Jasper County Council moves to protect Chelsea State Forest site

JASPER COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - Jasper County is moving forward with a plan to better protect and preserve a major Lowcountry property.

Monday night, Jasper County Council approved two million dollars in bonds to purchase a conservation easement for the Chelsea State Forest property. Conservation easements are voluntary, legally binding agreements between a landowner and a land trust.

In the past, WTOC reported some of the Chelsea Plantation property was sold for housing and retail under the Chelsea South Plan. The City of Ridgeland also annexed some of the property for housing. Supporters say adding the conservation easement will protect the remaining 2,672 acres from development.

According to the Lowcountry Land Trust, protecting the property would also protect drinking water resources on the site. Additionally, it would protect wildlife and their habitats. The property also services the nearby military.

“By preserving this land, we permanently protect the air space and ensure our military can continue its missions without interference,” said Lt. Col. Mike Eubanks with Air Station Beaufort.

The Lowcountry Land Trust says Jasper County is only investing two million dollars into a property with a $34-million value. Funding would also come from Beaufort County and the U.S. military.

“Not only do you have a permanent protected property, which brings certainty to the area, the neighborhood, the wildlife resources, the marsh and the river system, but you have public access,” said Lowcountry Land Trust Chief Conservation Officer Kate Parks Schaefer.

Scharfer says the land will be permanently protected due to the public access. She calls the agreement a win-win for military, the economy and the environment.