McMaster, leaders celebrate 7,600-acre land conservation project in Pee Dee

FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) – South Carolina’s governor and other state and conservation leaders were in Florence County to celebrate the protection of the Snow’s Island Assemblage.

The 7,600-acre land conservation project is located at the confluence of the Lynches and Great Pee Dee Rivers.

The newly protected land includes both Snow’s Island and an adjacent timber tract, which were both acquired by the Open Space Institute. The two properties together are known as the “Snow’s Island Assemblage” and it represents the largest conservation project in Florence County history.

Located at the confluence of the Lynches and Great Pee Dee rivers, the 7,600-acre property... — Located at the confluence of the Lynches and Great Pee Dee rivers, the 7,600-acre property known as the Snow’s Island Assemblage represents the largest conservation project in Florence County history.(Source: SCDNR/Jeff Blake)

“We are prioritizing conservation in South Carolina,” Gov. Henry McMaster said. “The protection of Snow’s Island Assemblage protects historic land, wildlife, and miles of riverfront for the enjoyment of generations to come. I am proud of our state and this partnership, which has come together to protect one of our state’s greatest natural assets.”

The permanent protection of the Snow’s Island Assemblage safeguards a vital site of American history but also conserves habitat for many wildlife species and provides critical flood mitigation benefits.

Snow’s Island Assemblage will be a future South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area. It will be open to the public and will provide opportunities to explore the remote swamps which were known as Gen. Francis Marion’s famous hideout.

Marion and his militia would launch a number of raids on the British from the swamps during the Revolutionary War, including a major assault on the Georgetown garrison, downriver on the Pee Dee.

“Given its history alone, Snow’s Island has long been identified as the highest of conservation priorities in South Carolina,” S.C. Conservation Bank Director Raleigh West said. “When you couple that with its ecological significance and proximity to other protected lands, this will be remembered as one of our state’s most important and historic land protection milestones.”

The Open Space Institute plans to transfer the Snow’s Island Assemblage to SCDNR in 2025, pending state approvals.

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