Waccamaw River Blue Trail

American Rivers, the Waccamaw RIVERKEEPER® Program of the Winyah Rivers Foundation, and the Pee Dee Land Trust are collaborating with the communities in Horry and Georgetown counties in South Carolina to establish the Waccamaw River Blue Trail.

Although often overshadowed by the beach, the Waccamaw River is a defining part of the region’s landscape with its rare species of plants and animals, black water and cypress swamps.

It’s historical, cultural, and natural significance cannot be understated and the river provides clean drinking water, home for fish and wildlife, scenic landscapes, and opportunities for families to spend time outside together.

Generations of South Carolinians have grown up spending time with their families along the Waccamaw, learning how to reel in the next “big one” at their favorite fishing hole. But, as a consequence of unchecked development, these special places are disappearing, making working together to protect them more important than ever.

The Waccamaw River Blue Trail is not only improving recreational opportunities, it is also helping to educate citizens, local governments, and elected officials about the importance of the river as a community asset, increase community involvement in the protection of the river, and support conservation. Partnerships with land trusts as well as local, state and federal agencies have been forged to promote greater connectivity with currently protected lands within the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, the Waccamaw Heritage Preserve, and the City of Conway.

This project also is serving as a model for how to work with city and county councils to encourage riverside land protection through educational and incentive programs. Recently, American Rivers and our partners worked with elected and community leaders in Georgetown County to revise its Tree Ordinance to include protection for waterway trees, restrictions to limit unwise development after timber harvesting and encourage the use of natural systems instead of expensive man-made structures to filter and store stormwater.

A state-of-the-art waterproof map and an online interpretative guide will help residents and visitors alike explore this gem and give a broader understanding of the area’s unique history, vast array of wildlife and special natural and cultural places.

• Visit the Waccamaw River Blue Trail on Facebook
• Read about the benefits and opportunities associated with private land conservation in “The Benefits of Conservation Planning: A Toolkit for the Tax Professional”
• Watch a video on the benefits of blue trails
• Waccamaw River Blue Trail map and interpretive guide will be available soon