MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – August 29, 2024 — As the Lowcountry continues to grapple with the challenges of rapid growth and development, the Berkeley County Council has taken a significant step to preserve the natural beauty and character of the region. On Monday, August 26, the Council approved the county's first-ever Greenbelt Preservation Plan, a comprehensive strategy aimed at safeguarding greenspaces, conservation areas, and parks across Berkeley County.
The Greenbelt Preservation Plan, meticulously crafted over several months, includes four primary elements: an overview of the planning process, data collection and analysis of existing conditions, core priorities and needs, and a detailed County Action Plan. The plan prioritizes the preservation of waterways, watersheds, and historic sites, as well as the creation of buffers around existing greenspaces. It also proposes the development of greenways, trails, and linear greenspaces, alongside the establishment of six to eight community parks with natural features and amenities, and two to three regional parks, each spanning at least 85 acres.
Cypress Gardens currently stands as Berkeley County's sole park, but this is set to change. Earlier this year, the county secured a $4 million deal with the South Carolina Ports Authority for a 115-acre parcel on Daniel Island, half of which was funded by the SC Conservation Bank and State Resiliency Funds. Additional park properties are currently under negotiation, signaling a broader commitment to expanding recreational opportunities for residents.
The push for the Greenbelt Preservation Plan gained momentum following a referendum in November 2022, where Berkeley County residents voted to extend the One Cent Sales Tax Program for another seven years. This extension earmarked up to $58.7 million specifically for greenbelt preservation projects, marking a historic first for the program that began in 2008.
In February 2024, the Berkeley County Conservation and Greenbelt Advisory Commission was established to guide the use of these funds and advise the County Council on greenbelt preservation initiatives. The commission's work is vital in ensuring that the county's rapid growth does not come at the expense of its natural and historical resources.
"The Greenbelt Program arrived right on time," said Nick Yoder, Greenbelt Program Manager. "The impacts of growth have encouraged appreciation of what we have and prompted our citizens to fight to preserve what is important to them before it’s lost. This is our most effective tool for protecting the landscape character and history of this County."
Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of living up to the commitments made in the 2022 referendum. "In a growing County, it is our mission to protect greenspace and provide passive and active recreational opportunities for the community. Presently, 45 percent of the area of Berkeley County is protected; and with 74 percent support for the referendum, the public spoke loudly that we need to do more to protect land and natural resources."
As development continues to surge across the Lowcountry, balancing growth with the preservation of natural spaces remains a pressing issue for voters. The approval of the Greenbelt Preservation Plan is a clear signal that Berkeley County is committed to addressing these concerns and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the region's natural beauty.
For more details on the Greenbelt Preservation Plan, you can view the full document here.
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