The Spartanburg County Planning Commission will meet again this Tuesday, August 5, to consider a revised proposal to build an RV park along Goldmine Creek—an area that provides habitat for one of South Carolina’s rarest native plants, the federally protected dwarf-flowered heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora).
A newly submitted plant survey confirms that suitable habitat exists, with over 200 Hexastylis plants found in 33 patches along the stream banks. The report even admits:
“It is assumed that the target species, and definitely the preferred habitat, are located at the site, although this is not proven by this survey.”
The conditions are right, the plants were found, and the species may be present—yet the developer has chosen not to investigate further and instead claims:
“The project would have No Effect on the target species or its habitat.”
There are serious problems with the proposed plan:
- The proposed 10-foot buffer is far too narrow and would leave the plants vulnerable to deforestation, accidental disturbance and destruction, soil compaction, and loss of groundwater recharge that could dry out the surrounding soil.
- The detention pond and its construction are sited directly above the densest population of these rare plants, with apparent discharge through the plants and their richest habitat.
- No physical barrier is proposed between the RV park and the rare plants—just signs, which offer no meaningful protection.
- The surveyor is not a botanist and has little, if any, background with this rare plant or its habitat. Instead of using a qualified expert, the developer hired a consultant based in Atlanta with no demonstrated expertise in Hexastylis naniflora and only 72 hours of documented plant identification training.
To make matters worse, this meeting was given minimal public notice, and the botanical survey materials were only made available online thanks to the persistent efforts of SCNPS State Vice President Frank Holleman, who had to go in person to request them from the Planning Commission office. Without his intervention, these critical documents may not have been available to the public in time for review.
We know it’s short notice, but your presence at this meeting can help demonstrate that the public is paying attention and expects better protections for South Carolina’s rare native flora.
Meeting Details:
- Date: Tuesday, August 5
- Time: 4:30 PM
- Location:
County Council Chambers
366 North Church Street
Spartanburg, SC
SCNPS will submit a formal letter of opposition, but a strong public turnout will send a clear message that this kind of shortcut around conservation values doesn’t go unnoticed.
Please share this with others who care about protecting native plants and habitats.
You can find the meeting agenda, survey and proposed plan on the Spartanburg County Planning Commission website. View the August 5 agenda and scroll to the Survey Report for T. Tree Farms RV Park.
For background on this issue, see:
