 Forest
Type
SAF 70: Saw Palmetto, 500 acres
Total acres: 1,050
Description
In 1979, the South Carolina State Ports Authority
transferred 1,255 acres in Beaufort County on
the Colleton River to the South Carolina Wildlife
and Marine Resources Department. This transfer
of property was a condition for allowing Chicago
Bridge and Iron Company to get a permit to build
a steel mill on the Colleton River.
Part of the transferred property is being
developed by the Marine Resources Division as
a mariculture research facility. The remaining
approximately 100 acres was dedicated as a Heritage
Preserve which thereby protects the area while
allowing recreation.
 the preserve
has a good example of a pine/saw palmetto (Serenoa
repens) plant community which is rare in South
Carolina. Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) and
slash pine (P. elliottii) are the dominant trees.
controlled burning has been used since 1979
to maintain this fire dependent plant community.
The preserve also has the best population
of the rare plant pondspice (Litsea aestivalis)
in the United States. This shrub is restricted
to wet depressions which are common on the preserve
and range in size from 1/10 acre to 65 acres.
The other major habitat type at Victoria Bluff
Preserve is inland maritime forest. Live oak
(Quescus virginiana) and sabal palmetto (Sabal
palmetto) are the key species although other
hardwoods are common.
The property is open for hiking and nature
walks. Visitors can see the various plant communities
and perhaps the various wildlife of the preserve.
Firebreaks, which were made to help in the controlled
burning program, provide access throughout most
of the area.
Hunting is also allowed on Victoria Bluff
Preserve. Two week long archery hunts for deer
are scheduled; one is in November and another
is in December. Small game hunting is allowed
according to the rules and regulations of Game
Zone 11.
Victoria Bluff Preserve is already showing
its worth in protecting unique outdoor areas.
Development is rapidly changing nearby land.
This area at least will be available to people
who now and in the future want to renew their
ties with the outdoors.
Location
Beaufort County, South Carolina.
Access
For information contact
Preserve Manager, Heritage Trust Program
S.C. Wildlife & Marine Resources Department
P.O. Box 167
Columbia, S.C. 29202
(803) 758-0014 |
