Landmark Conservation Initiative Led by the Open Space Institute Protects 1,700 Acres in Beaufort County for Clean Water and Recreation
December 11, 2025
In a transformative step for conservation and community, the Open Space Institute (OSI) and Open Land Trust (OLT) are proud to announce the permanent protection of more than 1,700 acres of ecologically vital land at the intersection of three counties and two rivers. This initiative—which will ultimately save nearly 3,000 acres—will create a new state forest in southwest South Carolina, safeguarding vital water resources and cultural heritage for generations to come.
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Florence County Council officially adopted their first Conservation Vision Plan which includes a goal to protect 30% of land through voluntary public aquisitions and conservation easements. SCLTN Land Trusts have been instrumental in supporting this exciting step towards proactive land protection and land use decisions for the future. Read the full story here.
Lowcountry Land Trust is proud to announce the permanent protection of 296 acres in the Town of St. George in Dorchester County, through a conservation easement on the Utsey Tract. Read more at Lowcountry Land Trust→
The American Battlefield Trust today announced the acquisition of an approximately 160-acre property within the footprint of the Battle of Hanging Rock in rural Lancaster County. The property is the sixth parcel acquired to support ongoing protection and interpretation efforts at one of South Carolina’s newest battlefield parks. With this current purchase, the protected acres at the Hanging Rock battlefield now total 330 acres.
