We know that for conservation solutions to truly last they need to benefit the communities that surround them. After a two-year effort, we helped create Belfast Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in South Carolina. This new management area not only protects wildlife habitat, it also provides increased public access to outdoor space and preserves part of the state’s history.

Located between two sections of Sumter National Forest, Belfast WMA contains a mix of hardwood forest, pine forest and wetlands that provides habitat for a variety of game and non-game species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, bob-white quail, Kentucky warblers and American woodcocks. The property also includes a historic plantation home that is one of the oldest structures in Laurens County, dating back to 1786.

This land is now open to the public for hunting and other recreational opportunities. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR) plans to use the plantation home for group events and educational and youth programming. “With the acquisition of this property, we will not only expand hunting opportunities, but will also utilize Belfast Plantation for educational and recruitment efforts through the creation of shooting ranges and expansion of educational programs,” said SC DNR Director John Frampton. “[We hope] to work with schools and organizations in both counties to enhance opportunities to get youth into the outdoors.”

Partners

The successful creation of the Belfast WMA was the result of a group of organizations working together, including The Conservation Fund, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the National Wild Turkey Federation and the South Carolina Conservation Bank.