Congaree Land Trust announces the conservation of over 420 acres of land along the scenic Lynches River
LEE COUNTY, SC— Congaree Land Trust is proud to announce the permanent conservation of 420 acres of vital natural lands in Lee County. This important milestone in local land protection was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Congaree Land Trust, the South Carolina Conservation Bank, the Lynches River Conservation Fund housed at Central Carolina Community Foundation, and the Weisen family – the dedicated landowners.
“We’re pleased to see the momentum of land protection along the Lynches River and honored to support the contributions of the landowner and the Lynches River Conservation Fund,” commented Raleigh West, director, South Carolina Conservation Bank. “We hope this encourages others in the area to consider their personal land legacies.”
Located along the scenic Lynches River, River’s Edge is a privately owned property that features over a mile of river frontage and a magnificent bottomland hardwood forest — one of the region’s most vital and biologically rich ecosystems.
“The preservation of the River’s Edge tract is a meaningful step toward protecting the natural beauty and ecological health of our region,” said Georgia Mjartan, President and CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation. “This project protects water quality, strengthens environmental resilience, and preserves a unique landscape for future generations. We are proud to support this effort and celebrate the strong collaboration that made it possible.”
With the completion of this conservation easement, this land will remain protected in perpetuity from incompatible development or other uses that could compromise its ecological value.
“This area has a rich history, and conservation plays an important role in preserving its beauty for all who visit our wedding venue and the functions we host,” says landowner Joseph Weisen. “It’s also essential for ensuring that the abundant wildlife continues to thrive. Partnering with Congaree Land Trust was a perfect match for our vision for this property.”
The landowner has further committed to protecting the integrity of the forest by refraining from harvesting any of the native hardwoods making up approximately 115 acres, preserving the area’s natural beauty and critical habitat for native plant and animal species.
The successful protection of this land highlights the strength of ongoing conservation efforts and expands the network of safeguarded natural areas throughout the Midlands.
###
About Congaree Land Trust:
The Congaree Land Trust (CLT) is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization committed to conserving the natural and scenic lands of central South Carolina. To date over 100,000 acres have been conserved, representing 227 individual conservation properties across 15 counties. Conservation easements help protect the natural areas that sustain our state's natural resources, provide clean water & wildlife habitat, and define our way of life.
