🌿 Protecting the Heart of Jasper County from Overdevelopment

Who We Are

Keep Chelsea Rural is a grassroots organization of passionate Jasper County residents committed to protecting our county’s rural lands, cultural heritage, and natural resources from the threat of overdevelopment.

Founded in March 2022 in response to the Chelsea South development proposal, our coalition has grown rapidly—gaining strength through community support, strategic partnerships, and a deep commitment to preserving the land we love.

Why We Stand for Jasper County’s Future

Jasper County is now the third-fastest-growing county in the United States.
This explosive growth is placing intense pressure on our rural landscapes, infrastructure, and way of life.

Much of Jasper County remains a rare gem in the Lowcountry, still home to:

  • Multigenerational land, passed down through families who have called this area home for centuries

  • Native forests and thriving wildlife habitats

  • Historic battlefields and culturally significant sites, such as the Hayward site

  • Scenic, uninterrupted river corridors

These natural and cultural treasures are now in the crosshairs of developers with large-scale plans that threaten to permanently alter the fabric of our community.

At Keep Chelsea Rural, we believe growth must be responsible and sustainable—not at the expense of the landscapes and history that define who we are.

We are not anti-growth. We are pro-responsibility.
We support development that:

  • Honors existing zoning laws and rural land designations

  • Protects natural resources, including watersheds, forests, and wildlife corridors

  • Preserves historical and cultural sites, including the Hayward site and landmarks tied to the Gullah-Geechee heritage and Civil War history

  • Engages and respects the voice of local residents in planning and decision-making

We stand for a Jasper County that grows thoughtfully, protecting the very resources that make it special—not sacrificing them for short-term gains.

How It Started: Chelsea South

Our organization was originally formed after the Jasper County Planning Commission moved to approve a Planned Development District for Chelsea South—a 291-acre property along Snake Road near Route 170, carved from the historic Chelsea Plantation.

The proposed development included:

  • 438 residential homes

  • 597 apartment units

  • 11,000 square feet of commercial space

This high-density proposal stood in direct conflict with the area’s Rural Preservation zoning and would dramatically increase traffic, strain infrastructure, and erode the peaceful rural character of the community.

Concerned residents took action, going door to door with flyers, hosting meetings, and building awareness through the Facebook group—Keep Chelsea Rural. As our mission expanded, so did our voice: we became a united front advocating for the protection of all rural areas within Chelsea and beyond.

Community Action and Partnerships

Keep Chelsea Rural is proud to be a community partner of the Broad River Task Force, and we continue to receive invaluable support from organizations such as the Open Land Trust and the Coastal Conservation League.

Together, we advocate for long-term stewardship of Jasper County’s irreplaceable natural and cultural resources—ensuring they endure for future generations.