Big win for water quality in Anderson County!

Protecting Land & Water | Advocacy | Balanced Growth

www.upstateforever.org

Hello Upstate,

Thank you to everyone who spoke up to protect our waterways! On Tuesday, Anderson County Council voted unanimously to adopt enhanced riparian buffer protections countywide. At least a 50' wide riparian buffer is now required for new development along all Waters-of-the-State in Anderson County.

Why this is big

Upstate Forever, local partners, and other clean water advocates have championed adoption of stronger riparian buffer requirements in Anderson County for years. Land development in Anderson County has accelerated throughout this time period, with limited protections in place for our waterways.

Riparian buffers are vegetated areas next to waterways that provide protection from the impacts of adjacent land uses. They are often considered the last line of defense for water quality and proven to be one of the most cost-effective and fiscally responsible methods for water quality protection.

Thank Anderson County Council today!

Anderson County residents, please reach out to County Council. They are constantly inundated with negative comments and requests prior to votes, but less often hear from grateful citizens. A thank you email (or call) lets them know you support their decision — and that you're paying attention! Tell them that you are celebrating their decision to protect our waterways.

Contact your Council representative:

County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn: district5@andersoncountysc.org

County Council Vice-Chair Brett Sanders: bsanders@andersoncountysc.org

Councilman Chris N. Sullivan: cnsullivan@andersoncountysc.org

Councilman Glenn A. Davis: gadavis@andersoncountysc.org

Councilman Greg Elgin: gelgin@andersoncountysc.org

Councilman Jimmy Davis: jdavis@andersoncountysc.org

Councilwoman Cindy Wilson: district7@andersoncountysc.org

Thank you again for your help! Here's to many more local land use and clean water policy successes in 2025.

Do you have a friend, neighbor, or colleague who may be interested in receiving UF's Anderson Land Planning & Policy Updates? Please forward this update and encourage them to sign up HERE.

Best regards,

Allie Martinsen

Land Policy Manager

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Upstate Forever is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects critical lands, waters, and the unique character of Upstate South Carolina. Over the past two decades, we have worked to protect the natural assets that make the Upstate so special — our farmlands, forests, natural areas, rivers, and clean air. We are committed to ensuring that our communities are vibrant and retain their green spaces, outdoor heritage, and unique identities in the face of rapid development and significant sprawl. Our vision is an environmentally healthy, economically prosperous Upstate that offers a high quality of life now and for future generations.

For more information, visit our website at upstateforever.org or send us an email.