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SCDNR News

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

September 11, 2024

Media contact: Stephen Fastenau, SCDNR Office of External Affairs, 803-240-4385, fastenaus@dnr.sc.gov.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, along with state, federal and private partners, has acquired more than 10,000 acres in Jasper and Hampton counties, protecting critical plant and animal habitats and expanding public recreation opportunities in the Lowcountry.

The $50 million purchase of the Buckfield and Slater properties establishes what will be known as Coosawhatchie Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area, adding to a large network of such properties throughout the state.

"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."

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

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

"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."

Coosawhatchie HP/WMA consists of upland mixed pine hardwoods, sand ridges, open fields, bottomland hardwoods and waterfowl impoundments. 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. Those include federally at-risk species, including the gopher tortoise, Eastern diamondback rattlesnake and Florida pine snake.

The property also protects more than 8 miles of frontage along the Coosawhatchie River, 3 miles along the Tulifiny River and 25 miles of internal creeks and streams.

Coosawhatchie HP/WMA is open to the public as of Sept. 1. The property will be closed during scheduled hunts. Please reference the current SCDNR laws and regulations guide for applicable hunting and fishing rules.

The Heritage Trust Program was established in 1974 as the first of its kind in the nation. There are currently 78 Heritage Preserves throughout South Carolina, comprising approximately 104,000 acres.

Additional quotes

Nate Berry, Chief Land Protection Officer, Open Space Institute: "The Coosawhatchie project proves the power of partnership. When OSI acquired the first 3,800 acre Slater property, we thought we’d hit a home run. But soon thereafter, the partners came together, and in shorter order we were able to protect a total of 12,300 acres. OSI is proud of the role we played but even more proud of how the region’s conservation organizations and stakeholders collaborated to ensure the best possible outcome for South Carolina’s wildlife and people."

David Bishop, Coastal and Midlands Conservation Director, The Nature Conservancy in South Carolina: "The permanent protection of these properties is significant because it is home to rare are charismatic species like the gopher tortoise and diamondback rattlesnake, 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."

Raleigh West, Director, South Carolina Conservation Bank: "This scale of landscape protection with public access simply isn’t possible without partnerships. I commend the organizations here today who worked so hard to acquire and assemble these individual properties into one and our Department of Natural Resources for making the commitment to steward this property into the future."

$50 million funding breakdown for Buckfield and Slater acquisitions:

  • $32.5 million - State appropriations
  • $9.46 million - U.S. Forest Service Forest Legacy Program
  • $6.04 million - SCDNR Heritage Trust Program
  • $1 million – S.C. Conservation Bank
  • $475,000 - SCDNR timber revenue
  • $475,000 – SCDNR deer revenue
  • $50,000 – The Nature Conservancy