MEDIA ADVISORY - May 16, 2007

Historic habitat protection project in Hampton County completed

One of the largest habitat conservation purchases in the state’s history has been completed with the acquisition of 13,281-acre property known as Hamilton Ridge, which is located in Hampton County. The total cost of the project was $23.5 million.

CONTACT: Brett Witt (803) 734-3815 or via cell (803) 667-0696, Newsdesk@DNR.SC.gov

WHAT: Hamilton Ridge - 13,281-acre property formal dedication

WHO: Gov. Mark Sanford, Sen. Lindsey Graham, DNR Director John Frampton along with other state and local dignitaries.

WHEN: Friday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: James W. Webb Wildlife Center in Hampton County (1282 Webb Avenue - Garnett, SC - Phone: 803-625-3569)

From Columbia, SC – (Approximately 100 miles) - Take Highway 321 South to Garnett - In Garnett, the road will fork - Stay right on Hwy 119 - Turn right onto Augusta Stagecoach Road (S-20) (Across from Garnett Post Office) - Cross Railroad Tracks, go approximately 2.6 miles - James W. Webb Wildlife Management Area Entrance on Left - Follow Avenue (1.5 miles) to Office


From Interstate 95 at Coosawhatchie – (Approximately 30 minutes) - Take Exit 28, at Coosawhatchie, Hwy 462 - Go 462 West to Stop Sign - Turn Right onto 462 West - Go Approximately 0.6 miles - Turn Left onto Hwy 462 - Go 4.0 miles to Stop Sign at Hwy 278 - Turn Right onto Hwy 278 - Go 0.8 miles to Gillisonville - Turn Left onto Hwy 462 - Go 10.0 miles to Stop Sign at Hwy 601 - Continue on Hwy 462 to Robertville - At Stop Sign, Turn Right onto Hwy 321 - Go 3.0 miles to Garnett - Turn Left in Front of Garnett Post Office - Continue Straight, Cross Over Hwy 119 onto Augusta Stagecoach Road (S-20) - Cross Railroad Tracks - Go 2.6 miles to James W. Webb Wildlife Management Area Entrance on Left - Follow Avenue (1.5 miles) to Office