of the Congaree River, dividing Richland and Calhoun counties. Its 22,000 acres would be expanded by 4,600 acres toward the Congaree's confluence with the Wateree River if designated as a national park. The property would be purchased from willing sellers only, according to conservationists.
The protected area along the Congaree is among the most visually stunning areas in the state. It possesses one of the highest tree canopies in the world and includes the nation's largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest along the river's floodplain. An estimated 120,000 visit annually to hike, canoe and camp.
"Changing this designation and expanding the wilderness property will increase the prestige and the attraction of the Congaree Swamp," Rep. Clyburn says. "Those of us who have visited this unique forest know it is a national treasure, and this new designation will allow us to share its beauty with an even greater audience."
This forest wilderness has been recognized by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve and as a Globally Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy. It deserves heightened recognition as the state's first national park.
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