Charleston County, South Carolina — On Monday, the Charleston County Council authorized nearly $5 million in Transportation Sales Tax financing for Greebelt initiatives, claiming that it will conserve more than 1,781 acres across the county.
“The Greenbelt Program remains one of Charleston County’s greatest success stories, protecting the natural landscapes that define our region while expanding opportunities for residents to enjoy them,” Charleston County Council Chairman Kylon Middleton stated. “With every acre we preserve, we strengthen our quality of life today and safeguard the beauty and character of the Lowcountry for generations to come.”
County authorities stated that the ten approved projects will maintain green space, alleviate flooding, and protect natural resources. The Charleston County Greenbelt Program was established in 2004 and is supported through the Transportation Sales Tax.
Montgomery Tract Rural Conservation Easement in McClellanville.
The county awarded $460,000 in Greenbelt monies to conserve 311.8 acres off Rutledge Road, which were matched by $1,064,000 from the applicant. The easement strengthens conservation efforts in the Santee Basin and connects to other protected properties, resulting in a larger wildlife corridor and scenic entryway into Charleston County. Applicant: Lowcountry Land Trust.
Atlantic Creosote II Conservation Easement in McClellanville
This project protects 1,129 acres along Highway 17 and Rutledge Road with $922,500 in Greenbelt financing and a $2,477,500 contribution. The land borders the 1,445-acre Atlantic Creosote Tract in Francis Marion National Forest, extending an existing wildlife corridor. Applicant: Lowcountry Land Trust.
Palmetto Terrace Park, Ravenel.
The county approved $276,600 to assist the town buy 23.9 acres on Glifton Road, with a $76,800 match. Plans include quiet natural spaces, a picnic shelter, pervious parking, and a boardwalk through a freshwater marsh. The boardwalk will also link future affordable housing to the park. Town of Ravenel is the applicant.
Betsy Kerrison Nature Trail Phase V on Johns Island.
The final 10.7-acre lot needed for the Betsy Kerrison Nature Trail project will be purchased using $1,614,150 in Greenbelt funding and a $2,468,000 match. The parcel will function as a natural buffer, with low-impact walking pathways and public access. Applicant: Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy.
Edisto Island Museum’s Rural Conservation Easement
A 9.6-acre parcel along Highway 174 near the Edisto Island Museum will be protected with $85,000 in Greenbelt funds and a $117,000 match. The easement restricts development while supporting new public-access infrastructure. Applicant: Edisto Island Open Land Trust.
Small Springs Scenic Buffer on Edisto Island.
The county granted $55,000 to help save 1.5 acres along Highway 174, which was matched by $28,250. The site will act as a picturesque buffer along the National picturesque Byway and may provide future public access through the Edisto Island Historic Preservation Society. Applicant: Edisto Island Open Land Trust.
Macxy Farm Nature Preserve on Edisto Island.
A 51.7-acre tract on Highway 174 will get $994,550 in Greenbelt money, with a $755,450 match. Approximately 70% of the land will be open to the public for trails, environmental education, and meeting areas. The remaining funds will go toward sustainable agriculture for local and beginning farmers. Applicant: Edisto Island Open Land Trust.
Cedar Hall Scenic Buffer on Edisto Island.
The program provided $65,000 to conserve 3.1 acres along Highway 174, with a $33,171 match. The project completes the protection of a live oak tunnel and supplements other Greenbelt-funded parcels, such as the Keef-Kinlaw Scenic Buffer and Keefe Farm Conservation Easement. Applicant: Edisto Island Open Land Trust.
Polk Flynn Rural Conservation Easement, Adams Run.
A 136.7-acre property along Highway 174 and Old Jacksonboro Road will be preserved with $340,000 in Greenbelt money and a $635,000 commitment to prevent future residential development. Applicant: Edisto Island Open Land Trust.
Preachers Pond Rural Conservation Easement in Adams Run
The county granted $145,000 to conserve 103.1 acres off Preacher Road, which was matched by $225,000. The site borders the Be Haven Conservation Easement, which is also financed by the Greenbelt Program. Applicant: Edisto Island Open Land Trust.
