Public Information Office
Post Office Drawer 1228
100 Ribaut Road
Beaufort, South Carolina 29901-1228

Marsh Islands Donated to the State

Nine environmentally-sensitive marsh islands located in Beaufort County’s Harbor River and Johnson Creek have been donated to the state for continued protection and preservation.

The islands total approximately 12 acres and include 500 acres of adjacent marshland. They were purchased by the Trust for Public Land at the request of Beaufort County Council through the county’s Rural and Critical land Preservation Program. The S.C. Conservation Bank donated $300,000 toward the total purchase price of 650,000.

Beaufort County Council’s Vice Chairman, Skeet Von Harten, who serves as chairman of the county’s Land Management Committee, said the preservation of marsh islands remains a top priority in order to preserve the beauty, ecosystem and character of Beaufort County. “These islands, when preserved, will serve as a deterrent to the construction of bridges over our marshlands. Additionally, these islands serve as a buffer between the sea and the mainland during hurricanes and tropical storms by absorbing the action of heavy waves and high winds."

In accordance with agreements between TPL, the county and the conservation bank, the islands will be donated to the state park system and will be managed by Hunting Island State Park. Von Harten said this will give county residents the full benefit of the islands’ outdoor amenities without having to bear the costs of preservation and management.

Hunting Island State Park Superintendent Jeff Adkins said, in conjunction with the many programs offered at Hunting Island, the ability of the public to enjoy bird watching and primitive camping will be enhanced. "The addition of these islands to our state park will enable us to broaden the experience of our visitors and protect the view shed from our park overlooking the creek.

TPL Project Manager Russ Marane said the acquisition could not have been accomplished without the positive collaboration of all parties. “Thanks to Beaufort County, Marvin Davant and Charles Lane of the SC Conservation Bank, we were able to preserve these islands and protect them in perpetuity".

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