Jump to content

ACE Basin: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 32°39′14″N 80°32′42″W / 32.65389°N 80.54500°W / 32.65389; -80.54500
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
History: Updated citation
 
(35 intermediate revisions by 30 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Basin}}
The '''ACE Basin''' (spoken as "ace basin") is one of the largest undeveloped [[estuaries]] along the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic Coast]] of the [[United States]]. Located primarily in [[Colleton County, South Carolina|Colleton]] and [[Beaufort County, South Carolina|Beaufort]] counties in [[South Carolina]], the ACE Basin is an acronym that represents the [[Ashepoo River|Ashepoo]], [[Combahee River|Combahee]] and [[Edisto River|Edisto]] rivers, which combine into the larger St. Helena Sound and drain a significant portion of the [[Lowcountry]] region. The {{convert|350,000|acre|km2}} area is renowned for its extensive natural beauty and commitment to preserve marshes, wetlands, hardwood forests, and riverine systems and the various fauna that occupy the area.
[[File:Pine Island, ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve.jpg|thumb|right|Pine Island, ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve]]
The '''Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Basin''' (abbreviated as '''ACE Basin''', spoken as ''ace basin'') is one of the largest undeveloped [[estuaries]] along the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic Coast]] of the [[United States]]. Located primarily in [[Colleton County, South Carolina|Colleton]], [[Charleston County, South Carolina|Charleston]], and [[Beaufort County, South Carolina|Beaufort]] counties in [[South Carolina]], the [[Ashepoo River|Ashepoo]], [[Combahee River|Combahee]] and [[Edisto River|South Edisto]] rivers combine into the larger [[St. Helena Sound]] and drain a significant portion of the [[Lowcountry]] region. The {{convert|350000|acre|km2}} area is known for its natural environment and the preservation of its [[marsh]]es, [[wetland]]s, hardwood forests, and riverine systems and the fauna that occupy the area.


The ACE Basin in not a solitary protected area; instead, it can best be described as a large-scale natural area in which a sizable portion has been protected via a [[public-private partnership]] with contributing properties. A collaboration of federal, state, local, and private efforts have led to the preservation of {{convert|134,000|acre|km2}} of land, with stakeholders controlling various interests. The umbrella organization for these efforts is the ACE Basin Project.
A sizable portion of the ACE Basin has been protected via a [[public-private partnership]] with contributing properties. A collaboration of federal, state, local, and private efforts have led to the preservation of 250,000 acres of land, with stakeholders controlling various interests. The umbrella organization for these efforts is the ACE Basin Task Force.


==History==
==History==
For generations, this area was primarily agricultural, dominated by the plantation system. After the [[American Civil War|Civil War]], only three plantation homes survived in the area, and much of the land became fertile ground for hunting and outdoor enthusiasts.
Historically, the area was primarily agricultural, dominated by the plantation system. After the [[American Civil War|Civil War]], only three plantation homes survived in the area, and much of the land became fertile ground for hunting and outdoor enthusiasts.


Development pressures emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, prompting concerned citizens to petition local, state, and federal authorities to assist with preserving the basin. In 1988, a group of concerned citizens and advocacy groups formed the ACE Basin Task Force which further formalized the cause for preservation and conservation. What emerged out of these efforts became the ACE Basin Project, comprising the [[U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]] (USFWS), the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), [[The Nature Conservancy]], [[Ducks Unlimited]], and other private groups and companies to continue to collaborate on this endeavor.
Development pressures emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, prompting concerned citizens to petition local, state, and federal authorities to assist with preserving the basin. In 1988, a group of concerned citizens and advocacy groups formed the ACE Basin Task Force which further formalized the cause for preservation and conservation. What emerged from these efforts became the ACE Basin Project, comprising the [[U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]] (USFWS), the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), [[The Nature Conservancy]], [[Ducks Unlimited]], and other private groups and companies to continue to collaborate on this endeavor.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Lee|first=Matt|last2=Lee|first2=Ted|date=2001-02-25|title=Rice Fields Cultivate Old Ways|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/25/travel/rice-fields-cultivate-old-ways.html|access-date=2020-05-04|issn=0362-4331|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

