LOCAL COLLABORATION LEADS TO LAND CONSERVATION

The Mount Pleasant Land Conservancy (MPLC) and Mount Pleasant Waterworks (MPW) have finalized the details of a conservation easement protecting 57 acres of undeveloped property in Mount Pleasant. 

On Thursday, February 4^th the Mount Pleasant Waterworks Commission formally donated a conservation easement to the Mount Pleasant Land Conservancy without spending any public money!

“This conservation easement is significant for two primary reasons,” stated John Girault, Executive Director for the MPLC.  “Collaborating with a government agency that is interested in voluntarily protecting a portion of our natural environment is substantial enough, but the fact that this conserved area will be open to the public for community enjoyment is an extra layer of benefit that we should all celebrate.” 

The 57 acre conservation easement contains 6.5 acres of high ground on the back portion of the MPW Operations Center.  A paved walking path that was previously installed will now be available for public access.  A gate will remain open during daylight hours to permit the community access to the new Marsh View Trail.  The pine and oak lined trail winds through the preserved area opens up to amazing unobstructed marsh views.

“Mount Pleasant Waterworks is pleased to partner with the MPLC in the preservation of this land.  Our commitment to protecting our natural resources is essential to the future of Mount Pleasant and our quality of life,” stated Dr. Golightly, Mount Pleasant Waterworks Chair.  He continued, “We hope that it brings recreational enjoyment to residents as well as the important preservation of this beautiful piece of land.”

The public is invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, February 6^th at 10:00am, rain or shine, to celebrate the official opening of this exciting new community trail.  The event will take place behind the Mount Pleasant Waterworks Operations Center at 1619 Rifle Range Road in Mount Pleasant.  Coffee and hot cocoa will be served.  MPLC staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions. 

Mount Pleasant Waterworks (MPW) is a publicly owned water and wastewater utility, governed by a Board of Commissioners that provides water and wastewater service to the Town of Mount Pleasant and areas East of the Cooper River in Charleston County South Carolina.   Mount Pleasant Waterworks employs 120 people and operates four water treatment plants and two wastewater treatment facilities.

Mount Pleasant Waterworks Commission Chairman, Dr. William Golightly, and MPLC Chairman, Susan Duffie sign the conservation easement on February 4, 2009.