Acquired funds to allow for county park expansion

An announcement from the Oconee Parks, Recreation and Tourism says acquired funding last summer will allow for doubling the size of the county’s Chau Ram Park near Westminster. Property known as Chauga Heights was purchased by Naturaland Trust and transferred July 25 to Oconee County. The deal was made possible by a $550 thousand grant from the South Carolina Conservation Bank to Naturaland Trust and a $230 thousand investment by Oconee County. The property amounts to 212.69 acres. According to the announcement, a conservation easement held by Upstate Forever further protects the property. The property is to undergo a master plan process with the goal of increasing users and public activities throughout Chau Ram Park.