Johnson Tyger River Property Protected Forever!

On a hot sunny day this August, a collaborative conservation project between Johnson Development Associates and SPACE came to fruition. Located on a beautiful 2.5 mile stretch of the Tyger River, the aptly named “Johnson Tyger River” (JTR) property protects 545 acres of Spartanburg’s critical wetlands.

The beautiful JTR is situated in the southeastern region of Spartanburg County. Unlike many other regions in Spartanburg, development pressure has yet to significantly reach this area. However, the threat becomes closer and closer each day. Observing this trend, Johnson Development Associates recognized the JTR property as a priority conservation area and began their work with SPACE to ensure its protection. The 545 acres of permanently protected wetlands habitat will now serve as a safeguard against encroaching development on some of Spartanburg’s most ecologically important lands.

By entering into this conservation project, Johnson Development Associates has committed to stewarding the JTR wetlands and waterways into restoration and permanent protection. This 545 acre property, including wetlands, 2.5 miles of N. Tyger River frontage, and 4 miles of tributary stream banks, has been flagged for restorative and ecological-enhancement work. Under Johnson Development Associate’s oversight, these improvements will transition into a long-term conservation project centered around maintaining JTR’s most natural characteristics.

With deep ties to the Spartanburg area, Johnson Development Associates’ pride for the JTR stems from its protection of one of Spartanburg’s most iconic natural features, the Tyger River, and its expanse of wetlands. SPACE Board Member and Johnson Development Associates employee, Jared Wilson, says, “We are excited about improving the condition of the natural areas along the stream banks of the property and to protect them for the future.”

The Tyger River’s importance to Spartanburg can be tied to its residents enjoying fishing, kayaking, hiking, and taking in the beautiful scenery on the river. But why is protecting the land surrounding Spartanburg’s waterways, like the Tyger River, so important to SPACE’s conservation work?

We’ll tell you! Ensuring Spartanburg’s water stays clean for its residents (human and non-human alike) means making sure the lands around our waterways stay free from development. This is because development on and around wetlands is incredibly destructive to native wildlife, can lead to high levels of pollution, and ultimately deteriorate the health of the ecosystem. Think of healthy wetlands as an ecological city. Instead of people and cars, these cities buzz with all different kinds of critters, brought together by the rich array of food and habitat wetlands offer. The networks built in the wetlands make nearby watersheds stronger by providing nutrients, preventing flooding, and filtering pollutants. With healthy wetlands surrounding our waters like the Tyger River, Spartanburg’s waterways may remain clean for all to enjoy!

Thank you to Johnson Development Associates for collaborating with SPACE to protect an important piece of Spartanburg County!