Environmental group hails largest-ever state conservation project

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — An environmental group is speaking out after a $50 million federal grant secured the largest conservation project in South Carolina's history.

The 62,000-acre swath across Georgetown, Marion and Williamsburg counties will soon be permanently protected, and organizations like Winyah Rivers Alliance say it'll help promote smart timbering and eco-tourism.

"It's a win/win. It's a way to use these natural resources instead of destroying our natural resources," executive director Debra Buffkin said.

For months, organizations including the Open Space Institute, state Department of Natural Resources and the South Carolina Forestry Commission worked on the grant that also includes key waterways like the Black, Pee Dee and Santee rivers.

More than 7,500 acres will be opened to public access, and 115 plant and animal species will have their habitats preserved.

Buffkin, who grew up in Marion County, knows all too well the impacts flooding brings to the area.

"It is an economically challenged area. And I believe it can really bring some growth and some tourism in," she said of the project.

Forestry contributes $23 billion annually to the state's economy, and managing how its materials get processed and produced is key to smart growth, Buffkin said.

"As long as the timbering responsibly, we'd much rather have that than development. Because once you develop, you cause fragmentation of wildlife, you destroy these areas, you increase the chances of flooding," she said.

Another benefit comes in offering more chances for people to get out and explore the outdoors, Buffkin added. Officials say the transaction should be finalized by the end of 2025.

* * *

Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook , and X, formerly Twitter . You can also read more of her work, here .