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Aiken council backs first reading to transfer Shaws Creek Reserve to state forestry agency
Summary
The Aiken City Council unanimously approved first reading to transfer roughly 2,658 acres of Shaws Creek Reserve to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, retaining a conservation easement and aiming to secure public access, reduce city management costs and support a greenway connection.
The Aiken City Council unanimously approved first reading on a proposal to transfer Shaws Creek Reserve — roughly 2,658 acres that include the Mason Branch Reservoir — to the South Carolina Forestry Commission. City staff described the transfer as a way to ensure long-term public access and reduce the city’s cost of managing the large conservation property.
City staff said the city purchased about 2,500 acres in 2020 and placed the property under a conservation easement funded in part by a $1,900,000 grant from the South Carolina Conservation Bank. "The conservation easement runs with the land," the city said, noting that the Aiken Land Conservancy will continue to hold the easement and that restrictions on future uses would remain in place.
Peter Kleinens, executive director of the Aiken Land Conservancy, told council that the Forestry Commission is well suited to own and manage the property and could expand the protected acreage by adding adjacent tracts. "A transfer would reduce the long-term financial burden," Kleinens said, estimating management costs could reach about $260,000 a year for a property of this scale. He also noted the Forestry Commission typically returns 25% of gross proceeds from forestry activities to the local school district.
Staff outlined conditions they would seek in any transfer, including retained city access to the reservoir for maintenance and inspection, restrictions consistent with the conservation easement to protect drinking-water quality, and a restrictive covenant requiring the land be maintained as forest in perpetuity. Leaders also discussed planning a greenway connection from Beverly Clyburn Generations Park to the preserve.
Council voiced broad support and approved the measure on a voice/hand vote. The ordinance is at first reading; staff said the Forestry Commission indicated a potential timeline to complete ownership matters by May 2027 if approved.
Next steps include drafting the transfer documents with the Forestry Commission and continuing coordination with the Aiken Land Conservancy and potential partners to pursue adjacent conservation acquisitions and greenway planning.
