Last year, thousands of acres of land that had been slated for development were permanently protected, paving the way for a new state forest to be created near the Beaufort and Jasper county border.
The 2,700-acre Chelsea Plantation tract will open to the public soon under management by the South Carolina Forestry Commission, after being purchased from developers last year by The Nature Conservancy.
What was once land that would be dotted with thousands of homes, will soon become the new Chelsea State Forest.
“Chelsea’s fate was one of this region’s major tipping points for the future of its wildlife habitat, historical character, and water quality,” said Dale Threatt-Taylor, executive director, TNC-SC, when the land was purchased last year.
“Developing Chelsea would have ushered in a new era of expansion in an already fast-growing region. We weren’t willing to leave it to chance.”
The purchase of Chelsea secured more than seven miles of frontage along Hazzard Creek, which drains into the Broad River and is part of Port Royal Sound watershed. The water frontage also acts as a critical saltwater marsh migration corridor that will help the area adapt to future ecosystem changes and protect the water quality in Port Royal Sound. Additionally, the property expands an existing corridor of protected longleaf pine forests, which are vital for game and non-game wildlife.
The property was highly targeted for development, due to its prime location in the US Highway 278 corridor that connects Hilton Head to I-95 and significant developable water frontage. Residents of the small communities that dot the area and citizens of nearby Beaufort County were largely against those plans.
“I think it’s a true win for the community to now be able to come out and enjoy this space and enjoy it forever, Director of Conservation for the Open Land Trust Caylor Romines told WTOC last week. “They are going to be able to bring generations out here and tell their kids and grandkids about the fight they had and why it’s worth it to stand up for what you believe in.”
When Chelsea State Forest opens, officials say very little of the landscape will be changed, with the exception of taking down some private property signs and establishing public entrances to the land.
As for a time frame on its opening, the South Carolina Forestry Commission is currently evaluating the property and developing a comprehensive management plan, and an official opening date will be announced once their evaluation is complete.
