Committee approves expedited green-space review and several conservation-easement funding actions

Beaufort Countys Natural Resources Committee voted Feb. 3, 2026, to approve procedural changes intended to accelerate green-space program applications and it authorized multiple funding actions for conservation easements.

The committee advanced an amendment to Beaufort County Code (Chapter 38, Article 7) that allows green-space program applications to go directly to full county council for consideration rather than first waiting for a Natural Resources Committee recommendation; council retains the option to remand an application back to committee, presenters said, and the change is intended to address timing gaps when the committee does not meet frequently.

On funding, the committee approved a $2 million traditional (non-reimbursable) grant to support a conservation easement on the Chelsea tract in unincorporated Jasper County. Staff distinguished this request from an earlier reimbursable grant tied to the Nature Conservancy and said the Chelsea easement has an estimated easement value of about $11 million. Committee members added and passed an amendment to allocate the approved $2 million equally across the countys four geographic regions.

"This is the property that will transfer to the State Forestry Commission," said the presenter, noting the closing is anticipated in summer and that the easement would provide long-term protection of natural resources including miles of creek frontage and a watershed that benefits county water supplies.

The committee also approved a $7,470,000 resolution to contribute to a conservation easement on the Victoria Bluff tract (46 acres in the western region near Bluffton and the Heritage Preserve). Presenters said this easement will remain privately held and is expected to transfer to the State Forestry Commission, which will develop a forest-management plan that includes recreation access.

Separately, the committee authorized up to $35,000 to fund due diligence and negotiations for a green-space application known as the Rangers Retreat tracks (a corridor-protection acquisition adjacent to a county-owned boat landing). Staff said the funding will be used to assess access, values and any constraints so the committee and council can make an informed decision on whether to proceed.

Committee members discussed geographic allocation rules during the Chelsea tract debate, noting prior practice for a Gregory Neck project was to split funding among regions when a watershed or project benefits multiple areas. One presenter said the county expected Jasper County to apply a matching $2 million from its ordinance process; staff indicated some matching assurances from the other county and state bank processes but said a match carried some risk.

Next steps: staff will place the green-space ordinance amendment and funded projects on the full county council agenda as directed; for approved easements, staff indicated closings and transfers would follow typical state and conservation trust processes.