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UF staff weigh in on the Reedy River's water quality and recreation

UF staff weigh in on the Reedy River's water quality and recreation - July 27th 2017

[Via the Greenville Journal] — Despite its unhealthy amounts of pollution over the years, the Reedy River has become one of downtown Greenville’s most treasured spots for recreation. “The Reedy River is the central focus of downtown Greenville,” said Heather Nix, director of the clean water program for environmental advocacy group Upstate Forever. “It’s one of the many reasons why Greenville has become such a success story.” read more


Upstate Forever files appeal in Glassy Mountain case

Upstate Forever files appeal in Glassy Mountain case - July 26th 2017

Upstate Forever filed an appeal and a request for pre-litigation mediation in Pickens County circuit court in response to a decision by the Pickens County Planning Commission to approve a development at the base of the Glassy Mountain Heritage Trust Preserve in Pickens County. As of December 2017, the property in question has been permanently protected by a conservation easement thanks to the strong collaborative effort by many community stakeholders. read more


Cragmoor Farms expands protected land, offers farm-to-school project

Cragmoor Farms expands protected land, offers farm-to-school project - July 8th 2017

Cragmoor Farms, a historic farm in Spartanburg County adjacent to the Walnut Grove Plantation, added more land to nearly triple its protected acreage. The initially protected site is already being prepared to grow food to benefit Spartanburg County School District Six schools. The 72-acre addition to Cragmoor Farms completes the 120-acre project and surrounds Walnut Grove, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public as a living history farm. read more


New Go Paddle website is live

New Go Paddle website is live - June 28th 2017

Upstate Forever has officially launched the new Paddle SC website, which features an interactive map of blueways in South Carolina. The site allows users to easily search for a water adventure based on criteria such as skill level, location, and duration of trip. The online map includes listings of trips ideas and waterways across South Carolina as well as resources that will help paddlers navigate such as coastal tides and river flow gauges. The website will be updated with additional content on a regular basis and currently includes descriptions of 63 waterways, 108 trip listings, 390 points of interest, and 612 river accesses. read more


With Whistle Stop #1 now open, Byrnes Linear Park is officially underway

With Whistle Stop #1 now open, Byrnes Linear Park is officially underway - June 6th 2017

The installation of Whistle Stop #1 is the first in a series of landscaped parklets that will establish Byrnes Mile Linear Park. Byrnes Mile Linear Park is an outgrowth of partnership efforts led by Upstate Forever with funding from the Mary Black Foundation to help Spartanburg County communities become more walkable. Three additional Whistle Stop installations are anticipated by August, and ultimately, 20 parklets enhanced with train-themed art are planned to complete Byrnes Mile Linear Park. Each Whistle Stop will provide a place for rest and/or engagement along a mile-long fitness trail that connects key destinations in Duncan. read more


Shaping Our Future study results show an urgent need for responsible growth

Shaping Our Future study results show an urgent need for responsible growth - May 26th 2017

If the ten-county Upstate region continues on its current low-density land use trajectory, the amount of land consumed by 2040 to accommodate the 300,000+ new residents projected for the region could more than double, according to a study released recently by Upstate Forever, Ten at the Top and Furman’s Riley Institute. If land use trends continue, government’s cost to serve newly developed areas will increase dramatically over time, and expected revenues will likely not cover half of the projected costs. read more


Upstate Forever received an $80K grant from Greenville Women Giving

Upstate Forever received an $80K grant from Greenville Women Giving - May 10th 2017

At their Annual Meeting, GWG awarded Upstate Forever a grant for $80,000 in the Environmental category. Upstate Forever will use the grant funds to preserve the character of Falls Park by permanently protecting 55 Camperdown from the recently proposed development. The grant will also be used to fund work protecting Greenville’s rapidly vanishing farmlands to help retain the Upstate's rural heritage and create a strong foundation for local food. read more


UF is not pursuing further review of Dominion Pipeline; will focus on regulatory reform

UF is not pursuing further review of Dominion Pipeline; will focus on regulatory reform - April 26th 2017

On April 11, SC DHEC circulated a Notice of Department Decision, effectively agreeing that Dominion Carolinas Gas Transmission’s Transco to Charleston natural gas pipeline project will not negatively impact water quality along it’s 55-mile route through Spartanburg, Laurens, Newberry and Greenwood Counties. This decision is the last hurdle in the pipeline’s regulatory approval process. Based on this fact and our analysis of the situation with VC Summer, Upstate Forever and SCELP will not request DHEC Board review of the Dominion Transco to Charleston pipeline project. read more

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