South Carolina Transferred 2,600 Acres for Conservation
The state agency acquired the River Forks property to protect critical wildlife habitats and historic Revolutionary War sites.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Environmental
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The Open Space Institute has transferred 2,600 acres of the River Forks property to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. This land, which includes 11 miles of riverfront, marks the first phase of a broader 7,600-acre conservation effort known as the Snow's Island assemblage.
Why it matters
Securing this land aims to provide essential flood mitigation, water quality improvements, and a protected movement corridor for wildlife. Furthermore, the property holds significant history as a base for General Francis Marion during the Revolutionary War.
The project secured 140 high-priority conservation species and 15 federally or state-listed at-risk species within the 2,600-acre tract. Funding for the acquisition was supported by $3 million from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The players
Open Space Institute
This non-profit organization works to protect land by acquiring properties and transferring them to public or private conservation stewards.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
This state agency is responsible for managing and protecting the state's natural resources, including wildlife and heritage lands.
General Francis Marion
A military officer who served in the American Revolutionary War and famously used the geography of this region for his encampments.
The details
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources plans to incorporate this land into its existing Wildlife Management Area and Heritage Trust programs. The property remains closed to the public while the agency works toward the completion of the full Snow's Island assemblage.
Timeline
The Open Space Institute acquired the River Forks parcel in 2024.
The 2,600-acre transfer was officially announced on October 6, 2026.
The full Snow's Island assemblage transfer is expected in early 2027.
The Big Picture
The acquisition follows a funding model established by the North American Wetlands Conservation Act to support regional habitat preservation. This project shifts the conservation paradigm by prioritizing large-scale landscape connectivity over smaller, fragmented land parcels.
The expansion of state-managed lands will eventually provide the public with new areas for recreation and outdoor activities. These conservation efforts also ensure long-term regional flood mitigation and protection for local water sources.
The takeaway
Large-scale land assemblies act as critical buffers for both historical preservation and biodiversity. Residents can look forward to the eventual opening of these protected areas for public use as the state concludes the full acquisition project.
What happens next
The full Snow's Island Assemblage property is scheduled to be transferred to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources in early 2027.
Further reading
For broader context on state conservation efforts, visit the Environmental section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MyrtleBeachSC news.
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