News Summary
Horry County has increased the Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve by over 353 acres, totaling 10,788 acres. The expansion follows the abandonment of a hospital project by the Conway Medical Center due to environmental concerns. Sold to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the land will be dedicated to conservation efforts, safeguarding the habitats of diverse wildlife including the federally-threatened red-cockaded woodpecker. The community supports the focus on preserving natural resources for future generations.
Horry County Expands Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve by 353 Acres
Horry County, SC – The Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve has expanded by over 353 acres, bringing its total size to 10,788 acres. This significant increase in protected land comes after the Conway Medical Center (CMC) abandoned plans for a $161 million hospital project on the site due to environmental concerns.
In February, CMC sold the 353-acre property located along International Drive to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for slightly more than $9.5 million. The dedication ceremony for this newly acquired land is scheduled for June 10, emphasizing the community’s commitment to conservation.
Environmental Significance
The preserve is recognized for its biodiversity and includes unique features such as 23 Carolina Bays, which are isolated freshwater wetlands that support a diverse range of flora and fauna. Numerous notable species inhabit the area, including the federally-threatened red-cockaded woodpecker and the globally rare Venus flytrap. The preserve also hosts a significant population of black bears, making it an essential habitat for these wildlife species.
Management Practices
The DNR has announced plans for ecological management of the new land, which will include conducting prescribed burns to manage overgrowth and support the survival of rare species. Such controlled burns are vital for maintaining a healthy ecosystem, as they help facilitate the growth of native plant species and provide habitat for various wildlife. DNR officials have indicated their intent to conduct burns on at least 1,500 acres each year within the preserve.
The need for prescribed burns became a focal point in discussions surrounding the proposed hospital project, as there were concerns that smoke from these burns could impact emergency services associated with the hospital. Environmentalists had vocally opposed the hospital construction, believing it would impede ongoing conservation efforts in the region.
Community Impact
The recent acquisition of land has been met with support from both community leaders and environmental advocates, who widely agree that this area is suited for conservation rather than development. The abandoned hospital project has allowed for greater emphasis on preserving Horry County’s natural resources, raising hope that more areas can be safeguarded from development in the future.
Ongoing Safety Considerations
While officials have reported no homes lost during recent wildfires in the region, they continue to encourage residents to remain vigilant and cautious as fire risks can fluctuate. The DNR is committed to managing the land responsibly and ensuring that the ecosystem remains healthy and thriving.
Conclusion
The expansion of the Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve represents a significant commitment to environmental conservation in Horry County. With its unique landscapes and diverse wildlife, the preserve will continue to serve both ecological and educational purposes for generations to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Significant Wildfire Engulfs South Carolina’s Carolina Forest
Severe Storms Cause Damage in Horry County and Myrtle Beach Area
Carolina Forest Wildfire Leaves South Carolina on Edge
Conservation Efforts for the Venus Flytrap in South Carolina
Wildfires Prompt Evacuations in Horry County
International Drive Closure for Controlled Burns Begins February 25
Community Voices Heightened Over Mining Expansion Near Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve in Conway
Medical Facility on the Horizon Along SC 90 in Horry County
Horry County’s $160 Million Hospital Proposal Nears Approval
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve Expands
- Wikipedia: Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
- Google Search: Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve
- Fox Weather: Names of Hurricanes Around the World
- Google Scholar: Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve
- WMBF News: Wildfire Containment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfires
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
