Conservationists are praising the protection of 664 acres of Lowcountry property they consider a key in the larger land preservation effort of South Carolina’s coastal plain.
The Lowcountry Land Trust says saving the property on the Jasper-Hampton county line fills a gap, or “donut hole,’’ that existed in the mosaic of land already preserved from development in the area. Called the Garnett Tract, the preserved land is along S.C. 119 and U.S. 321.
As protected lands go, the 664 acres aren’t particularly special. They are not known to contain endangered species or unusual features — but the acreage is surrounded by preserved land. Among the protected areas are the state Department of Natural Resources’ Palachuchola Wildlife Management Area and the agency’s Webb Wildlife Center…