Angel Oak Preserve project advances to federal review as land trust seeks $4 million in Green Belt funds

City staff told the Charleston City Committee on Special Facilities on May 7 that the Lowcountry Land Trust has submitted the Angel Oak Preserve nomination to the National Register of Historic Places after unanimous approval by the state review board.

Mister Froelich, a city staff member, said the nomination is now with the federal registry and staff is awaiting a determination. He said the design plan was approved by the Design Review Board in January, permitting is in final stages and the project could be shovel-ready in July if fundraising succeeds.

Council member Balton told the committee that the land trust is seeking approximately $4,000,000 from the city’s Green Belt program over two to three years as part of a $16–18 million overall project cost. Balton said the land trust is far along on fundraising from state, county and private sources and that the trust has emphasized making the preserve an amenity for residents as well as visitors.

Council member Bridal asked whether the city’s official social media channels could be used to advertise the land trust’s fundraising. Balton cautioned there are legal and policy limits on using city platforms to promote outside fundraising but said the city’s partial ownership of the tree and site makes the question worth discussion.

Council member Bowden said he supports the project but asked staff for context about how much Green Belt funding has already been committed and what remains available before council considers a multiyear allocation.

Next steps: the land trust will continue fundraising, staff will provide Green Belt funding context for council budgeting, and the National Register nomination will proceed at the federal level.