Woodlands along two South Carolina rivers, now conserved
June 3, 2019
Nearly 140 acres of natural and scenic woodlands bordered by two major South Carolina rivers surrounded by the U.S. Sumter National Forest are now protected, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Ashley and Williams’ families, Congaree Land Trust (CLT) and the S.C. Conservation Bank.
The 2 Rivers property, located within the Broad River Watershed, features a pine forest ecosystem dotted with hardwood riparian areas along two major South Carolina rivers, the Broad and Sandy Rivers. Now under conservation easement, the land, its surrounding water- and-view sheds, diverse plant and wildlife habitat will be protected in perpetuity. The property joins 8,000+ acres conserved by CLT in Fairfield County.
“Owning land on a river is unique, but owning land with two rivers is really special,” says property owner Harold Williams. “We are excited about preserving the beauty and uniqueness of 2 Rivers forever, always striving to enhance the property.”
2 Rivers is characterized by rich soils supporting a diversity of tree species, agricultural crops and grassland, while the hardwood riparian areas along the two riverbanks are attractive to a variety of migrating duck species, wood ducks, egrets, herons and birds of prey. Millions of migratory birds may find resting habitats here on the journey north, either in the open forest understory or field edges favored by several species of conservation importance. The property also includes a large planted field which is flooded during waterfowl season, creating an impoundment for recreational purposes, as well as a year-round habitat for an abundance of protected species. Along the Broad River are granite outcroppings with many moss and lichen species, both of which are habitats of ecological concern in Fairfield and Chester Counties.
The land and rivers here carry a long history of fishing, gaming and working the land, as well as providing a corridor for travel. According to the 1825 Mills Atlas Map of Fairfield and Chester Districts, 2 Rivers is located near two ferries that crossed the Broad River, transporting agricultural goods to Charleston. After the Great Depression, the land was planted in trees to help stop the erosion and gullies that formed from repeated row crop farming practices. Now the old gullies and spent fields are home to rich oak hickory forests and loblolly pine forests. A working property, 2 Rivers will continue to be utilized for agricultural and timber purposes.
With over 1,500 feet of public road frontage and 6,000+ feet along two river banks, a significant view shed of the property is now conserved. This protected frontage provides ample opportunity for the public to enjoy the property’s scenic value by road or by river, as it was hundreds of years ago and will remain in perpetuity.
Photo Credit: CLT Land Protection Director Mary Crockett
About Congaree Land Trust
The Congaree Land Trust (CLT) was founded in 1992 by seven individuals committed to conserving the natural and scenic lands in central South Carolina. To date, over 76,000 acres have been conserved, representing 170 individual conservation easements across 14 counties. Conservation easements help protect the natural areas that fuel our state’s natural resource-based economy and define our way of life. Learn more: www.congareelt.org or contact Erin Eisele at [email protected]
