Over 4,400 Acres of Lowcountry Land Now Shielded by Nature Conservancy
YEMASSEE, South Carolina – Step aside, real estate developers! More than 4,400 acres of prime land in the Lowcountry are now under the protective wing of the Nature Conservancy, following the recent acquisition of Gregorie Neck Road in Yemassee. These beautiful acres will have their natural splendor guarded against excessive development, thanks to a Conservation Easement.
The ‘Purchase Protect and Sell’ Plan
This operation is part of what the Nature Conservancy refers to as their ‘Purchase Protect and Sell’ approach. In this scheme, the non-profit organization buys large swathes of land to preserve its natural assets. Next, they apply a protective easement on it to limit development, then offer it up for sale to private landowners who understand that large-scale developments and commercial operations are off the table.
Gregorie Neck Road: A High-Value Conservation Land
Gregorie Neck Road may be nestled in the heart of a sought-after development location, but its former landowners had different ideas. With an emphasis on natural preservation over commercial development, they struck a deal with the Nature Conservancy to ensure this prized chunk of the South Carolina landscape maintains its pristine, untouched feel.
Nature Preservation in Full Swing
Once the Conservancy got their hands on the land, they hit the ground running on their continued mission to preserve it. Dale Threatt-Taylor, Executive Director, said, “We not only secured this land, but we’ve ensured that it’s permanently safeguarded. That means no sprawling housing projects and congestion here – this area is now set aside for nature, permanently.”
Enforcing the Easement & Upholding Nature’s Value
As the Conservation Easement comes into action, it will be integrated into the deeds of each segregated property when sold. And to ensure it’s upheld, there’s a partnership with the Department of the Navy and Open Land Trust at play. The Nature Conservancy can’t help but beam with pride, noting that this is a massive leap forward for nature preservation in South Carolina.
Despite being hot property, these 4,400 acres of Lowcountry are taking a different path. In a rapidly changing world, this significant move by the Nature Conservancy reinforces the role and value of preservation. After all, the best storyteller of our past, present, and future is the land beneath our feet, and preserving it allows us to turn the page each day with respect and admiration for the world’s best story ever told – nature.
