A legacy of conservation built by voters

Since 2002, Beaufort County voters have voted to tax themselves to protect land. First was the Rural and Critical Land Preservation Program; this property tax collection was the first local tax collected for land protection and served as an early model for others in the state. Seven other counties in SC have followed Beaufort’s lead and implemented a local land protection fund! In 2022, Beaufort continued to lead and created the Green Space Program, which is active today.

Local funds are authorized by local voters to fund projects approved by Beaufort County Council and are the finest tool we have for land protection. Able to be tailored to specific community needs, these funds have protected viewsheds, family farms, forested land, military airspace, low-lying areas that would be incompatible with development, champion oak trees, boat landings, passive parks and our shared water quality and quality of life.

The Rural and Critical Land Preservation Program (2002-2025)
The Open Land Trust led the Rural and Critical Land Preservation Program (RCLP) since 2011 as the non-profit partner, able to meet with interested landowners, secure partnership dollars, and bring more land protection opportunities to Beaufort. We are so proud of the community for supporting this program five times at the ballot box, with overwhelming majorities, often over 70% of the vote. Together, with partners like the SC Conservation Bank, USDA and U.S. Marine Corps, this program helped protect over 29,000 acres from 2002-2025.

The last RCLP project — ending where it all began
One of the first RCLP projects created the 160-acre passive park at Widgeon Point in 2006.
In October of this year, North Widgeon, a nine-acre drumstick-shaped property at the base of the Broad River Bridge, became the final project funded by the Rural and Critical Land Program — a true full-circle moment. Partner funding was earned from the new Green Space Program and the SC Conservation Bank.
Once platted for seven lots, North Widgeon will instead expand Widgeon Point Preserve, securing the view from the bird blind, the high marsh, and a key link in the Lemon Island corridor. Winter is a perfect time to spot white pelicans — get out and enjoy!

The next chapter – Green Space funding
Similar in purpose but different in approach, the Green Space Program is up and running. After voter approval in 2022, The Green Space Program levied a sales tax that collected over $100m from local residents and visitors.

To date the Green Space Program helped protect:

• 4,409 acres at Gregorie Neck*
• 26 acres for public access at Mitchellville on Hilton Head
• 898 acres in Dale*
• 55 acres on Lady’s Island*
• 9 acres at North Widgeon*
• 1,742 acres for Pocotaligo Station, a new state forest*
• 2,681 acres at Chelsea*
• 1.88 acres on Beach City Road on Hilton Head
• 6.55 acres Jonesville Tract on Hilton Head

*OLT partner projects

These properties would not be protected if not for Green Space funding and your support. This program is unique in its ability to spend money on land protection in neighboring counties. From the headwaters of the Port Royal Sound to the mouth, the momentum for meaningful, strategic land protection that benefits Beaufort County is strong.