Chelsea Plantation saved from development after $32M land purchase

The Nature Conservancy of South Carolina has responded to opposition toward proposed development on the site of Chelsea Plantation by purchasing it for conservation for $32 million.

The acquisition of the 2,737-acre plantation was identified by the conservation organization as “a high priority for conservation and under significant threat of development,” a news release release said. 

“Chelsea’s fate was one of this region’s major tipping points for the future of its wildlife habitat, historical character, and water quality,” Dale Threatt-Taylor, executive director for TNC-SC, said in the release. “Developing Chelsea would have ushered in a new era of expansion in an already fast-growing region. We weren’t willing to leave it to chance.” 

According to the release, some residents in communities bordering the property stood against the development plans.  

The property spans seven miles along Hazzard Creek, which drains into the Broad River, a part of the Port Royal Sound watershed, the release said. Preventing development in the area was intended to protect water quality for the sound and forest wildlife. 

“Buying Chelsea was a true community effort,” David Bishop, coastal and midlands director of conservation for TNC-SC, said in the release. “Groups like ‘Keep Chelsea Rural’ went door-to-door with flyers against developing the property, there were local billboards saying folks wanted to preserve their rural community, and of course, we’re incredibly grateful for the many donors who stepped up and helped fund this acquisition.” 

Donations and loans from individuals and businesses contributed to the purchase, according to the release. TNC-SC intends to place a conservation easement on the property to permanently limit development and then transfer Chelsea Plantation to the South Carolina Forestry Commission.