Preserving History, Protecting the Environment

To see new images and learn more

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To visit SC DNR's web for Botany Bay
click here

Violations of SC DNR Rules on Botany Bay Plantation
can be reported through Operation Game Thief
1-800-922-5431

You are encouraged to call and report violations
you personally witness.

The following is SC DNR's schedule for closing
Botany Bay for hunting events:

BOTANY BAY PLANTATION WMA WILL BE CLOSED TO GENERAL PUBLIC ACCESS DURING PUBLIC DEER HUNTS ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:
NOVEMBER:  13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19
DECEMBER: 1, 2, 3, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 30, 31
NOTE: THE AREA IS OPEN ON SUNDAYS DURING THIS PERIOD

Botany Bay Plantation was recently
opened to the public by the SC Department
of Natural Resources, against the advice of those attending a public meeting organized by EIPA. At that meeting the participants urged DNR to have everything in place necessary to protect this jewel before opening .

The property is roughly 4,000 acres and ranges from woods to wetlands to fields. There is a small beach which ranks second along the South Carolina Coast for Sea Turtle nesting. That beach provides one of the rare nesting areas for Wilson's plovers and the Least Tern, both threatened in SC. It is a fragile place where man must tread gently to avoid destroying the very things that attract us there. That said, many of Edisto Island's residents would prefer the beach be closed during turtle nesting season and open in the winter months when tourist pressure would be less.

SCDNR has established rules designed to
protect the beach including no shelling by adults, no dogs on the beach or on the causeway to the beach, and the bird nesting area is roped off. Of course there is to be no disturbing the turtle nests! SC DNR has assured island residents that there will be regular surveillance and enforcement of the rules.

Meanwhile back on the mainland, the ruins of Sea Cloud Plantation's foundation give testament to the wealth of Sea Island Cotton and are only a part of the precious heritage that rests on Botany Bay Plantation which was also home to legendary Bleak Hall. All key historic sites are being fenced and all are already marked with signs warning against collecting artifacts. No metal detectors are allowed within the Wildlife Management Area.

EIPA is currently trying to organize volunteers to help SC DNR protect these environmental, cultural and historic treasures. We continue to talk with SC DNR about how best to accomplish our mutual goals. If you would like to join the discussion or volunteer to help contact us at:

PreserveEdisto@bellsouth.net

If you plan to visit Botany Bay
we suggest you visit the following page - click here

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