What is the Beech Hill property?

The Beech Hill property is a 1,644-acre tract of land in Dorchester County, South Carolina, located on Old Beech Hill Road between the Edisto River Wildlife Management Area and Givhan's Ferry State Park, that will become a new state forest.

Who acquired the Beech Hill property?

The Open Space Institute (OSI), a nonprofit conservation organization, led the effort to acquire the Beech Hill property.

What is the purpose of protecting the Beech Hill property?

The protection of the Beech Hill property aims to create a new state forest, offer public recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, hunting, and wildlife viewing, safeguard vital water resources, and prevent population sprawl and development in Dorchester County.

How was the acquisition of the Beech Hill property funded?

The acquisition was funded through the South Carolina Forestry Commission (up to $4,500,000), the South Carolina Conservation Bank ($3,100,000), and the Dorchester County Greenbelt Program (up to $4,125,000), totaling $11,725,000.

What are the economic benefits of the Beech Hill State Forest?

Sustainable timber and pine straw operations will continue at Beech Hill, with 25% of all revenue flowing to the Dorchester County School District. Forestry statewide has a $23.2 billion impact on South Carolina's economy.

January 13, 2026

Dorchester County Secures Future State Forest: 1,644 Acres Protected

Dorchester County, South Carolina, January 13, 2026

Dorchester County has successfully protected 1,644 acres of land known as the Beech Hill property, which will become a new state forest. This initiative showcases the importance of collaborative conservation efforts and the balance between economic development and environmental stewardship. The project will provide recreational opportunities while ensuring sustainable timber operations that benefit local education and preserve the Lowcountry’s natural environment.

Dorchester County Secures Future State Forest: 1,644 Acres Protected for Growth and Green Space

A landmark collaboration in the Lowcountry safeguards vital land, fostering sustainable economic activity and enriching community life for generations.

Charleston, SC – In a significant move for economic foresight and environmental stewardship, Dorchester County has seen the protection of a substantial 1,644-acre tract of land, known as the Beech Hill property. This initiative ensures the preservation of critical green space for future generations while also establishing a new state forest. This achievement highlights how strategic partnerships and a balanced approach to development can yield enduring benefits for the community and regional economy.

The commitment to preserving the Lowcountry’s unique character often involves innovative solutions that allow for both progress and protection. This project exemplifies how local vision, coupled with state-level support and private sector collaboration, can safeguard natural assets. It reinforces the idea that economic growth doesn’t have to come at the expense of our cherished natural surroundings; rather, thoughtful planning can enhance both.

Protecting the Beech Hill Property

The Beech Hill property, spanning 1,644 acres, is situated on Old Beech Hill Road in Dorchester County, strategically located between the Edisto River Wildlife Management Area and Givhan’s Ferry State Park. This extensive parcel is slated to become a new state forest, which will be managed and operated by the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC). This designation ensures its long-term protection and sustainable use.

A Collaborative Conservation Effort

The acquisition of the Beech Hill property was a testament to effective collaboration among various entities. The Open Space Institute (OSI), a nonprofit conservation organization, spearheaded the effort to acquire the land. Funding for this significant purchase was secured through a combination of resources, including up to $4,500,000 from the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC), $3,100,000 from the South Carolina Conservation Bank (SCCB), and up to $4,125,000 from the Dorchester County Greenbelt Program. The total funding provided for the acquisition reached $11,725,000. This particular acquisition represents the largest property purchase in Dorchester County to date that utilized Greenbelt funds. The Open Space Institute is expected to transfer the property ownership to the South Carolina Forestry Commission in 2026.

Economic and Community Benefits

The establishment of the new state forest at Beech Hill offers a multitude of benefits for both the local economy and the community. Once opened to the public, the property will provide extensive opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, hunting, and wildlife viewing. This public access to green space is anticipated to contribute to improved public health and quality of life for Dorchester County residents and visitors.

Furthermore, the Beech Hill property is a valuable working timber tract. Sustainable timber and pine straw operations are planned to continue on the property, with 25% of all revenue generated flowing directly to the Dorchester County School District. This innovative approach ensures that conservation efforts also provide a recurring economic benefit to local education, illustrating a harmonious balance between environmental protection and community investment. This also aligns with the state-level economic impact of forestry, which contributes significantly to South Carolina’s economy, ranking as the state’s largest employer and having a $23.2 billion impact.

