Natural Resources Committee expedites green-space reviews, approves conservation funding for Chelsea and Victoria Bluff

The Beaufort County Natural Resources Committee voted to amend green-space procedures to speed time-sensitive applications to county council and approved multiple conservation funding requests at its meeting.

Under the procedural change, green-space applications can move directly from the green-space committee to county council for due diligence and final action, rather than first waiting for the Natural Resources Committee’s next meeting; council would retain the right to remand any application back to the committee. The chair framed the change as an efficiency measure to avoid long gaps between committee meetings.

The committee approved a $2,000,000 county grant to support an Open Land Trust conservation easement on the Chelsea property in Jasper County. Staff explained this $2,000,000 is a traditional county grant separate from a previously authorized $6,000,000 reimbursable grant; staff said the easement value is approximately $11,000,000. Councilmember Passaman moved an amendment to equally apportion the $2,000,000 across the county’s four regions (25% each); that amendment was seconded and approved, and the amended motion passed without objection.

Staff described the Chelsea transaction as resulting in a net county position of roughly $4,000,000 after accounting for the reimbursable portion and noted the conservation outcome includes roughly seven miles of creek protection and preservation of key road frontage. Staff also said the Nature Conservancy will transfer the property to the State Forestry Commission following closing, and that the closing is expected in summer with the State Forestry Commission to prepare a forest management plan that could include public recreational components.

The committee also approved a $7,470,000 county contribution to help secure a conservation easement on the 406-acre Victoria Bluff tract in the Western Region near Bluffton (off U.S. 278). Staff said the tract would remain privately held but provide substantial public benefits by preventing high-density development near the Heritage Preserve. The motion passed with no objection.

Separately, the committee authorized $35,000 for due diligence and negotiation on the Rangers Retreat tracks so staff can return with a recommendation on whether to pursue acquisition. Staff noted the application includes a smaller parcel adjacent to an existing county-owned boat landing and that the work is intended to assess access and values before a final decision.

The committee also scheduled related site visits: a tour of a Southern Region tract and a Green Space meeting in Bluffton.

The ordinances and funding commitments will move to the full county council or follow the standard council approval process as required.