Nine Times Forest

  • Location: E. Preston McDaniel Rd, Pickens, SC

  • Size: 1,648 acres

  • Habitat: Mountains, creek bottom, oak/hickory forest, granitic outcrops

  • Public Use: Day use only, hiking, hunting (seasonal), biking, rock climbing

  • Partners: SC Conservation Bank, Duke Energy, US Forest Service, Fred and Alice Stanback, Upstate Forever, SCDNR

  • Year Protected: 2013

An ecological jewel, Nine Times Forest contains three mountains of stunning granite outcroppings as well as streams, creeks and stands of hardwoods.  Located in close proximity to Jocassee Gorges, the tract also provides exceptional habitat for bear and other wildlife. In 2012, Naturaland Trust and Upstate Forever negotiated an option to purchase the property from the owner, Crescent Communities, at a price of $3,543,780 and then began seeking public and private support for the project.

The funding came together from four major sources.  First, Naturaland Trust was selected to receive a grant from the U.S. Forest Service. The grant was awarded under the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program in a highly competitive process.  Only 10 grants were awarded nationwide, and Naturaland Trust and Upstate Forever’s grant was one of only two in the Southeast.

Next, Fred and Alice Stanback, North Carolina conservationists who have been key supporters of efforts to protect important places in the South Carolina Blue Ridge, including Stumphouse Mountain, made a generous donation in honor of conservation visionary and founder of Naturaland Trust, Tommy Wyche. Mr. Stanback said, "Our contribution not only helps protect the Nine Times property but also honors Tommy Wyche for his 40 years of providing vision and leadership in protecting tens of thousands of acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains along the North Carolina-South Carolina state line.”

The view from Big Rock Mountain in Nine Times Forest.

In addition, Naturaland Trust and Upstate Forever reactivated a 5-year-old grant application with the South Carolina Conservation Bank. The Bank’s Board unanimously approved a $1.5 million grant for the property, payable in two installments.

During this time, Duke Energy was negotiating the terms and conditions to be proposed for a new license for its Keowee-Toxaway Hydroelectric Project. As one of the conditions, Duke Energy provided $1,044,000 for the purchase of the Nine Times Forest.

“We’re thrilled to support the preservation of this spectacular land,” said Steve Jester, Duke Energy vice president of water strategy, hydro licensing and lake services. “Our objective throughout the relicensing process was to understand the community’s priorities and find ways to support them. This is a fine example of how stakeholder partnerships can result in benefits that will be enjoyed for generations.”

The closing occurred just before the 2013 holidays, and Naturaland Trust is now the owner of the property.

Open Space Institute (OSI) is providing a bridge loan to Naturaland Trust until all of the funding comes in from the other three sources. This is the second loan from OSI to Naturaland Trust in the past two years. The first helped secure nearly 300 acres along the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway. Nate Berry, Vice President for OSI, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Naturaland Trust again to protect the resources of this special area of the upstate.”

Frank Holleman, President of Naturaland Trust, said “The acquisition of the Nine Times Forest is an historic gift to the Upstate of South Carolina and the protection of our Blue Ridge Mountains. These 1648 acres contain three mountains, beautiful mountain streams, and forest expanses. We now have protected 2300 acres of connected forest, forever.”

Nine Times Forest Trail Map

The Nine Times Forest was one of the largest intact unprotected forests left in the Upstate. Several years ago, about 560 acres were protected through a broad-based effort, in which The Nature Conservancy, Naturaland Trust and Upstate Forever actively participated. That tract is now owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy. The Nine Times Forest adjoins The Nature Conservancy’s preserve. In 2012, Naturaland Trust acquired over 100 acres adjoining Nine Times Forest, providing an even larger natural area.

Brad Wyche, Executive Director of Upstate Forever, said: "This is a spectacular achievement for conservation in South Carolina, and an amazing team of public and private partners made it happen. We were honored to be on the team."