Dorchester County Conservation & Greenbelt Advisory Commission Meeting 08.05.2026

The Dorchester County Conservation & Greenbelt Advisory Commission held a meeting on August 5, 2026, focusing primarily on a land acquisition proposal to expand the Old Beach Hill State Forest by approximately 70 acres, with potential to grow to nearly 2,000 acres. Justin Park from the Open Space Institute presented the proposal, highlighting the conservation and public access benefits, as well as the plan to split the project cost between the state conservation bank and the Dorchester Greenbelt fund. The commission discussed funding commitments, management responsibilities with the South Carolina Forestry Commission, and the restoration of a stream channel as part of a mitigation project. After an executive session, the commission recommended approval of the proposal contingent on securing matching funds. Additionally, an upcoming backyard conservation workshop was announced. No specific contract awards or vendor selections were made during this meeting, but the discussion centered on funding allocations and land acquisition strategy for conservation purposes.