Banner year for conservation

The Lowcountry Open Land Trust led the way last year in assuring that future generations will know a diverse coastal landscape of farmlands, wetlands and woodlands.

In 2008, the trust protected 16 tracts of land totaling 18,967 acres through conservation easements — more than in any prior year. Since the Lowcountry Open Land Trust was established 23 years ago, it has protected 76,546 acres. This is very good news environmentally, esthetically, financially and culturally.

Executive Director Will Haynie said one reason for the banner year was the support provided by the Charleston County Greenbelt Bank, which is funded from the county's half-cent sales tax. Indeed, of the Greenbelt Bank's 2,456 rural acres protected in 2008, 934 were conserved in partnership with the Lowcountry Open Land Trust.

The Greenbelt Bank also helped the Edisto Island Open Land Trust to protect 645 acres during 2008 and helped the local Nature Conservancy protect 813 of the 6,900 acres it put under easement last year. The Greenbelt Bank is directed by a citizens' board, whose recommendations are approved by Charleston County Council. The Greenbelt Bank is more important than ever because the state Legislature stripped money from the state Conservation Bank, which is designed to function statewide much as the Greenbelt Bank does in Charleston County.

The future of the Conservation Bank, which is supposed to be funded by a percentage of real estate transfer fees, remains uncertain. While the bank has ardent supporters, it is up against stiff competition for dollars in tight budget times. Those who would sacrifice the Conservation Bank for other programs should see how successful efforts have been in the coastal area and recommit to its funding.

Among the 2008 Lowcountry Open Land Trust successes was protection of property at Bacon's Bridge. The easement preserves a key component of the Ashley River Historic District and will provide an important park site for Dorchester County.

One of the Trust's most significant conservation easements was a donation — the 12,500-acre Brownan Forest in Dorchester County, given by Norfolk Southern Corp. That gift is considered the largest corporate conservation donation in S.C. history.

Also in 2008, the Edisto Island Open Land Trust protected the 505-acre Paradise Shrimp Farm, and the Nature Conservancy helped Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission purchase more than 800 acres near McClellanville for a rural park.

Coastal South Carolina, with its extraordinary natural assets, is a magnet for development. It is imperative that those assets are protected, and the Lowcountry Open Land Trust and its counterparts are to be commended for a record-breaking year toward that goal.