The Upstate Update: November 2020

The Upstate Update is a digital newsletter curated and shared each month that offers insights into Upstate Forever's recent work, highlights upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, and shares other conservation and advocacy news.

We post the Upstate Update here on the Upstate Forever blog each month. If you would like to receive the Upstate Update directly in your email inbox, please sign up for the mailing list.

We are thankful for your support this year

As this unpredictable year draws to a close, we are reflecting on all of 2020's successes. Thanks to your support, this year Upstate Forever has:

• Permanently protected more than 2,000 acres through conservation easements and partnerships with fellow conservation organizations
• Received a grant from SCDHEC to develop a plan to protect and improve water quality in Lake Greenwood
• Collaborated with fellow clean energy advocates and Duke Energy to propose a solar net metering structure that sets a national precedent
• Held Kinder Morgan accountable for the 2014 spill of more than 300,000 gallons of gasoline in Belton and established a $1.5 million fund to protect and remediate water resources in Anderson County
• Engaged in advocacy and planning processes in 7 local jurisdictions and enrolled 60 residents in our Citizens Planning Academies, all with the goal of reducing sprawl

Plus many more success stories!

If you have given this year, we thank you. Your additional gift will go directly toward protecting critical lands and saving special places. If you have not yet given this year, please consider a tax-deductible gift in support of conservation in the Upstate!

Support our work

Find more ways to give in this month's Upstate Update

Also in this month's update: 

• $100,000 for Oconee conservation
  The Pete and Sally Smith Foundation has awarded Upstate Forever a $100,000 grant to work with landowners in Oconee County to protect land that contributes to water quality, habitat, agriculture, and recreation. Grant funds will also be used to strengthen our stewardship program and assist landowners with conservation easement costs.
   
• UF opposes PNG pipeline project
  This week we announced Upstate Forever's opposition to a natural gas transmission pipeline proposed for northern Greenville County by Piedmont Natural Gas (PNG) which would run from Taylors to Travelers Rest. We have thoroughly examined PNG’s stated reasoning for the project, and find it inadequate for the size, impact and cost to ratepayers. Read more
   
• What's going on with land use planning and policy in Greenville?
  Between new and updated City and County ordinances and a draft comprehensive plan, there is a lot happening across Greenville right now. Our Land Planning & Policy team breaks down what you need to know. Find details in the Upstate Update

View this month's Upstate Update

Sign up to receive the Upstate Update in your email inbox