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 MEMBERS DONATE LAND
ADJOINING JOCASSEE GORGES TO STATE

Two Upstate Forever members, Greenville residents Lucy S. Tiller and Georgia Mills Craig, have donated to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) approximately 44 acres of undeveloped land that directly adjoin the Jocassee Gorges property. The tract is located near the intersection of Highway 178 and Rocky Bottom Church Road in Pickens County.
     The 33,000-acre Jocassee Gorges property is one of the most beautiful and ecologically significant areas in North America. The area is home to over 2,000 species of plants and animals, including the largest population of black bear in the Southern Appalachians. A dozen streams plummet over some of the highest waterfalls in the Southeast and provide rich habitat for trout, including naturally reproducing brook trout. Over the last four years, the Jocassee Gorges property has been acquired by DNR from Duke Power Company’s subsidiary, Crescent Resources, Inc., through a collaborative effort involving the Richard King Mellon Foundation, The Conservation Fund, and many other organizations and agencies.
     In announcing the donation, Lucy Tiller said, “I feel very strongly that our land should be protected and made a part of the wonderful Jocassee Gorges property. It’s the right thing to do.” Georgia Craig added, “This is a special piece of land that I want the public to be able to use and enjoy.”
     Paul Sandifer, DNR’s Executive Director, praised Mrs. Tiller and Mrs. Craig for the gift: “I’m sure there were a lot of developers interested in this property since it’s right next to a wilderness area and just a stone’s throw from Highway 178. It’s a wonderful addition to the Jocassee property, and we are deeply grateful to Mrs. Tiller and Mrs. Craig.”
     The property is subject to a conservation easement granted to Upstate Forever. The easement will ensure that the property is forever preserved for the use and enjoyment of generations to come.
     Thank you, Lucy and Georgia, for your wonderful generosity!!