Dorchester County approves $4.125 million greenbelt contribution for 1,644‑acre conservation purchase

Dorchester County council on Feb. 18 authorized a county administrator request to contribute $4,125,000 in greenbelt funds toward the acquisition of 1,644 acres on Old Beach Hill Road near Ridgeville.

County Administrator Jay Ward presented the recommendation and said the landowner agreed to reduce the asking price by roughly $1 million. The South Carolina Conservation Bank has committed $3,100,000 toward the purchase, and the South Carolina Forestry Commission indicated it would contribute the remainder of the purchase price; Forestry Commission staff said the agency will ultimately hold title to the property and manage it to conserve working forest values.

James Douglas, state lands coordinator for the South Carolina Forestry Commission, told the council the property has a conservation easement but that state ownership would provide permanent protection from development. Justin Park of the Open Space Institute and other partners described the site as a strategic opportunity to sustain active forest management and provide recreational and ecological benefits.

Council discussion highlighted potential public uses and benefits: Forestry Commission staff said 25% of revenue generated on the property would be returned to the county for use by the school district, and the property would be open for public recreation. County leaders also discussed potential conservation synergies with nearby publicly owned lands and the possibility of future expansions of conserved acreage in the area.

Council members voted unanimously to approve the greenbelt contribution and proceed with the acquisition as structured with state and nonprofit partners.