Beaufort County backs $2 million for Chelsea conservation easement in neighboring Jasper County

Beaufort County Council on April 13 approved a $2,000,000 contribution to help procure a conservation easement on the Chelsea tract in unincorporated Jasper County, joining a multi‑partner funding package the county described as necessary to permanently protect the property.

The request was first raised in public comment by Grant McClure of the Coastal Conservation League, who thanked the council for considering agenda item 13B, which proposes the $2 million allocation. In committee and during the council discussion, Green Space Advisory Committee chair Mike McShane and project partners outlined a funding structure that includes a $1,500,000 state conservation‑bank contribution and a $5.5 million REPI (Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration) component already in closing, with Jasper County anticipated to contribute $2,000,000.

During council discussion staff and partners described the Chelsea tract as regionally significant for watershed protection and said the combined funds would make the easement acquisition possible. A staff speaker (speaker 32) enumerated partner commitments and described how the Beaufort County contribution would be leveraged by federal and state grants to reach the purchase price.

After questions about how the contribution would be allocated among county quadrants and a request to show partner dollar amounts in backup materials, the council voted and staff reported the motion passed unanimously.

Council members and staff framed the vote as part of a strategic, collaborative approach to land conservation across county lines; partners said the protection would safeguard water quality and regional habitat.