Among the more famous individuals that have contributed to land conservation efforts include [[Ted Turner]] and the descendants of the [[RR Donnelley]] estate, which set up a foundation to support conservation efforts in the ACE Basin and throughout the Lowcountry.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Stevens|first=Kimberly|date=2005-01-02|title=Keeping Development from Devouring Plantations|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/02/realestate/keeping-development-from-devouring-plantations.html|url-access=subscription|access-date=2020-05-04|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> During his tenure in office, South Carolina's U.S. Senator [[Fritz Hollings]] procured $53.8 million for conservation efforts in the ACE Basin.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Three Ways Fritz Hollings touched the Lowcountry|url=https://www.islandpacket.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/david-lauderdale/article228925674.html|url-access=subscription|author=Lauderdale|date=May 2019|website=The Island Packet}}</ref>

The task force celebrated 30 years of conservation efforts in December 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/TheBattery/archives/2019/12/11/conservationists-celebrate-30-years-of-protecting-ace-basin|date=11 December 2019|title=Conservationists celebrate 30 years of protecting ACE Basin|last=Brack|first=Andy|website=Charleston City Paper|language=en|access-date=21 March 2023}}</ref> In November 2014, ''[[National Geographic (magazine)|National Geographic]]'' had a featured article celebrating 25 years of conservation efforts in the ACE Basin.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/ace-basin|title=Low Country Legacy|url-access=subscription|others=Photographs by Vincent Musi|date=November 2014|website=National Geographic}}</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
The basin is located along the southern half of South Carolina's Atlantic coastline, situated between the developed areas of the [[Charleston, South Carolina|Charleston]] and [[Beaufort, South Carolina|Beaufort]] areas. The basin's name comes after the three major rivers that drain the area: the Ashepoo, the Combahee, and the Edisto. These rivers drain primarily into the St. Helena Sound, which drains into the Atlantic Ocean between [[Hunting Island]] and [[Edisto Island]].
The basin is located along the southern half of South Carolina's Atlantic coastline, situated between [[Charleston, South Carolina|Charleston]] and [[Beaufort, South Carolina|Beaufort]]. The basin's name comes after the three major rivers that drain the area: the Ashepoo, the Combahee, and the Edisto. These rivers drain primarily into the St. Helena Sound, which drains into the Atlantic Ocean between [[Hunting Island]] and [[Edisto Island]].


The basin's boundaries are roughly defined to include all of Edisto Island and running northwesterly towards [[Walterboro, South Carolina|Walterboro]], then heading southwest towards Garden's Corner and [[Yemassee, South Carolina|Yemassee]] before heading back towards the ocean, including all of the St. Helena Sound and Hunting Island State Park. Of the {{convert|350,000|acre|km2}} that are comprised by this area, nearly half are officially monitored by the National Estuarine Research Reserve system.
The basin's boundaries are roughly defined to include all of Edisto Island and running northwesterly towards [[Walterboro, South Carolina|Walterboro]], then heading southwest towards Garden's Corner and [[Yemassee, South Carolina|Yemassee]] before heading back towards the ocean, including all of the St. Helena Sound and Hunting Island State Park. Of the {{convert|350,000|acre|km2}} that are comprised by this area, nearly half are officially monitored by the National Estuarine Research Reserve system.
Line 16: Line 22:
Listed below is a partial list of protected areas in the ACE Basin, not including private conservation easements:
Listed below is a partial list of protected areas in the ACE Basin, not including private conservation easements:


The '''[[Ashepoo Combahee Edisto Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve|ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve]]''' was formed in 1992 and is a partnership between the [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] (NOAA) and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). The reserve itself consists of over {{convert|140,000|acre|km2}} which consists of a mixture of upland and lowland that is publicly protected or privately owned. In essence, it is an [[overlay]] area and is not in direct control or ownership of any specific land area. NERR staff monitors indicators such as flora/fauna livelihood and water quality, provides educational and scientific support to visitors and researchers and offers training programs for conservationists and other stakeholders.
The '''[[Ashepoo Combahee Edisto Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve|ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve]]''' was formed in 1992 and is a partnership between the [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] (NOAA) and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). The reserve itself consists of over {{convert|140,000|acre|km2}} which consists of a mixture of upland and lowland that is publicly protected or privately owned. In essence, it is an [[Historic overlay district|overlay]] area and is not in direct control or ownership of any specific land area. NERR staff monitors indicators such as flora/fauna livelihood and water quality, provides educational and scientific support to visitors and researchers and offers training programs for conservationists and other stakeholders.


