Audubon: Issues & Actions

Congaree National Park is situated on the Congaree River floodplain, southeast of Columbia, South Carolina. In 1976, Congress authorized establishment of a 15,200-acre Congaree Swamp National Monument – to protect the largest tract of old-growth southern bottomland forest ecosystem in the country. A 7,000-acre expansion was authorized in 1988. In 2003, Congress changed Congaree’s designation from national monument to national park, and authorized a 4,576-acre expansion. We seek FY 2006 appropriation of $5 million to purchase land within the 4,576-acre expansion authorized in 2003.

Ecological Values

Congaree’s significance is affirmed by studies and by its designations as a National Natural Landmark (1974), a National Monument (1976), an International Biosphere Reserve (1983), and a National Park (2003). Most of Congaree Swamp National Monument (now Congaree National Park) is in the National Wilderness Preservation System (1988). Congaree Swamp National Monument (Congaree National Park) is designated a Globally Important Bird Area (2001).

The boundary expansion authorized in 2003 extends a portion of Congaree’s eastern boundary to the Wateree River, thereby implementing part of the Conservation Vision of the South Carolina Landscape Mapping Project (in which Audubon South Carolina was a partner). Specifically, the authorized Congaree boundary expansion connects two Core Conservation Areas: the 22,200-acre Congaree Swamp National Monument (now Congaree National Park) and Upper Santee Swamp (Santee River floodplain), which extends southeast from the confluence of the Congaree and Wateree rivers. Within Upper Santee Swamp, 16,700 acres are designated as Upper Santee Swamp Natural Area. An IBA nomination has been written for Upper Santee Swamp.

Public Use and Benefit to the Community

Congaree Swamp National Monument (Congaree National Park) was established for the education, inspiration, and enjoyment of present and future generations. It encompasses the largest tract of old-growth southern bottomland forest ecosystem in the country, yet it is only 20 miles from Columbia – South Carolina’s capital and largest city. It is the only national park in South Carolina.

Over the years, Congaree has attracted visitors from about 100 countries. Visitors learn about Congaree’s biology and geology at the park’s Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Visitors can hike the park’s trails, walk the boardwalks, canoe or kayak on creeks flowing through the forest, watch birds and other wildlife, photograph the area, and marvel at the big trees (some of which are state champions and national champions).

Threats

The two largest tracts (listed below) in the authorized boundary expansion have been utilized for timber production during the past century. Now, both landowners intend to sell their tracts. The window of opportunity exists now for the National Park Service (NPS) to acquire both tracts from willing sellers. If the Park Service fails to acquire the tracts promptly, the landowners will sell to other buyers, even if this requires subdividing the tracts into smaller parcels. NPS acquisition of many small parcels “later” from many landowners (who might be unwilling to sell) is less certain and more costly than buying the two large tracts now from willing sellers.

Acquisition Status

The 4,576-acre boundary expansion – authorized in 2003 – consists of four riverfront tracts, three of which the Congaree National Park Land Protection Plan lists as “Priority Class I” for acquisition:

• 2,420-acre tract – Santee River Limited Partnership

• 1,886-acre tract – Riverstone Properties LLC

• 28-acre tract – Hall

These landowners gave permission to include their tracts in the boundary expansion legislation, but they will not wait indefinitely for the National Park Service to acquire their tracts. Prompt appropriation of acquisition funding is the key. Through Senator Hollings’ efforts, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 earmarked $6 million for Congaree land acquisition, but additional funding is needed.

2,420-acre tract: Since 2002, the Trust for Public Land (TPL) has communicated with the landowner. Negotiations have proceeded earnestly since Congress authorized the boundary expansion in 2003. Currently (December 2004), appraisal of the tract is nearing completion. This acquisition will consume most of Congaree’s FY 2005 appropriation ($6 million). The outcome should be known by March 2005.

1,886-acre tract: TPL has communicated with the landowner since 2002. The landowner has been watching TPL’s progress on the adjoining 2,420-acre tract (above) before deciding whether to enter into an option contract with TPL for this 1,886-acre tract. Estimated cost is $4.75 million – for which LWCF funding is needed.

28-acre tract: This riverfront tract is an “inholding” – almost surrounded by the park. It possesses one-half of the Devil’s Elbow oxbow (the other half is in the park). Estimated cost is $200,000 – for which LWCF funding is needed.

Public Support

National park designation and the authorized 4,576-acre boundary expansion resulted from legislation introduced in 2003 by Senator Hollings and Congressman Clyburn. The legislation was supported by Columbia Audubon Society; Friends of Congaree Swamp; SC Wildlife Federation; SC Coastal Conservation League; SC Sierra Club; The River Alliance; American Rivers; National Parks Conservation Association; the Trust for Public Land; SC Dept. of Natural Resources; SC Dept. of Parks, Recreation & Tourism; Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce; Columbia Mayor Robert Coble; Richland County Council; and SC Governor Mark Sanford.

Floodplain forest ecosystems along the Congaree River and the Wateree River
Bottomland hardwoods
Bates Old River (one of the longest oxbows in South Carolina)
Ridge and swale topography

Bachman’s Sparrow (SC) Rough-leafed Loosestrife (E) Southern Hognose Snake (SC)

Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (historically present); Henslow’s Sparrow; Bachman’s Sparrow; Cerulean Warbler; Swainson’s Warbler; Red-headed Woodpecker; Wood Thrush; Prothonotary Warbler; Kentucky Warbler