Blog

Land Planning & Policy

We can't stop growth from happening across the Upstate, but we can help shape the policies that affect our daily lives. Smart land use policies and thoughtful planning can help create a more resilient, equitable, and vibrant future for the Upstate.

See what’s taking shape below.

Empowering more voices in place-making

Empowering more voices in place-making
May 31, 2024

City of Greenville Planning Commissioner Pamela Adams recounts the fight to save the Dr. E.E. McClaren Medical Shelter in the West End of Greenville.

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Big win for water! 50' riparian buffers in Greenville County

Big win for water! 50' riparian buffers in Greenville County
Sherry Barrett  |  January 5, 2024

Upstate Forever and local partners that comprise the Reedy River Water Quality Group (RRWQG) and other clean water advocates have aggressively championed adoption of stronger riparian buffer requirements in Greenville County for well-over a decade. We are thrilled to see 50' wide riparian buffers now required for new development along all Waters-of-the-State in unincorporated parts of the county.

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The City of Clemson puts sustainability at the forefront of conservation efforts

The City of Clemson puts sustainability at the forefront of conservation efforts
December 4, 2023

Check out our recent Q&A with Clemson Mayor Robert Halfacre and City Urban and Park Land Management Director Tony Tidwell. They explain some new sustainability projects and other initiatives already underway in Clemson, including Berkeley Orchard, the "Grow a Greener Clemson" campaign, the Monarch USA accreditation, and establishing Clemson as a Certified National Wildlife Habitat.

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How developed land impacts urban waters

How developed land impacts urban waters
Rebecca Wade  |  October 27, 2023

Clean Water Specialist Rebecca Wade explains how stormwater from development and human activity can cause problems for urban waters — and ways you can help protect local waterways.

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Healing urban ecosystems — the natural way

Healing urban ecosystems — the natural way
Allie Martinsen  |  October 26, 2023

Land Policy Manager Allie Martinsen explores ways that many communities are successfully addressing negative development impacts through effective, low-cost nature-based solutions.

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How 'Missing Middle Housing' could help Spartanburg manage growth

How 'Missing Middle Housing' could help Spartanburg manage growth
Allie Martinsen  |  July 23, 2023

Land Policy Manager Allie Martinsen shares one strategy that could help to guide and shape growth to enhance the character of rural, suburban, and urban places like Spartanburg.

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Rural land is disappearing: What's SC doing about it?

Rural land is disappearing: What's SC doing about it?
Allie Martinsen  |  July 5, 2023

Calling all land lovers! Land Policy Manager Allie Martinsen discusses the current state of rural land in South Carolina, preservation strategies, and the benefits of agritourism.

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25 Highlights from 25 Years

25 Highlights from 25 Years
May 10, 2023

These are just a few of the highlights that your support has made possible over the last 25 years

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