MORNING HEADLINES | The national Old-Growth Forest Network on Tuesday designated the future Angel Oak Preserve on Johns Island as a community forest, placing the land among a select group of publicly accessible places with ecological and cultural significance.
The honor distinguishes the Angel Oak, a Lowcountry treasure said to be the largest live oak tree east of the Mississippi River, and its surrounding forest as local treasures and landscapes of national importance worthy of permanent protection, reverence and celebration. The sprawling tree, with a circumference of more than 25 feet, is thought to be 500 years old, but may be older.
“This recognition affirms what so many in Charleston have long known: The Angel Oak is more than just a protected landscape; it is a promise to future generations,” Samantha Siegel, Angel Oak Preserve director at Lowcountry Land Trust, said in a press release. “Being recognized by the Old-Growth Forest Network affirms our commitment to letting this forest thrive, protected forever, as a place of natural wonder, community connection and historical remembrance.”
The 44-acre preserve has a design that features boardwalk trails, a nature play area for kids and educational information about the historic tree and the native people who have long held it sacred. Fundraising efforts are still underway for the estimated $13.5 million project spearheaded by the Lowcountry Land Trust.
“The plans for the Angel Oak Preserve perfectly embody what the Old-Growth Forest Network recognizes and honors through our Community Forest designation,” Sarah Adloo, executive director at Old-Growth Forest Network said in a press release, “a place that is protected, cared for and shared through the investment of its community, offering an opportunity for people to be immersed in a beautiful forest whether they come from near or far.
“Without this kind of dedicated effort, forests like those surrounding the Angel Oak are far too easily lost when they are thought of as blank space on a map rather than part of the ecological and cultural fabric of the surrounding communities.”
The future Angel Oak Preserve is the first to receive the community forest designation in South Carolina. Two other South Carolina sites, St. Phillips Island and Congaree National Park, are areas recognized by the Old-Growth Forest Network under its flagship designation for protected, publicly accessible old-growth forests.
While not yet considered an old-growth forest, the future Preserve holds the potential to regenerate into one over time and become an enduring model of conservation, stewardship and community care, officials said. —Skyler Baldwin
In other headlines
Health officials confirm case of brain-eating amoeba in S.C.. The state’s Department of Public Health said it was notified of one ca—se of Naegleria fowleri, also called a brain-eating amoeba, in the state the week of July 7. It is South Carolina’s first case this year, and the state’s first case since 2016.
Flash flood warning criteria by NWS to go into effect Aug. 1. The National Weather Service is working to simplify flood warnings, aiming to reduce confusion and ensure the public takes them seriously, acts correctly and responds promptly.
Charleston Co. leaders approve millions in funds toward rural road projects. Charleston County leaders approved an annual set of funds from the 2016 Transportation Sales Tax to go towards the county’s Rural Road Improvement Project, aimed to bring county nonstandard roads or community roads up to county standards.
- Charleston approves major recreation upgrades for West Ashley, Johns Island.
- Charleston Co. gives major update for West Ashley, Johns Island road project.
Frontier Airlines adding non-stop flights from Charleston to Dallas-Ft. Worth. Frontier Airlines will launch the twice-per-week flights starting on Oct. 9. The airline will offer introductory fares as low as $59 per flight.
North Charleston police continue search for suspect in triple shooting. North Charleston Police say they have no one in custody in a shootout Monday morning that sent three people to the hospital.
Harleston Village restaurant closes after a decade in Charleston. 60 Bull Cafe has permanently closed, according to the owner, due to staffing challenges and Charleston’s changing restaurant landscape.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.