Lowcountry Land Trust permanently protects critical gap along Savannah River corridor
January 20, 2026
664-acre Garnett Tract strengthens a vast landscape of public and private conserved land in Hampton and Jasper Counties
Lowcountry Land Trust, a nonprofit committed to preserving Lowcountry landscapes and waterways for current and future generations, announced the permanent protection of the Garnett Tract, a 664-acre property located on the Hampton/Jasper county line. With road frontage along both SC Highway 119 and U.S. Highway 321, the Garnett Tract enhances the scenic and ecological value of a highly visible corridor, contributing to a growing network of public and private conserved lands that safeguard natural resources.
The Garnett Tract plays a strategic role in expanding the conservation footprint along the Savannah River corridor by filling a critical ‘donut hole’ of unprotected land. Surrounded on nearly all sides by protected land, including the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ (SCDNR) Palachucola Wildlife Management Area and multiple privately-conserved tracts, its conservation ensures greater landscape connectivity and strengthens the ecological integrity of one of the Lowcountry’s most intact and important conservation areas.
This property is situated in the Savannah drainage area, which supplies drinking water to the expanding Beaufort and Jasper communities, as well as the three military installations. In addition to protecting and enhancing critical wetlands, several areas of the property will be restored from loblolly pine stands to longleaf pine, a high-priority native habitat essential to the region’s biodiversity.
“The protection of the Garnett Tract adds to the significant area of protected lands within the Savannah River corridor,” said Kate Parks Schaefer, chief conservation officer for Lowcountry Land Trust. “By linking state-managed and privately protected properties, this project enhances the resilience of the broader landscape and supports the long-term conservation of South Carolina’s natural resources.”
The Garnett Tract was permanently protected with a conservation easement held by the Lowcountry Land Trust as a part of an approved mitigation plan. The conservation outcome provides a perpetual benefit for the region’s ecological health and connectivity.
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ABOUT LOWCOUNTRY LAND TRUST
Lowcountry Land Trust—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—permanently protects land throughout coastal South Carolina that is foundational to the area’s ecosystem and residents’ quality of life. Having protected over 165,000 acres since 1986, Lowcountry Land Trust is one of the most impactful land trusts in the country. Its work includes the stewardship of privately owned land and iconic public places, such as the future Angel Oak Preserve—a 44-acre passive park and living museum in partnership with the City of Charleston. More information about Lowcountry Land Trust is available at www.lowcountrylandtrust.org.
