A narrow, idyllic stretch of the Black River surrounded by ancient bald cypress trees near Georgetown is now protected from encroachment with a purchase by The Nature Conservancy.
The 440-acre purchase of mature bottomland forest adds to the conservancy's current 1,296 acres along the adjacent side of the river. It marks the first addition to the Black River property in almost 25 years.
Intensive development wasn't threatening the area, said Maria Whitehead, project director for the Winyah Bay and Pee Dee River Basin, but the purchase guarantees the tract will be managed as an old-growth forest. The conservancy's staff scientists and partners will use the area for future research while working to maintain and improve its condition.
The added protection will also enhance and preserve water quality in the area, said Eric Krueger, director of science and stewardship for the conservancy.
"Land protection within this watershed will help recharge groundwater, control flooding and filter nutrient and sediment run-off," Krueger said. "This will improve water quality and habitat for people, wildlife and even our oyster restoration project 20 miles downstream in Winyah Bay."
The stretch of the Black River now protected by the conservancy is frequently used by kayakers and anglers, Whitehead said, and the group encourages the public to continue using the property.
On the Black River, the water moves slowly and the surrounding area often features wild turkeys, wood ducks, yellow-bellied sliders and the occasional American alligator, Whitehead said.
"The river corridor here is one of the most beautiful and unique sections of the Black River because of the remnant ancient cypress trees," she said.
Funds to purchase the property came from Phase II of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service North Conservation Act grant awarded to the conservancy. Acquiring this particular property was an 18-month process beginning with the initial submission of the grant and ending with the recent closing of the transaction.
"It is rare when we are provided the opportunity to expand a conservancy preserve and we were so grateful to have the support of NAWCA in making this addition a reality," said Ryan Olson, assistant director of land protection. "Finally, we could not have asked to work with more professional sellers, where all parties fully supported a conservation outcome for the property."
The Nature Conservancy is a U.S.-based, international organization with approximately 4,000 employees in 34 countries. The organization's mission is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on earth by protecting the lands and waters that they need to survive.
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