$1.09 million awarded to Lowcountry Conservation Projects
October 29, 2024
Lowcountry Land Trust announced the first-ever projects funded by the Dorchester County Greenbelt Program: the Barry Tract and Young’s Farm. These two vital conservation efforts will help safeguard Dorchester County’s natural and agricultural landscapes for the benefit of the public. Additionally, the simultaneous funding ($1.09 million) of these two projects highlights different methods by which land conservation provides significant public benefit–through future public lands that will include public access and through protected private lands that will continue to preserve water quality, scenery, and wildlife across property boundaries for the benefit of all. This work is part of broader efforts by which Lowcountry Land Trust has protected 17,450 acres across Dorchester County and 2,047 acres within the Ashley River watershed.
“The Barry Tract and Young’s Farm projects showcase the diverse tools and methods we use to protect the Lowcountry’s landscapes,” said David Ray, Chief Conservation Officer at Lowcountry Land Trust. “These funding decisions by the Dorchester County Greenbelt Program exemplify how public land acquisition and private conservation easements together make up a larger protected landscape that serves the greater good of our community.”
The Barry Tract (pictured above), a 67-acre property that Lowcountry Land Trust secured the opportunity to protect in January 2024, is anticipated to become a Dorchester County public park. It lies along the historic Ashley River Road National Scenic Byway and would offer residents and visitors access to the Ashley River—a designated State Scenic River. The tract’s rich and diverse landscape, featuring woodlands, wetlands, tidal streams, and trails, makes it an invaluable ecological and recreational asset. Additionally, the site holds archaeological significance, with artifacts dating back to the early 1700s that contribute to the historical importance of the Ashley River Historic District.
Young’s Farm, a 225-acre privately owned property, will be protected through a conservation easement, ensuring that while it remains privately held, it contributes to the region’s conservation goals. This easement will help encourage continued agricultural production on the property, maintain the area’s rural character, protect the recent county investment in restoring the adjacent Polk Swamp, and safeguard water quality and wildlife habitat.
“Today, we celebrate Dorchester County’s renewed commitment to funding conservation,” added Ray. “We look forward to announcing the completion of these projects and highlighting the contributions of all the state, federal, and private funders and community members that are partnering to protect these lands.”
“We are proud of the collaborative efforts that continue to prioritize our greenbelt initiatives. The Barry Tract and Young’s Farm are prime examples of how we can balance public access to our natural spaces while also preserving the character and ecological integrity of privately owned lands,” said Mr. David Chinnis, Vice-Chairman of the Dorchester County Council. “By investing in these vital conservation projects, we are ensuring that future generations will experience the beauty and history of Dorchester County just as we do today. This is an investment in both our environment and our community’s legacy.”
By investing greenbelt funding in both the Barry Tract and Young’s Farm, Lowcountry Land Trust and Dorchester County are advancing the conservation of the Lowcountry’s cherished landscapes, ensuring that both public enjoyment and private stewardship endure for the benefit of generations to come.
