BY SCHUYLER KROPF (CONTACT)

The Post and Courier

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

The Lowcountry Open Land Trust ranks 2008 as the most productive in its 23-year history, with conservation easements placed on 16 tracts of land throughout coastal South Carolina, adding 18,967 protected acres.

The figure is nearly double the previous record of 10,500 acres, set in 2007.

Will Haynie, executive director of the group, said three reasons behind the record year include available funds from the Charleston County Greenbelt Bank, tax breaks that are set to expire in 2009 and "plain momentum."

The acreage total was most significantly boosted by the addition of a 12,500-acre Brosnan Forest easement in Dorchester County, which was donated by Norfolk Southern Corp. It is considered the single largest corporate gift of conservation in the state's history.

"No subdivisions; imagine that," Haynie said of the Brosnan property between Summerville and St. George. "It will remain one huge tract."

Another large addition included two easements in Jasper County.

The Lowcountry Open Land Trust now conserves 76,546 acres across the Lowcountry, totaling more than 220 properties.

At the group's annual meeting, the land trust paid posthumous tribute to four dedicated conservationists who died during the year: Strachan Donnelley, Margaret Pepper, Rutledge Moore and former trustee Nancy Hawk.

BY THE NUMBERS

Lowcountry Open Land Trust 2008 Conservation Easement Properties by Region:

Focus Area — Easements Added — Acres Added

Charleston Rural — 4 — 474
ACE Basin — 6 — 13,352
Four Holes Swamp — 2 — 136
South Lowcountry — 4 — 5,005
Totals — 16 — 18,967

Reach Schuyler Kropf at 937-5551, or skropf@postandcourier.com.