Stumphouse preserve to be tripled in size

Two pro-environmental groups are assuring that the Stumphouse Mountain Heritage Preserve in Oconee County will triple in size.  Last Thursday the Nature Conservancy transferred 791 acres, known as “Turnip Top”, to the South Carolina DNR.  This after, TNC closed on 791 acres named for the 1,600-foot-high mountain preserve north of Walhalla.  The property is to be managed for public access, recreation and wildlife habitat.  The property includes headwater streams that drain into Lake Keowee, long-time drinking water supply for Seneca and just recently, for Walhalla.  The Nature Conservancy more than ten years ago worked with public and private interests to protect Stumphouse Mountain after word got out that a Florida developer wanted the property to build a retreat-style development.