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Angel Oak draws heavy visitation and earns National Register listing; expansion plans face funding gap
Summary
Staff reported the Angel Oak attracts over 30,000 visitors per month and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in May. Committee members noted a partnership with Lowcountry Land Trust to expand the site but said fundraising falls short of estimated needs.
Romaine, a Special Facilities staff member, told the committee that even with a rainy spring and summer "the tree constantly pulls in over 30,000 people every month." He said the Angel Oak was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in May, a designation from the National Park Service that he said adds protection and public attention.
A council member said the Lowcountry Land Trust and the city are planning an expansion and remodel for the Angel Oak area but that funding is limited: "Their goal ... was to raise $88,000,000, and they raised $10,000,000," the council member said. Romaine answered that his contact with the land trust has been limited and staff did not have final figures on how much of that money would be devoted to Angel Oak or whether it would cover permitting and construction costs. The committee asked staff to share further details when they are available.
