84 Acres in Chatooga Watershed Protected (SC)

OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. – Through the efforts of the Trust for Public Land (TPL), helped protect 84 acres on Long Creek in Oconee County. Long Creek is a significant tributary in the Chattooga River watershed and the protected site was added to the Sumter National Forest, managed by the USDA Forest Service.

Original funding for this protection effort was secured by U. S. Senator Ernest Hollings through the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

“This is important for future generations. I won’t be around in 50 years, but my grandchildren’s grandchildren will benefit from our actions,” Sen. Hollings said at the time. “We’re doing a good thing.”

Flowing through North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, the Chattooga National Wild and Scenic River is one of the Southeast’s most popular recreation destinations. The Chattooga and its tributaries offer excellent trout fishing, challenging whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking, and spectacular scenery for hikers and campers.

To preserve the integrity of this pristine river corridor and to maintain the exceptional water quality of one of the few free-flowing streams in the Southeast, the USDA Forest Service initiated a Chattooga River Watershed Protection program over 15 years ago. Since that time, many critical tracts have been protected including over 2,400 acres that were protected with the assistance of The Trust for Public Land.

“The Chattooga National Wild and Scenic River is a tremendous asset to all of us,” said Chrisanne Mitchell, Senior Project Manager for the Trust for Public Land (TPL). “The lands along the river are vital resources that near to be preserved. That is why TPL, along with the Forest Service, launched its Chattooga River protection efforts. Thanks to the dedicated support of Senator Fritz Hollings and the continuing efforts of the Forest Service, a great deal of the watershed lands, including Long Creek, are now permanently protected for future generations to enjoy.”