South Carolina Secured 2,600 Acres for Conservation
The state acquired land along two major rivers to preserve a critical wildlife corridor and historic site.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Environmental
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The Open Space Institute has transferred 2,600 acres of the River Forks property to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. This land, which includes 11 miles of riverfront, represents the first phase of a larger 7,600-acre conservation project.
Why it matters
The acquisition secures a significant wildlife corridor and provides flood mitigation and water quality benefits for the state. The site is also historically significant as an encampment for General Francis Marion during the Revolutionary War.
The property contains 140 species identified as high conservation priorities, including 15 species currently listed as at risk of extinction. The transfer was supported by $3 million in funding via the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.
The players
Open Space Institute
A land conservation organization that identifies, acquires, and manages critical natural landscapes for public protection.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
The state agency responsible for managing, protecting, and conserving the natural resources of South Carolina.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
A federal agency that manages wildlife and habitat, providing funding for conservation initiatives like the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.
The details
The Open Space Institute acquired the River Forks parcel from Weyerhauser in 2024 before transferring the title to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The area spans the confluence of the Great Pee Dee and Lynches Rivers, creating a natural habitat bridge. The state plans to integrate this acreage into its existing Wildlife Management Area and Heritage Trust programs to oversee ecological maintenance.
Timeline
2024: Open Space Institute acquired the River Forks parcel.
October 6, 2026: The transfer of 2,600 acres was announced.
Early 2027: The transfer of the full Snow's Island assemblage is expected.
The Tech Race
This project represents a strategic effort to consolidate fragmented habitats into a larger, contiguous conservation zone. It follows the structural precedents set by the North American Wetlands Conservation Act to protect critical biological corridors.
While the site is currently closed to the public, the acquisition ensures long-term flood mitigation and water quality protection for the surrounding region. Residents should monitor the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website for future updates on potential public access or recreational opportunities.
The takeaway
The state is prioritizing landscape-scale conservation to address regional flood risks and biodiversity loss. Observers should track the status of the Heritage Trust program enrollment expected in 2027 to see how the state integrates the final portion of the 7,600-acre site.
What happens next
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources anticipates the transfer of the remaining Snow's Island Assemblage property by early 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local preservation efforts in our Environmental section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MyrtleBeachSC news.
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