Lowcountry Land Trust proudly announces the transfer of the 206-acre, permanently protected Mallard Tract to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). This property is directly across the river from SCDNR’s 1,375-acre Edisto River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and will soon become open to the public for fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The Edisto River, the longest free-flowing black-water river in North America, will benefit from this expansion of protected lands to approximately 10.7 miles of linear riverfrontage.
Lowcountry Land Trust purchased the Mallard Tract in 2015 to protect it from imminent threat. Recognizing the importance of landscape-scale mitigation, Waste Management Inc. contributed funds that enabled the Land Trust to safeguard this critical area. The Mallard Tract was placed under a conservation easement in 2017, ensuring permanent protection of the property’s 206 acres.
During its nearly decade of ownership, Lowcountry Land Trust oversaw significant restoration efforts on the Mallard Tract as part of a Permittee Responsible Mitigation Plan. This plan was agreed upon with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to issue a wetlands impact permit for Waste Management. The restoration efforts included restoring the natural hydrologic flow and reestablishing native tree species, thereby enhancing the property’s ecological integrity and abundant wildlife habitat.
The Mallard Tract’s location is particularly noteworthy, adjacent to the Edisto River’s Good Hope Boat Landing and Open Space Institute’s (OSI) 148-acre tract that was protected and transferred to SCDNR in 2022. Additionally, it is surrounded by 50,187 acres of conserved properties within a 10-mile radius. The transfer of Lowcountry Land Trust’s Mallard Tract to SCDNR’s Edisto River WMA will enhance a contiguous, protected landscape in the heart of the world-renowned ACE Basin.
“We are thrilled to contribute to the expansion of the Edisto River Wildlife Management Area,” said Ashley Demosthenes, President and CEO of Lowcountry Land Trust. “Both sides of the river are now designated game lands, providing enhanced public recreation opportunities. This collaboration with SCDNR exemplifies our dedication to protecting and conserving the Lowcountry’s natural resources.”
SCDNR shares this enthusiasm for the project. Robert Boyles, Director, stated, “The addition of 206 acres to the Edisto River WMA is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to conserve South Carolina’s wildlife habitats and provide public access to treasured lands. We are grateful for our longstanding partnership with Lowcountry Land Trust and their commitment to conservation.”
The transfer of the Mallard Tract expands the Edisto River WMA and preserves the cultural and recreational heritage of the Lowcountry. The hunting opportunities on this property add to SCDNR’s over 350,000 acres of game land and continue a tradition deeply rooted in the region’s history.
