Florence County Marks Historic Conservation Easement

News Summary

Florence County has achieved a significant milestone with the conservation of 3,708 acres of Witherspoon Island, marking the largest easement in Pee Dee Land Trust history. This effort, led by the Howard family, underscores the importance of balancing development and environmental preservation. The Pee Dee Land Trust aims to secure even more conservation easements in the coming decades to protect the region’s natural and historical treasures.

Florence County Celebrates a Milestone in Conservation with 3,708 Acres of Witherspoon Island

In a significant win for both nature lovers and history buffs, Florence County is buzzing with excitement over the recent announcement of the largest conservation easement in the history of the Pee Dee Land Trust. How large, you ask? A whopping 3,708 acres of picturesque Witherspoon Island in Darlington County has officially been preserved, marking a new chapter for conservation efforts in the region.

The Howard Family Legacy

At the heart of this monumental achievement are the Howard brothers, Chase and Charles, who repurchased Witherspoon Island in early 2024. This isn’t just a business move for the Howards; it’s a family affair. The island has deep roots in their heritage, as their great-grandfather originally purchased the land back in 1904. Can you imagine the stories that island could tell? In 1995, more than 3,000 acres of it were sold to Sonoco, but now, thanks to the Howards, the island is back home.

A Piece of History

Witherspoon Island isn’t just any piece of real estate—it’s a slice of history, nestled along the scenic Great Pee Dee River. Over the years, the land has served various purposes, including farming and timber management, showcasing its rich agricultural background. By preserving this land through a conservation easement, the Pee Dee Land Trust is making sure that the island remains not only a natural habitat but also a part of Florence County’s storied past.

Pee Dee Land Trust’s Mission

Established in 1998, the Pee Dee Land Trust has been a tireless advocate for preserving natural landscapes across the region. With the addition of Witherspoon Island, the trust has now established 112 conservation easements, safeguarding an impressive 47,052 acres throughout 11 counties in the Pee Dee Watershed. The organization has big dreams for the future, aiming to secure conservation easements on 80,000 to 100,000 acres by the year 2050. It’s a bold vision that takes into account the environmental changes and growing industrial projects in the area.

Conservation vs. Development

Speaking of industrial projects, Florence County has been experiencing rapid growth, putting both natural resources and historical sites at risk. The recent zoning debates, especially concerning the Backswamp community, have highlighted the tension between development and conservation efforts. In a controversial move, the Florence County Council green-lit a project near the Florence Buc-ee’s despite local objections, revealing the ongoing tug-of-war between the need for growth and the desire to protect beloved natural areas.

This type of development really underscores the importance of conservation easements. As more companies like AESC battery plant and Amazon set up shop in the area, it becomes even more critical to maintain careful stewardship over the land. The community’s concerns have been undeniably valid; after all, preserving the beauty and resources of Florence isn’t just an environmental issue, but a cultural one too.

Community Support for Conservation

As the Pee Dee Land Trust celebrates this landmark conservation easement, it’s essential for local communities to rally together in support of efforts to protect their environment. Conservation easements not only allow landowners to retain the rights to farm and engage in outdoor activities like hunting and fishing, but they also ensure that future generations can experience the natural beauty and historical richness that Florence County has to offer.

If you’re looking for a way to get involved, consider learning more about local conservation efforts and how you can help. Because at the end of the day, preserving places like Witherspoon Island is a treasure that we all can cherish and protect.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Pee Dee Land Trust Secures Largest Conservation Easement
Johnsonville Celebrates Conservation of Snow’s Island
Florence Honors Howard Brothers as Business Persons of the Year at Annual Luncheon

Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Pee Dee Land Trust Conservation Easements
• Columbia Business Report: Largest Land Conservation Effort
• Upper Michigan’s Source: Wisconsin DNR Walleye Research
• WMBF News: 7,600-Acre Land Conservation Project
• Dayton247Now: Historic Land Conservation
• Wikipedia: Conservation Easement
• Google Search: Land Conservation
• Google Scholar: Land Conservation South Carolina
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Conservation
• Google News: Land Conservation Florence County