ACE Basin update / Edisto Land Trust

John Frampton of SCDNR and Charles Lane

Two recent important meetings in the ACE Basin demonstrate how viable the conservation initiative has been in the past, and how it is taking shape in the future. On Monday March 5 the ACE Basin Task Force met at the Donnelly Wildlife Management Area in Green Pond, in part to honor outgoing SCDNR Executive Director John Frampton. It was Frampton who represented the state when the ACE Basin partnership began to form 20 years ago between private and public (gov't) entities. Although Frampton's presence will be missed, the ACE Basin Task Force is focused on moving ahead where issues like water quality and invasive species are concerned. Thank You John Frampton!

This property is under conservation easement

George Kimberly and Chip Campsen after the boat tour

Map of Edisto Island's protected properties

The Edisto Open Land Trust played host for a special meeting with State Senator Chip Campsen on March 13 at Sand Creek Farm. Edisto Island, Bennett's Point and the southern tip of Colleton County are now in Campsen's district and he was taking a 'boat tour' to visit his new constituents. Executive Director George Kimberly addressed the crowd of conservationists assembled for a wonderful sunset over Sand Creek by saying that conservation bank funding, tax credits for easements and scenic highway upkeep funding were all priorities. Edisto is but one piece of the ACE Basin puzzle, but since they have conserved over 50% of their island, they set a good example for the rest of the Sea Islands, Colleton County and the entire ACE Basin (see video).

For past blog entries about the ACE Basin click here.