Belfast Wildlife Management Area

We know that for conservation solutions to truly last they need to benefit the surrounding communities. In South Carolina, the creation of the  Belfast Wildlife Management Area, not only protects wildlife habitat, it also offers the public access to a new outdoor space to enjoy and preserves part of South Carolina's history.

 After a two-year effort, working with a group of organizations, we completed the creation of Belfast WMA. Our efforts began in 2008 when we purchased nearly 4,664 acres for this new wildlife management area. We immediately transferred nearly half of it—2,228 acres—to South Carolina DNR andheld the remaining portion until DNR secured the necessary funding to acquire the rest of the property. DNR completed the purchase in July 2010.

Located between two sections of Sumter National Forest, Belfast WMA contains a mix of hardwood forest, pine forest and wetlands that provide habitat for a variety of game and non-game species such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, bobwhite quail, Kentucky warbler and American woodcock. The property also includes a historic plantation home that dates back to 1786 and is one of the oldest structures in Laurens County.

This land is now open to the public for hunting and other recreational opportunities. South Carolina DNR plans to use the plantation home for group events, educational programs and to promote outdoor activities with youth.

"With the acquisition of this property, we will not only expand hunting opportunities but will also utilize Belfast Plantation for educational and recruitment efforts through the creation of shooting ranges and expansion of educational programs. DNR hopes to work with schools and organizations in both counties to enhance opportunities to get youth into the outdoors," said John Frampton, DNR director.

Take a video tour of the Belfast Wildlife Management Area: