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South Carolina Launches Historic 62,000-Acre Conservation Initiative

10/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

South Carolina launched the Pee Dee Basin Initiative, the largest conservation easement in state history, protecting over 62,000 acres in Georgetown, Marion, and Williamsburg counties.
Gov. Henry McMaster announced the initiative to safeguard habitats along the Black, Pee Dee, and Santee rivers.
The plan includes nearly $74 million in funding, public access to over 7,500 acres for recreation and ecotourism, and an 880-acre addition to Wee Tee State Forest.

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Story summary

South Carolina launched the Pee Dee Basin Initiative, the largest conservation easement in state history, protecting over 62,000 acres in Georgetown, Marion, and Williamsburg counties.
Gov. Henry McMaster announced the initiative to safeguard habitats along the Black, Pee Dee, and Santee rivers.
The plan includes nearly $74 million in funding, public access to over 7,500 acres for recreation and ecotourism, and an 880-acre addition to Wee Tee State Forest.