Charleston Celebrates 35 Years of Environmental Harmony with the ACE Basin Project
Charleston, SC – As we cozy up to the holiday season, there’s something special in the air that goes beyond just the festive lights illuminating our streets. This year, we’re also celebrating a remarkable achievement in land conservation that has stood the test of time: the ACE Basin Project turns 35 years old!
It all started back in the late 1980s when a wave of development threats loomed over the stunning landscapes between Beaufort and Charleston. Local landowners and conservation groups were hit with the realization that their cherished Lowcountry was at risk of becoming just another overdeveloped area, like so many coastal towns that lost their charm. Instead of letting those developments transform their land into yet another cookie-cutter development, a group got together and had a heart-to-heart about saving this unique environment. What they sparked was not just a plan but a movement—a public-private partnership known today as the ACE Basin Project.
The Beginning of a Beautiful Partnership
In 1989, a gamut of stakeholders came together, including willing landowners, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and various conservation organizations. Their goal? To protect the 1.6-million-acre watershed that makes up the ACE Basin—a region still teeming with wildlife and natural beauty, one of the largest undeveloped ecosystems on the East Coast.
Back in the day, the very idea of protecting land for community and environmental benefit was still a bit wild. Conservation easements—those special deals where landowners agree to limit development on their land—were novel back then. Most land protection efforts came from the government scooping up land for public use. But that was all set to change, thanks to the vision of those early pioneers.
A Collective Vision for the Future
Fast forward to 2024 and what once began as a simple goal of saving 30,000 acres has now blossomed into nearly 350,000 acres of protected land. That’s right—thanks to courageous landowners, persistent governmental agencies, and passionate conservationists, the ACE Basin now stands tall as a testament to what can happen when people come together for a common cause.
One key player in this ongoing saga is conservation leader Coy Johnston, who was honored this month for his decades of dedicated service to protecting our beautiful land. This celebration was heartfelt, and with it marking the anniversary of the ACE Basin, it felt like getting a big hug from Mother Nature herself!
Forever a “Last Great Place”
As we look around us today, it’s hard to believe the ACE Basin was ever on the chopping block. With thriving ecosystems supporting a range of threatened and endangered species, it has rightfully earned the affectionate moniker of the “Last Great Place.” It’s not just the wildlife that benefits; the local communities have much to gain—clean water, fresh air, and the chance to celebrate the natural world around them.
And let’s not forget the early champions of the ACE Basin Project: Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley. These visionaries not only donated an easement on their own land but also played a crucial role in rallying their fellow landowners to join the conservation mission. Their foundation continues to support conservation efforts, staying true to the collaborative spirit of the original project.
Looking Ahead
As we embrace the future, it’s clear that the road ahead will require the same teamwork and collaboration that got us here. Engaging a diverse array of voices—from landowners to community members—is essential in ensuring the continued health of our land and communities. After all, modern land conservation is not just about saying “no” to development; it’s about saying “yes” to nurturing our communities and environments for future generations.
This holiday season, as we reflect on the beauty right outside our windows, let’s also celebrate the hard-won victories in environmental protection. Here’s to the ACE Basin and the dreamers who saw beyond what was on the map! Happy 35th anniversary to the last great place!
