*This release is sent in partnership with South Carolina Forestry Commission, Open Space Institute, and South Carolina Conservation Bank.
On June 25, 2026, leaders from the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC), Open Space Institute (OSI), Dorchester County, and South Carolina Conservation Bank (SCCB) today celebrated the dedication of Old Beech Hill State Forest, officially marking the transfer of more than 1,600 acres of conserved forestland from OSI to SCFC and establishing South Carolina’s sixth state forest and Dorchester County’s first state forest.
The dedication event, held on the edge of the 1,644-acre former timber tract, brought together state and local leaders to mark the culmination of a collaborative conservation effort that transformed a tract of land that was previously privately-owned and vulnerable to development into an enduring public resource and new highlight of the state’s public forest system.
“Today marks an exciting addition to our state forest system,” said Scott Phillips, 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.”
Conservation of the property preserves vital green space in a booming region. Located in Dorchester County, the forest is part of a critical corridor of undeveloped land between the Edisto River Wildlife Management Area and Givhans Ferry State Park. Its permanent protection prevents fragmentation of natural lands while expanding public recreational access and ensuring long-term, sustainable forest management.
The property was identified as a high-priority conservation opportunity due to its location amid intensifying development pressure and its unusually high and dry terrain for the Lowcountry—making it especially vulnerable to subdivision.
“The creation of Old Beech Hill State Forest is a major win for Dorchester County,” said David Chinnis, Chairman, Dorchester County Council. “This project protects an important stretch of land from overdevelopment, reinforcing our commitment to preserving the character and natural resources of our community.”
Now under SCFC management, Old Beech Hill State Forest will ultimately be opened to the public for activities including wildlife viewing, seasonal hunting, and biking. Additionally, the entire property has been enrolled in the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Management Area program and will be managed for sustainable wildlife habitat.
“This is exactly the outcome we hoped for when we heard about this opportunity,” said Nate Berry, OSI’s Chief Land Protection Officer. “Together with the Forestry Commission, Conservation Bank, and Dorchester County, we’ve ensured that this landscape will be permanently protected, actively managed, and open to everyone. It’s deeply rewarding to preserve green space in a part of the Lowcountry where it’s so urgently needed.”
The tract was originally acquired by OSI in May 2025 for $11,350,000, with Dorchester County providing $4,125,000 in Greenbelt funds towards the purchase—the program’s largest acquisition to date. More information about Dorchester County’s Greenbelt Program can be found on the County’s website here.
“As South Carolina continues to grow, conserving places like Beech Hill is essential to protecting the natural landscapes that define our state,” said Raleigh West, Director, SCCB. “We’re proud to have supported this effort and to celebrate its evolution into a state forest that will serve both people and wildlife.”
As with all SCFC-managed lands, 25 percent of revenue generated through responsible timber and pine straw sales or lease income will be paid to the Dorchester County School District, adding to the forest’s long-term benefits to the community.
