Francis Marion Forest Protected - 11 government agencies create blood pack to protect the forest
For developers longing to replicate the ambience of wealthy, woodsy residential developments along Beresford Creek, the presence of the Francis Marion National Forest in nearby Cainhoy and Huger must seem like forbidden fruit. The 250,000-acre coastal forest was set aside for federal protection in 1936 and harbors several endangered and threatened animal and plant species. This includes the red-cockaded woodpecker, bald eagle, American alligator, American chaff seed, and pond berry. However, forest managers say encroaching development in and around the forest is threatening their ability to manage and preserve this natural treasure. Last week representatives from 11 area jurisdictions and agencies met at the Sewee Visitor Center to discuss a proposed agreement that would discourage suburban sprawl within and adjacent to the forest. If approved, this so-called "blood pact" would forestall development of about 25,000 acres of forestland and wildlife habitat by asking area cities to not extend municipal sewer and water services to the protected areas. In addition, the pact asks cities to reject any developments with densities higher than county zoning regulations. Officials at the meeting included Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, Mount Pleasant Mayor Harry Hallman, Berkeley County Supervisor Jim Rozier and Charleston County Chairman Leon Stavranakis. They will take the agreement to their respective councils for review and possible approval. "If we can forge an agreement that preserves the rural landscape, I think our council would be very supportive," said Hallman. "However, if some council or commission should in future break faith with such an agreement, we would do what is necessary to protect our borders and the quality of life in Mount Pleasant." Riley said the city of Charleston was proud to be part of the regional agreement. "This can be a model, not just for the coast and South Carolina, but a model for our country – jurisdictions coming together to see forever that our precious environmental resources will be protected," he said. The eleven participating entities are Charleston County, Berkeley County, Berkeley Charleston Dorchester Council of Governments, Town of Awendaw, Town of McClellanville, Town of Mount Pleasant, City of Charleston, Mount Pleasant Waterworks, Charleston Commissioners of Public Works, Berkeley Water Authority, and the U.S. Forest Service.