The '''[[ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge|Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge]]''' is a federally protected, {{convert|11,815|acre|km2|0}} [[national wildlife refuge]] made up of two units: the Edisto River unit ({{convert|7200|acre|km2|0}}) and the Combahee River unit ({{convert|4564|acre|km2|1}}). The refuge operates an office out of the Grove Plantation House which receives visitors and hosts various educational and scientific programs and research projects.
The '''[[ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge|Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge]]''' is a federally protected, {{convert|11,815|acre|km2|0}} [[national wildlife refuge]] made up of two units: the Edisto River unit ({{convert|7200|acre|km2|0}}) and the Combahee River unit ({{convert|4564|acre|km2|1}}). The refuge operates an office out of the Grove Plantation House which receives visitors and hosts various educational and scientific programs and research projects.
Line 22: Line 28:
The '''[[Bear Island (South Carolina)|Bear Island Wildlife Management Area]]''' is a {{convert|12021|acre|km2|0}} reserve that is managed by SCDNR. The area is open to the public from early February to late October and is a popular spot for hiking, biking, birding, fishing, and hunting. A wide variety of waterfowl species inhabit the area. The area shuts down periodically for special hunts.
The '''[[Bear Island (South Carolina)|Bear Island Wildlife Management Area]]''' is a {{convert|12021|acre|km2|0}} reserve that is managed by SCDNR. The area is open to the public from early February to late October and is a popular spot for hiking, biking, birding, fishing, and hunting. A wide variety of waterfowl species inhabit the area. The area shuts down periodically for special hunts.


The '''Donnelley Wildlife Management Area''' is an {{convert|8041|acre|km2|0}} reserve that is managed by SCDNR. The area is open to the public year-round, however hunting season from early November to early February restricts access for hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and other non-hunting activities. The area is named after the Donnelley family, which was instrumental in the ACE Basin Project's history and features a wide mix of landscapes and fauna.
The '''[[Donnelley Wildlife Management Area]]''' is an {{convert|8041|acre|km2|0}} reserve that is managed by SCDNR. The area is open to the public year-round, however hunting season from early November to early February restricts access for hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and other non-hunting activities. The area is named after the Donnelley family, which was instrumental in the ACE Basin Project's history and features a wide mix of landscapes and fauna.


The '''St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve''' is a {{convert|10301|acre|km2|0}} area managed by SCDNR that consists of several small upland and lowland islands located along the northern shore of the St. Helena Sound. These islands are far-reaching and offer archery hunting for deer (November only) and primitive camping opportunities. Otter Island in particular has further protections due to its unique and rare plant species and its historic status.
The '''[[St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve]]''' is a {{convert|10301|acre|km2|0}} area managed by SCDNR that consists of several small upland and lowland islands located along the northern shore of the St. Helena Sound. These islands are far-reaching and offer archery hunting for deer (November only) and primitive camping opportunities. Otter Island in particular has further protections due to its unique and rare plant species and its historic status.


Additional contributing properties include:
Additional contributing properties include:
Line 34: Line 40:


==Access==
==Access==
The principal road through the ACE Basin is [[U.S. Route 17|U.S. Highway 17]] (the ACE Basin Parkway), which skirts the northern reaches of the protected areas and providing transportation connection between the areas clustered around [[Charleston, South Carolina|Charleston]], [[Beaufort, South Carolina|Beaufort]] and [[Savannah, Georgia|Savannah]].
The principal road through the ACE Basin is [[U.S. Route 17|U.S. Highway 17]] (the ACE Basin Parkway), which skirts the northern reaches of the protected areas and providing transportation connection between the areas clustered around [[Charleston, South Carolina|Charleston]], [[Beaufort, South Carolina|Beaufort]] and [[Savannah, Georgia|Savannah]]. Small hamlets do exist in the ACE Basin, including the communities of Bennetts Point, Green Pond, Jacksonboro, Wiggins and [[Willtown Bluff]]. The largest community in close proximity is [[Walterboro, South Carolina|Walterboro]], accessible via [[South Carolina Highway 303|S.C. Highway 303]] and [[South Carolina Highway 64|S.C. Highway 64]].

