2,800-acre Pocotaligo Station State Forest designated in Lowcountry

YEMASSEE, S.C. (WTOC) - More than 2,800 acres in the Lowcountry are now officially protected as the Pocotaligo Station State Forest.

The new state forest spans parts of Beaufort, Hampton and Jasper counties near Yemassee. State leaders and conservation groups gathered along Tulifinny Road in Beaufort County to celebrate the designation and recognize the partners and funding that made it possible.

Officials describe the land as prized and sacred. It will be managed as a working forest, safeguarding wildlife habitat while also offering public recreation. Licensed hunting will be allowed in some areas.

Conservation leaders celebrate protection

Caylor Romines, director of conservation for Open Land Trust, said the land is worth protecting for generations to come.

“We’re on 2,800 acres here outside of Yemassee. And so while it may look like a young forest right now, that’s the beauty of it — this is forever,” Romines said. “So it’s going to become a beautiful, productive forest for us eventually.”

Organizers say more than $25 million went into the effort.

They hope it’s the first of many projects to help wildlife and reduce flood risks for nearby residents.