Nature | Image via Pexels
Did someone say new state park? Yes, planning started for a future SC State Park – the first in almost 20 years – along Rio Preto at the Williamsburg + Georgetown counties.
In February of this year, SC State Parks accepted the Donation of 310 acres “Hinds Canada” property of Open Space Institute.
The park will connect a network of properties, property of public and private partners, over 70 miles from the riverbank at Black River – a free-flowing river on the coastal plain, surrounded by untouched and untouched natural landscapes of forests or farms. The river is named after its dark tea-like color, spotted by natural tannins that drips from the leaves + swamps of the river.
With multiple access points physically separated along the river, this park will be the first of its kind in SC’s 47 state parks.
O Black River Water Trail + Park Network will include the newly acquired Black River Landing in Kingstree and ends in Rocky Point Community Forest in Georgetown, with trail stops and access points scattered in the middle.
The Black River provides drinking water for thousands, while its forests and vegetation create a critical floodplain to protect neighboring businesses and homes flooding. It also served as a local favorite fishing hole for generations of fishermen.
O public engagement phase year-long master planning process have released to help ensure that the vision for the new state park find the access + recreational needs communities along the river and creates nature-based tourism opportunities for boost the local economy.
With collected entry during the master planning process, each trail stop can offer several recreational activities and amenities – from primitive campsites to picnic shelters, restrooms, hiking trails + parking.
What is the next? O report + master plan will be finalized in December 2021. Construction + development expected to take a Few years. Progress will be shared in evolution History Map. 🗺️