More than 10,000 acres in Jasper and Hampton counties have been procured to protect 68 critical plant and animal habitats in the Palmetto State.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources says they, along with state, federal, and private partners, have purchased the Buckfield and Slater properties for $50 million for what will be known as the Coosawhatchie Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area. The land will add to the 13,100 acres of adjoining and nearby land already protected by public and private entities.
Among the wildlife on the newly purchased land are federally at-risk species, including the gopher tortoise, Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, and Florida pine snake.
In total, SCDNR manages and protects 56,000 acres. This newest land purchase 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 funding secured by state and federal lawmakers.
Gov. Henry McMaster praised the expansion of protected land, saying, “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.”
As of Sept. 1, the Coosawhatchie HP/WMA is open to the public and will be closed only during scheduled hunts.
There are currently 78 Heritage Preserves across South Carolina totaling around 104,000 acres.