Small hamlets do exist in the ACE Basin, including the communities of Bennetts Point, Green Pond, Jacksonboro, Wiggitt and Willtown Bluff. The largest community in close proximity is [[Walterboro, South Carolina|Walterboro]], accessible via [[South Carolina Highway 303|S.C. Highway 303]] and [[South Carolina Highway 64|S.C. Highway 64]].


There are 23 boat landings in the {{convert|350,000|acre|km2}} region, mostly maintained by state or county government agencies. Four of these landings are canoe or kayak launch only.
There are 23 boat landings in the {{convert|350,000|acre|km2}} region, mostly maintained by state or county government agencies. Four of these landings are canoe or kayak launch only.

==References==
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
Line 44: Line 51:
*[http://www.fws.gov/acebasin/ Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge]
*[http://www.fws.gov/acebasin/ Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge]
*[http://www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/NERR/index.html ACE Basin National National Estuarine Research Reserve]
*[http://www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/NERR/index.html ACE Basin National National Estuarine Research Reserve]
*[https://www.dnr.sc.gov/mlands/managedland?p_id=56 Bear Island Wildlife Management Area]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100123222759/https://www.dnr.sc.gov/mlands/managedland?p_id=56 Bear Island Wildlife Management Area]
*[https://www.dnr.sc.gov/mlands/managedland?p_id=58 Donnelley Wildlife Management Area]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100123221125/https://www.dnr.sc.gov/mlands/managedland?p_id=58 Donnelley Wildlife Management Area]
*[https://www.dnr.sc.gov/mlands/managedland?p_id=122 St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20091229055518/https://www.dnr.sc.gov/mlands/managedland?p_id=122 St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve]
*[http://gddf.org/ Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation]


{{Protected Areas of South Carolina}}
{{Protected areas of South Carolina}}
{{South Carolina Lowcountry}}
{{LowcountryTemplate}}


{{coord|32|39|14|N|80|32|42|W|display=title}}
{{coord|32|39|14|N|80|32|42|W|display=title}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:Protected areas of Beaufort County, South Carolina]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Beaufort County, South Carolina]]
Line 58: Line 68:
[[Category:Protected areas of Hampton County, South Carolina]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Hampton County, South Carolina]]
[[Category:National Wildlife Refuges in South Carolina]]
[[Category:National Wildlife Refuges in South Carolina]]
[[Category:Wetlands of South Carolina]]
[[Category:Landforms of Beaufort County, South Carolina]]
[[Category:Landforms of Charleston County, South Carolina]]
[[Category:Landforms of Colleton County, South Carolina]]
[[Category:Landforms of Hampton County, South Carolina]]

Latest revision as of 15:52, 21 March 2023

Pine Island, ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve

The Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Basin (abbreviated as ACE Basin, spoken as ace basin) is one of the largest undeveloped estuaries along the Atlantic Coast of the United States. Located primarily in Colleton, Charleston, and Beaufort counties in South Carolina, the Ashepoo, Combahee and South Edisto rivers combine into the larger St. Helena Sound and drain a significant portion of the Lowcountry region. The 350,000 acres (1,400 km2) area is known for its natural environment and the preservation of its marshes, wetlands, hardwood forests, and riverine systems and the fauna that occupy the area.

A sizable portion of the ACE Basin has been protected via a public-private partnership with contributing properties. A collaboration of federal, state, local, and private efforts have led to the preservation of 250,000 acres of land, with stakeholders controlling various interests. The umbrella organization for these efforts is the ACE Basin Task Force.

History

[edit]

Historically, the area was primarily agricultural, dominated by the plantation system. After the Civil War, only three plantation homes survived in the area, and much of the land became fertile ground for hunting and outdoor enthusiasts.

