Plans to be unveiled for Rocky River swamp area

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Nestled among train trestles and heavily traveled highways, a treasure of environmental resources rests in the largest swamp located within city limits in the Upstate.

On July 24, 2014 at 7 p.m., Anderson area residents are invited to attend the first public unveiling of plans for the Rocky River and its surrounding swamp, a wetland area of more than 400 acres positioned in the area where Old Williamston Road and Gossett Street meet Highway 29 near Anderson University. 

“The Rocky River Conservancy project aims to be an Upstate South Carolina destination for education, exercise, and community engagement while maintaining the natural landscape and ecology,” said Juan A Brown MD, chairman of the conservancy task force.

The project unveiling will be in the council chambers at Anderson City Hall, located at 401 South Main Street in Anderson. Using an award in the amount of $60,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency, Upstate Forever along with the conservancy task force commissioned the hydrological study and master plan development. Chris Watson with Seamon Whiteside and Associates will present the master plan. Barrett Stone with ICA Engineering will be present to answer questions about the hydrological study.

“The Rocky River Conservancy project is truly an asset for local residents and tourism,” said Matt Schell, Parks Department Manager of Anderson County Parks and Recreation.

To transform the wetland into a community destination, Brown organized the conservancy task force in 2010 to collaborate with the city of Anderson, Anderson County, Anderson University, and other community partners.

Copies of the master plan and hydrological assessment will be available at Upstate Forever and Anderson University after the public meeting. For more information, contact Brown at jbrownmd@charter.net or 864-353-8451.