Hobcaw Barony and SCDNR announce partnership for conservation, research, and public access

Hobcaw Barony recently welcomed participants of the South Carolina 7 (SC7) Expedition for a special announcement celebrating a new chapter in conservation and stewardship along South Carolina’s coast.

The Belle W. Baruch Foundation and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) officially announced a ten-year public-private partnership that will open more than 4,000 acres of North Inlet within Hobcaw Barony’s Recreational Shellfish Management Area for sustainable public recreational shellfish harvesting beginning this fall.

The announcement reflects a shared commitment to conserving South Carolina’s natural resources while expanding opportunities for public access, scientific research, and environmental education.

Speaking at the event, SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin emphasized the importance of collaboration in modern conservation efforts. 

“No single organization—not a state agency, not a nonprofit, not a university—can accomplish lasting conservation alone,” Mullikin said. “The challenges facing our coastal resources require collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to protecting these places for future generations.”

The agreement will allow SCDNR and the Belle W. Baruch Foundation to cooperatively manage more than 4,000 acres of intertidal marsh, providing new recreational harvesting opportunities while ensuring the long-term health of the resource through science-based management practices.

Oysters play a critical role in the health of South Carolina’s coastal ecosystems. They naturally filter water, improve water quality, provide habitat for fish and other marine species, help stabilize shorelines, and reduce erosion. Equally important, shellfish harvesting remains a cherished coastal tradition that connects people directly to the natural resources that sustain our communities.

Under the agreement, SCDNR will conduct annual shellfish population assessments, monitor the health of public harvesting areas, and implement restoration efforts when needed. These efforts may include planting recycled oyster shell, enhancing shellfish habitat, and other conservation practices designed to maintain productive oyster beds for future generations.

For Hobcaw Barony, the partnership also creates exciting opportunities for scientific discovery.

During his remarks, George Chastain, Executive Director of the Belle W. Baruch Foundation, reflected on the property’s long history of conservation leadership. He noted that both Bernard M. Baruch and his daughter, Belle W. Baruch, recognized the ecological significance of Hobcaw’s forests, marshes, and waterways long before conservation became widely embraced. Belle pioneered science-based management of the property’s natural resources, establishing a legacy that continues today through research partnerships with South Carolina’s universities and the University of South Carolina’s Baruch Institute.

“This partnership will provide valuable opportunities to better understand how these resources are used and managed,” Chastain said. “It will help identify future research needs while advancing our mission of conservation, education, and scientific discovery.”

The collaboration is expected to support new research projects examining the impacts of recreational shellfish harvesting, coastal resource management, and habitat restoration. It also lays the foundation for future educational programs, volunteer initiatives, and conservation partnerships that will benefit South Carolina’s coastal communities.

Perhaps most importantly, the agreement demonstrates that conservation and public access can work hand in hand when guided by science and supported through strong partnerships.

As Hobcaw Barony continues its mission to preserve one of the nation’s most significant coastal landscapes, this partnership with SCDNR represents an exciting opportunity to connect more people with the natural resources that make South Carolina’s coast so special.

Hobcaw Barony extends its sincere gratitude to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, SC7 participants, our university partners, and all those who helped make this partnership possible. Together, we look forward to advancing conservation, research, and stewardship for generations to come.