County staff outlines two prospective green-belt purchases along the Ashley River

Dorchester County staff briefed the Conservation and Green Belt Advisory Commission on two prospective green-belt purchases that would expand public access and conserve wetlands along the Ashley River.

Karolina, a county staff member, told the commission the first prospective acquisition — called the Fossil Lake tract — consists of two parcels, one about 145 acres dominated by wetlands and ponds with frontage on the Ashley River and a smaller adjacent parcel. She described a dock, a concrete pad used historically for picnics and camping, and areas suitable for fishing and kayaking. "The first potential project we have is called the fossil lake tract project," Karolina said, and added that the county would next complete an appraisal and a Phase I environmental site assessment (ESA) before seeking additional funding.

The commission was also briefed on three parcels along Old Tower Road totaling about 479 acres (individual parcel sizes cited in the meeting as 78.89, 98.26 and 301.88 acres). Karolina said those parcels include mixed pine and bottomland hardwood forest, established trails, ponds and areas previously used for hunting. An owner estimate put about 30 to 40 acres of usable upland on the largest parcel; other parcels were described with roughly 54 and 59.7 acres of developable upland.

"With both those projects, we would then submit a Green Belt application," Karolina said, adding that the county had asked county council for due-diligence funds to cover appraisals and ESAs. She told the commission staff expects the due-diligence work "probably in about a month or so." Karolina also said the Edisto application had been withdrawn temporarily while the applicant seeks additional funding but that the applicant still intends to resubmit.

Commissioners and staff discussed where the parcels sit in relation to Bob's Lake and the Ashley River Blue Trail; Karolina and staff noted the Ashley River weaves through at least one parcel and that portions could provide water access for kayaking when water levels permit. The presenter said a realtor approached the county on one listing and that staff and Parks personnel had walked the sites with the new councilman who raised the prospect.

On funding, a participant in the meeting stated the county's Green Belt fund balance was "about 20 and a half million". Karolina said the properties' market prices — cited in the meeting as approximately $12 million for the Old Tower Road parcels and a listing price given in the transcript as "2,500" for the Fossil Lake parcels (the unit or scale for that figure was not specified in the transcript) — mean the county would likely rely on a mix of county Green Belt funds, match funding and outside grants. She said staff is exploring a conservation bank, a national wetlands grant and other grant sources to supplement county funds.

At the start of the meeting the commission moved and seconded approval of the April 1 meeting minutes; the chair called the voice vote approved. The commission also heard brief announcements about a Beach Hill tract opening/celebration scheduled in three weeks and set its next meeting for 5:30 p.m. in St. George on Aug. 5. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded, and the chair closed the meeting.

What happens next: Staff said it will complete appraisals and Phase I ESAs and seek funding; if due diligence is favorable and funding identified, staff will submit Green Belt applications to Parks and Recreation for the respective properties.