News Summary
A major conservation initiative aims to protect nearly 8,500 acres in Florence County through a public-private partnership. This project is set to boost environmental conservation and expand Francis Marion University’s campus. With financial backing and multidisciplinary collaboration, the initiative highlights the importance of protecting vital natural resources along the Great Pee Dee River, fostering both ecological health and academic growth.
Florence County, SC – A significant conservation initiative has been announced aimed at protecting nearly 8,500 acres of land in Florence County. This public-private partnership involves multiple stakeholders, including the Open Space Institute (OSI), Florence County, Francis Marion University (FMU), the South Carolina Office of Resilience, the South Carolina Conservation Bank, and the Darla Moore Foundation. The Florence County Council has also unanimously approved a funding commitment of $1.55 million for the project, which is set to enhance environmental conservation efforts in the region.
The initiative centers around acquiring the “Duck Ponds” properties, which total approximately 8,460 acres, from Manulife Investment Management. Initially, OSI will hold the land, transferring ownership to FMU by the end of 2025, pending state approvals. This acquisition is expected to significantly bolster FMU’s forestry and environmental sciences programs while preserving vital natural resources along the Great Pee Dee River.
The newly protected land stretches eight miles along the Great Pee Dee River and is vital for various ecological purposes. It aims to safeguard critical wildlife habitats, improve water quality, and provide flood protection, particularly in an area facing rapid development. The significance of the land is underscored by its ecological importance, as flood data has shown its role in mitigating flooding during Hurricane Florence.
The land acquisition will expand FMU’s campus footprint to 9,284 acres, positioning it as the second-largest university campus in South Carolina. This is part of a broader effort that includes another landmark project completed recently: the protection of the Snow’s Island Assemblage. This conservation project encompasses 7,600 acres, comprising the 5,000-acre Snow’s Island and an adjacent 2,600-acre timber tract. It is noted as the largest land conservation effort in the history of Florence County.
The Snow’s Island property holds ecological and historical significance, featuring more than 60 miles of riverfront and diverse habitats, including forested wetlands. It is also historically recognized as a site used by General Francis Marion during the Revolutionary War. The properties will be transferred to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources in 2025, further enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities in the area.
During the recent quarterly meeting of the FMU Board of Trustees, the board approved the budget for the 2025-2026 financial year and named a facility in honor of FMU’s First Lady, highlighting the institution’s commitment to growth and community engagement.
As these initiatives unfold, they signal a strong commitment to environmental protection and the enhancement of academic programs within the region. The collaborative efforts by various organizations underscore the importance of safeguarding natural resources for both current and future generations. The Florence County initiative represents a substantial step forward in the ongoing battle against ecological degradation, providing a sustainable model for land conservation that other areas may look to replicate in the future.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Florence County Unveils Plan
- Wikipedia: Florence County, South Carolina
- Columbia Business Report: Largest Land Conservation Effort
- Google Search: Land Conservation Florence County
- WJLA: Snow’s Island Assemblage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Conservation
- SC Now: FMU and Land Conservation
- Google News: Florence County Land Conservation
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
