After reaching an agreement with Audubon that significantly reduces environmental impacts, Santee Cooper has begun the work of upgrading regional electrical infrastructure in and around Four Holes Swamp – including areas that intersect the Francis Beidler Forest.

Why is the work happening?

Santee Cooper, a state-owned electric utility, is upgrading regional electrical infrastructure to support growing community energy needs. Their project involves a 21.5-mile 230kV transmission line that follows an existing corridor through Four Holes Swamp – including the section that crosses Audubon’s Francis Beidler Forest.

The current line, built in the 1940s, sits within a 125-foot-wide right-of-way (ROW) that spans the full 1.4-mile width of Four Holes Swamp. Parts of this ROW have naturally grown back into forest over decades.

What was Audubon concerned about?

Santee Cooper’s initial proposal required:

• Clearing the entire 125-foot-wide corridor
• Removing “danger trees” up to 100 feet outside the ROW
• Using heavy equipment in sensitive swamp habitat
• This approach would have significantly impacted ancient bald cypress and tupelo forest -- including trees over 1,000 years old -- and threatened state-listed wildlife species that rely on the swamp.

What agreement was reached?

On August 29, the National Audubon Society – supported by the Southern Environmental Law Center – reached an agreement with Santee Cooper that dramatically reduces ecological impact while still allowing the utility to improve their system.

What will visitors see?

Visitors may notice utility crews and equipment in the ROW area at times. Work will take place intermittently through February 2027, with timing coordinated to protect wildlife and minimize disturbance to boardwalk visitors.

Key Protections and Improvements
A safer, lower-impact construction plan

• No second line will be built
  Instead, Santee Cooper will replace aging poles and consolidate both the existing 115kV line and the new 230kV line on the same structures, reducing overall footprint.
• Strict limits on tree removal
  Audubon has a formal review process for any proposed removal of trees outside the ROW. Diseased or leaning trees must meet objective, documented criteria before removal is approved.
• Reduced disturbance to wildlife and visitors
  Construction activity must consider: seasonality (e.g., bird nesting) and visitor use.
• Restoration and long-term habitat benefits
  Audubon will plant and maintain low-cover plants in the ROW, including a new pollinator garden that:
  • Supports threatened and beneficial species,
  • Reduces herbicide needs,
  • And improves long-term ecological health in the corridor.

Timeline

Work begins December 2025 and continues through February 2027, with breaks built around sensitive seasons. The boardwalk will remain open except in rare cases where safety requires temporary closures.

Questions while you’re visiting Beidler?

Staff at the front desk can help explain:

• Where work is happening that day,
• What to expect during your visit,
• And how Audubon is overseeing each step to protect sanctuary wildlife and the visitor experience.