Eastover, SC – According to Carolina Sportsman, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is set to host a public meeting to gather community input on the proposed management plan for the Wateree River Heritage Preserve Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Richland County.
The event is scheduled for July 14, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Crossroads Community Center located at 2750 McCord’s Ferry Road in Eastover. This gathering aims to engage local residents, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts in shaping the future use and stewardship of this significant natural resource.
The Wateree River Heritage Preserve WMA encompasses 3,677 acres of diverse habitat situated approximately 17 miles east of Columbia, along Highway 378 near the Eastover community. Bordered by the scenic Wateree River, the property straddles the line between Richland and Sumter counties, with its entire land area falling within Richland County. Acquired by the SCDNR as partial mitigation for the Haile Gold Mine project in Lancaster County, this tract represents one of South Carolina’s newest additions to the network of protected lands dedicated to wildlife conservation and public recreation.
Notable features of the area include Cook’s Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the midlands region, which offers breathtaking overlooks of the Wateree River and surrounding ecosystems. Such vantage points highlight the preserve’s potential for educational, hiking, and wildlife observation activities, underscoring the importance of balanced management strategies that preserve its ecological integrity while providing access for sustainable use.
The proposed management plan, which outlines strategies for habitat maintenance, public access, hunting regulations, and conservation efforts, is currently available for review on the SCDNR website. Attendees at the July 14 meeting will have the opportunity to voice their comments and suggestions, all of which will be documented. These inputs, combined with any written submissions received by the department, will directly influence revisions to the plan.
Once updated, the final management plan—along with a summary of public comments and the department’s responses—will be made publicly accessible on the SCDNR website, ensuring transparency in the decision-making process. This collaborative approach reflects the SCDNR‘s commitment to involving stakeholders in the stewardship of South Carolina’s natural heritage.
For those unable to attend the meeting, written comments can be submitted through official channels. Additional inquiries about the Wateree River Heritage Preserve WMA or the management planning process should be directed to Regional Wildlife Coordinator Willie Simmons at SimmonsW@dnr.sc.gov.
The establishment of this WMA not only compensates for environmental impacts from industrial activities but also enhances opportunities for biodiversity protection and outdoor pursuits in the midlands. By incorporating public feedback, the SCDNR aims to create a sustainable framework that benefits wildlife, water resources, and the communities that depend on them for recreation and economic vitality. For more information, visit Carolina Sportsman.