Property Description
The Park Ranger Tract was identified as a key acquisition in the 2022 Black River Water Trail and Park Network Master Plan (Highlighted as “Lieberman” on map on p. 28 of the plan). Situated on a peninsula in Georgetown County, it has over 2 miles river frontage. It has 47 acres of high ground that are dominated by pine and hickories. Some longleaf pine restoration has occurred on the property. The river front portion has mature bald cypress and bottomland hardwoods. The site provides valuable breeding, nesting, nursery, and foraging habitat for Swainson’s Warbler, Swallow-tailed kite, Wood Stork, Green Heron, Prothonotary Warbler, and Bald Eagle. According to the South Atlantic Conservation Blueprint, the Park Ranger tract is situated in their High and Highest Priority areas for conservation action and will help protect a portion of the river that is scored as an area of excellent Atlantic migratory fish habitat. The property also provides habitat for game and nongame species of wildlife and serves as a natural flood storage area during high water events, which benefits downstream homeowners and communities like Georgetown. The project will help create nature-based economic opportunities in the surrounding rural communities and help preserve the scenic quality and sense of place.