April 2003
Contents

Message From the Executive Director:
* The Upstate as the next regional city

Conservation:
* Couple preserves land along highway 11
* Northern Greenville county tract preserved
* UF members donate land adjoining
Jocassee Gorges to State
* Conservation Bank Act signed into law!

Articles:
* The Upstate is being developed at the rate of a new Haywood Mall every three days!!
* Downtown Schools: a key step toward sensible growth
* Downtown schools in the Upstate
good news and bad news
* Can Stories Save a River?
Bringing Lawson's Fork back to life
* Main Street: Heart and soul of the Upstate
* Victory for streams in the Upstate!

Upstate Forever News:
* Events
* Awards
* Volunteers
* Staff

UPSTATE FOREVER RECEIVES TWO STATE
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS

Upstate Forever has been honored with two state awards for its work in conservation and environmental education. We received the South Carolina Wildlife Federation’s 2001 Land Conservationist of the Year Award for our efforts in promoting the use of conservation easements as a method of protecting some of the region’s most significant natural and historic resources. In November, 2000, we sponsored the first major conference ever held in the Upstate on conservation easments. To date, through our Land Trust program, we have received eight easements protecting nearly 2,000 acres in the region, including tracts on Paris Mountain, along Highway 11, adjoining the Jocassee Gorges area, and on the Pacolet River.
     At its annual conference last month, the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina (EEASC) presented its Environmental Educator of the Year Award to Upstate Forever for our work in educating policy makers and the general public about growth and land use issues. EEASC President Mary Lou Jones said, “Our organization is pleased to recognize Upstate Forever for its dedication to raising awareness about the critical need to care for and conserve our magnificent but threatened natural resources. Because of their tireless efforts, the Upstate region of South Carolina will be a better place for us and for our children.”
     We are deeply honored to receive these awards. Thank you!!