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South Carolina celebrates its newest state forest

Old Beech Hill State Forest
Provided/SCFC
Old Beech Hill State Forest

South Carolina celebrated the establishment of its sixth state forest Thursday.

The South Carolina Forestry Commission announced more than 1,600 acres of land in Dorchester was transferred from the Open Space Institute. The forested area is called Old Beech Hill State Forest. It sits just east of the Edisto River. Eighty acres within the forest are wetlands.

Pictured from left to right are: Open Space Institute Chief Land Protection Officer Nate Berry, Dorchester County Council Chair David Chinnis, SC State Forester Scott Phillips and SC Conservation Bank Executive Director Raleigh West
Provided/SCFC
Pictured from left to right are: Open Space Institute Chief Land Protection Officer Nate Berry, Dorchester County Council Chair David Chinnis, SC State Forester Scott Phillips and SC Conservation Bank Executive Director Raleigh West

“Today marks an exciting addition to our state forest system,” said Scott Phillips, SC State Forester. “Old Beech Hill State Forest will provide long-term benefits from clean water and wildlife habitat to recreation and sustainable forestry. This milestone reflects the power of partnership and our shared commitment to conserving forests for the benefit of our communities, today and tomorrow.”

Residents can learn more about the state forest online.