Development pressures emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, prompting concerned citizens to petition local, state, and federal authorities to assist with preserving the basin. In 1988, a group of concerned citizens and advocacy groups formed the ACE Basin Task Force which further formalized the cause for preservation and conservation. What emerged from these efforts became the ACE Basin Project, comprising the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, and other private groups and companies to continue to collaborate on this endeavor.[1]

Among the more famous individuals that have contributed to land conservation efforts include Ted Turner and the descendants of the RR Donnelley estate, which set up a foundation to support conservation efforts in the ACE Basin and throughout the Lowcountry.[2] During his tenure in office, South Carolina's U.S. Senator Fritz Hollings procured $53.8 million for conservation efforts in the ACE Basin.[3]

The task force celebrated 30 years of conservation efforts in December 2019.[4] In November 2014, National Geographic had a featured article celebrating 25 years of conservation efforts in the ACE Basin.[5]

Geography

[edit]

The basin is located along the southern half of South Carolina's Atlantic coastline, situated between Charleston and Beaufort. The basin's name comes after the three major rivers that drain the area: the Ashepoo, the Combahee, and the Edisto. These rivers drain primarily into the St. Helena Sound, which drains into the Atlantic Ocean between Hunting Island and Edisto Island.

The basin's boundaries are roughly defined to include all of Edisto Island and running northwesterly towards Walterboro, then heading southwest towards Garden's Corner and Yemassee before heading back towards the ocean, including all of the St. Helena Sound and Hunting Island State Park. Of the 350,000 acres (1,400 km2) that are comprised by this area, nearly half are officially monitored by the National Estuarine Research Reserve system.

Protected areas

[edit]

Listed below is a partial list of protected areas in the ACE Basin, not including private conservation easements:

The ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve was formed in 1992 and is a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). The reserve itself consists of over 140,000 acres (570 km2) which consists of a mixture of upland and lowland that is publicly protected or privately owned. In essence, it is an overlay area and is not in direct control or ownership of any specific land area. NERR staff monitors indicators such as flora/fauna livelihood and water quality, provides educational and scientific support to visitors and researchers and offers training programs for conservationists and other stakeholders.

The Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge is a federally protected, 11,815 acres (48 km2) national wildlife refuge made up of two units: the Edisto River unit (7,200 acres (29 km2)) and the Combahee River unit (4,564 acres (18.5 km2)). The refuge operates an office out of the Grove Plantation House which receives visitors and hosts various educational and scientific programs and research projects.

The Bear Island Wildlife Management Area is a 12,021 acres (49 km2) reserve that is managed by SCDNR. The area is open to the public from early February to late October and is a popular spot for hiking, biking, birding, fishing, and hunting. A wide variety of waterfowl species inhabit the area. The area shuts down periodically for special hunts.

The Donnelley Wildlife Management Area is an 8,041 acres (33 km2) reserve that is managed by SCDNR. The area is open to the public year-round, however hunting season from early November to early February restricts access for hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and other non-hunting activities. The area is named after the Donnelley family, which was instrumental in the ACE Basin Project's history and features a wide mix of landscapes and fauna.

The St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve is a 10,301 acres (42 km2) area managed by SCDNR that consists of several small upland and lowland islands located along the northern shore of the St. Helena Sound. These islands are far-reaching and offer archery hunting for deer (November only) and primitive camping opportunities. Otter Island in particular has further protections due to its unique and rare plant species and its historic status.

Additional contributing properties include:

Access

[edit]

The principal road through the ACE Basin is U.S. Highway 17 (the ACE Basin Parkway), which skirts the northern reaches of the protected areas and providing transportation connection between the areas clustered around Charleston, Beaufort and Savannah. Small hamlets do exist in the ACE Basin, including the communities of Bennetts Point, Green Pond, Jacksonboro, Wiggins and Willtown Bluff. The largest community in close proximity is Walterboro, accessible via S.C. Highway 303 and S.C. Highway 64.

There are 23 boat landings in the 350,000 acres (1,400 km2) region, mostly maintained by state or county government agencies. Four of these landings are canoe or kayak launch only.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Lee, Matt; Lee, Ted (2001-02-25). "Rice Fields Cultivate Old Ways". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-05-04.
  2. ^ Stevens, Kimberly (2005-01-02). "Keeping Development from Devouring Plantations". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-05-04.
  3. ^ Lauderdale (May 2019). "Three Ways Fritz Hollings touched the Lowcountry". The Island Packet.
  4. ^ Brack, Andy (11 December 2019). "Conservationists celebrate 30 years of protecting ACE Basin". Charleston City Paper. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  5. ^ "Low Country Legacy". National Geographic. Photographs by Vincent Musi. November 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
[edit]

32°39′14″N 80°32′42″W / 32.65389°N 80.54500°W / 32.65389; -80.54500