ACE Basin

The ACE Basin is one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the Atlantic Coast of the United States, encompassing over 350,000 acres (140,000 ha) of diverse habitats in South Carolina. Its name is derived from the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Rivers, which flow through the basin before emptying into St. Helena Sound.

The area is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including extensive salt marshes, forested wetlands, barrier islands, and maritime forests. These habitats support a wide array of plant and animal life, including numerous species of migratory birds, fish, shellfish, reptiles, and mammals. The ACE Basin provides critical habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, and birds of prey. It also serves as an important nursery ground for many commercially and recreationally important fish and shellfish species.

Conservation efforts in the ACE Basin are a collaborative effort involving federal, state, and private organizations, as well as individual landowners. Key partners include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Ducks Unlimited, and The Nature Conservancy. These organizations work together to protect the basin's natural resources through land acquisition, conservation easements, habitat restoration, and research.

The primary goals of conservation efforts in the ACE Basin are to maintain the area's ecological integrity, preserve its biodiversity, and ensure the long-term sustainability of its natural resources. These efforts also aim to promote compatible economic activities, such as sustainable forestry, agriculture, and ecotourism, that benefit the local communities. The ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) is a key component of these conservation efforts, providing a site for long-term monitoring, research, and education. The success of the ACE Basin conservation model has served as a blueprint for similar conservation initiatives around the world.