WETLAND MITIGATION
FAIRLAWN C-1
The Fairlawn C-1 tract is a 1550-acre property located in the heart of the Francis Marion National Forest in Charleston County, SC. Part of the critical 7,000-acre private in-holding in the FMNF, Fairlawn was deemed the highest priority for protection by the US Forest Service and conservationists. The land was purchased for $4.4 million, and improvements consistent with an approved mitigation plan are in process. Upon completion of improvements, plans are to transfer the property to federal ownership for public access and recreation. The investment in Fairlawn will be recovered through wetlands compensatory mitigation funding from the new rail line to the Volvo automobile manufacturing facility, timber sales and other sources.
Charleston County, SC | 1,550 acres
LEWISFIELD
Berkeley County, SC | 593 acres
The Lewisfield tract is an historic 593-acre property long associated with the West Branch of the Cooper River in Berkeley County, SC. Threatened by development, Lewisfield has been a high priority for conservation in the Cooper River Corridor for its cultural, historic, and environmental importance. In collaboration with Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust, the property was purchased for $3.8 million, with the investment to be recovered through wetlands compensatory mitigation funding from the extension of the Berlin G. Myers Parkway in Summerville, SC. Upon completion of mitigation agreement obligations, plans are to transfer title to Lewisfield to an entity that will provide public access and recreation.
RIDGEVILLE
Dorchester County, SC | 326 acres
The Ridgeville tract is a 326-acre property located in Dorchester County, SC. The tract includes both sides of Timothy Creek, a key headwater of Four Holes Swamp, which contains the largest remaining old growth bottomland hardwood forest in North America. Four Holes Swamp sits at the headwaters of the Edisto River, the longest undammed blackwater river in North America and the backup drinking water supply for Charleston. The property sits in the middle of the most threatened portion of a planned “Greenbelt” around the Charleston Metropolitan region. The land was acquired for $1.85 million with plans to recover the investment through wetlands compensatory mitigation from the South Carolina Ports Authority/Wal Mart Distribution Center. Upon completion of mitigation agreement obligations, plans are to transfer title to Dorchester County for public access and recreation, or to a private conservation buyer subject to a conservation easement.