COLUMBIA - Congaree Land Trust is proud to announce a significant achievement in its 33-year history: the permanent protection of over 100,000 acres of vital land across central South Carolina. This conservation milestone was officially reached with the recent protection of Alston Farm in Sumter County, adding to a legacy of working to safeguard the region's most cherished natural and working lands.
"This achievement is a result of the extraordinary dedication and hard work of our staff, board and volunteers - those with us now and those whose foundational efforts paved the way," said Trip Chavis, immediate past president of CLT's Board of Directors. "Their instrumental contributions have been vital to CLT's success."
Since its beginnings as a volunteer organization in 1992, CLT has grown into a nationally accredited land trust supported by dedicated members. This remarkable growth underscores a deep commitment to preserving the unique landscapes that define central South Carolina. Throughout its history, CLT has partnered with landowners and public land agencies to conserve over 45,000 acres of wetlands, 34,000 acres of forests and 61,000 acres of prime farmland - a critical commitment in the face of the state's rapid development.
"South Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, and it is estimated that nearly 200 acres of agricultural and forested land are lost every day," said CLT Executive Director Stuart White. "The urgency of land conservation has never been greater."
CLT recently celebrated this accomplishment at its springtime Game & Garden Soirée, an event honoring the dedicated landowners, key partners and generous supporters whose collective efforts made this milestone possible. However, the celebration comes with a clear and resolute message: The work is far from over.
"With more than two dozen active conservation projects underway, CLT is accelerating efforts to safeguard the working farms, forests, wetlands and open spaces that define our region and sustain its future," White added. "The protection of these 100,000 acres is a testament to what we can achieve together, but it also serves as a powerful call to action for the critical work ahead."
This work is fundamental to ensuring a vibrant future for the state, protecting areas that fuel South Carolina's natural resource-based economy, provide crucial climate resiliency, sustain clean air and water, and ultimately enhance livability for all residents. This landmark achievement strengthens the foundation for conserving the region's irreplaceable natural heritage and the way of life it supports for generations to come. CLT invites the community to learn more about its vital work and how they can contribute to this mission by visiting www.congareelt.org.
About Congaree Land Trust
The Congaree Land Trust (CLT) is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization committed to conserving the natural and scenic lands of central South Carolina. To date, over 100,000 acres have been conserved, representing 221 individual conservation properties across 15 counties. Conservation easements help protect the natural areas that sustain our state's natural resources, provide clean water and wildlife habitat and define our way of life.