Strategic Growth and Environmental Stewardship

The protection of the Beech Hill property serves as a crucial check against unchecked population sprawl in a rapidly growing region like Dorchester County. By conserving this land, the initiative helps mitigate potential traffic and infrastructure burdens that could arise from extensive new subdivisions. This strategic preservation supports managed growth, allowing communities to develop thoughtfully while retaining their natural charm and resources.

The property’s unique characteristics, including its unusually high and dry ground for the Lowcountry, made it particularly susceptible to development pressure. Its protection safeguards vital water resources and preserves a significant portion of the region’s natural heritage. This acquisition also plays a role in connecting a broader network of protected lands across the state, contributing to South Carolina’s overarching goal of conserving 10 million acres.

Leadership and Future Outlook

The successful acquisition of the Beech Hill property underscores the importance of leadership at both local and state levels. Dorchester County Council Chairman David Chinnis noted that leveraging Greenbelt funds allows the county to preserve green spaces and the character of its rural areas. State Forester Scott Phillips of the South Carolina Forestry Commission expressed excitement about adding the property to the state forest system, emphasizing its value as a renewable resource providing clean water, scenic beauty, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation. Governor Henry McMaster has highlighted the increasing importance of protecting landscapes from overdevelopment as the state’s population grows. This forward-thinking approach ensures that Dorchester County is able to balance conservation with economic development activities, contributing to the desirable quality of life in the Lowcountry.

This landmark conservation effort is a testament to the power of collaboration and a commitment to balancing economic progress with environmental responsibility. By safeguarding the Beech Hill property, Dorchester County has not only secured a valuable natural resource for public enjoyment but also established a model for sustainable growth that benefits the Charleston SC business community, supports Lowcountry economic growth, and enhances the lives of South Carolina entrepreneurs and residents for generations to come. We encourage our readers to explore these new recreational opportunities once available and continue supporting initiatives that foster thoughtful development and community well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Beech Hill property?: The Beech Hill property is a 1,644-acre tract of land in Dorchester County, South Carolina, located on Old Beech Hill Road between the Edisto River Wildlife Management Area and Givhan’s Ferry State Park, that will become a new state forest.
Who acquired the Beech Hill property?: The Open Space Institute (OSI), a nonprofit conservation organization, led the effort to acquire the Beech Hill property.
What is the purpose of protecting the Beech Hill property?: The protection of the Beech Hill property aims to create a new state forest, offer public recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, hunting, and wildlife viewing, safeguard vital water resources, and prevent population sprawl and development in Dorchester County.
How was the acquisition of the Beech Hill property funded?: The acquisition was funded through the South Carolina Forestry Commission (up to $4,500,000), the South Carolina Conservation Bank ($3,100,000), and the Dorchester County Greenbelt Program (up to $4,125,000), totaling $11,725,000.
When will the Beech Hill property become a state forest?: The Open Space Institute is expected to transfer the property ownership to the South Carolina Forestry Commission in 2026, at which point it will become a state forest.
What are the economic benefits of the Beech Hill State Forest?: Sustainable timber and pine straw operations will continue at Beech Hill, with 25% of all revenue flowing to the Dorchester County School District. Forestry statewide has a $23.2 billion impact on South Carolina’s economy.

Key Features of the Beech Hill State Forest Protection

Feature	Description
Location	1,644-acre Beech Hill property in Dorchester County, between Edisto River Wildlife Management Area and Givhan’s Ferry State Park.
Designation	Future state forest, managed by the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
Lead Organization	Open Space Institute (OSI).
Total Funding	$11,725,000.
Funding Sources	South Carolina Forestry Commission (up to $4,500,000), South Carolina Conservation Bank ($3,100,000), Dorchester County Greenbelt Program (up to $4,125,000).
Transfer Timeline	OSI expected to transfer ownership to SCFC in 2026.
Recreational Opportunities	Hiking, biking, hunting, wildlife viewing.
Economic Contribution	25% of revenue from sustainable timber and pine straw operations to Dorchester County School District. State-level forestry economic impact: $23.2 billion.
Conservation Benefits	Protection from population sprawl, preservation of water resources, linkage of protected lands, mitigation of infrastructure burdens.