Laurens County residents will soon have access to almost 2,000 additional acres of protected forest land after The Nature Conservancy (TNC) transferred a 1,950‑acre parcel near the community of Joanna to the U.S. Forest Service’s Enoree Ranger District. The acquisition, identified by the Forest Service as a high‑priority addition, expands the Sumter National Forest and connects directly to a 330‑acre tract slated to become a county park.
Why the land matters
The newly acquired property includes a mix of upland hardwood forests, wetlands and a network of streams that feed the Enoree River. Those natural resources provide habitat for wildlife, help filter water, and offer outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, birdwatching and fishing. Once the Forest Service formally incorporates the land, it will be opened to the public, giving families and outdoor enthusiasts a new place to enjoy South Carolina’s natural beauty.
Conservancy’s quick action
“As development continues to move south along the I‑26 corridor, our natural spaces are increasingly under significant pressure,” said Dale Threatt‑Taylor, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in South Carolina, in a statement about the transfer. “Our team worked quickly to get this property off the real estate market and managed it until transfer to the Forest Service could be finalized.”
Threatt‑Taylor’s comments underscore the Conservancy’s mission to protect critical lands before they are lost to development. By acting swiftly, TNC ensured that the parcel remained in public hands, preserving its ecological value for future generations.
Local impact and future plans
The addition of the 1,950‑acre parcel not only expands the national forest but also strengthens the planned Laurens County park adjacent to the new land. County officials anticipate that the combined acreage will create a larger, contiguous green space that can support community events, educational programs, and outdoor recreation without compromising the region’s natural heritage.
Local leaders have welcomed the transfer, noting that the expanded forest will bolster tourism, support local businesses that cater to outdoor visitors, and reinforce the county’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The move aligns with broader state efforts to protect South Carolina’s forests and waterways while providing safe, family‑friendly recreation.
What’s next?
The U.S. Forest Service will now begin the process of formally integrating the parcel into the Sumter National Forest system. This includes developing access points, signage, and trail plans that will allow the public to enjoy the land responsibly. Residents can expect updates from the Forest Service on opening dates and planned amenities in the coming months.
For those interested in learning more or getting involved, The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Forest Service encourage volunteers to participate in future stewardship projects, trail maintenance and educational outreach focused on the new forest area.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
