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Brief History of Forest Lake In the early 1960’s several families including Young, Lunn, McLaurin, Ratliff, Jeffords and others
created Forest Lake by damming the flow of Middle Swamp. The lake at that time was very rustic and barely navigable due to
the forestation that was left within the flooded area of the lake. The property was some six miles outside of the city limits
and considered a destination rather than home sites by many. The only property that was actively sold at that time was west
of Knollwood Drive, the road that crosses the lake connecting Cashua Road to Alligator Road. Lots were sold at prices ranging
from $1500 to $3000. At that time, it continued primarily as a sportsman’s retreat offering excellent fishing and
hunting opportunities. A few homes were built as permanent residences, with early residents often recalling negotiating primitive
dirt roads and poor drainage. As the lake matured, the fishing became legendary. Trophy largemouth bass, bream and many other
game fish began to norm for sportsman. In fact, Forest Lake actually holds claim to a world record recognized by the International
Game Fish Association. The record is for the American Bowfin landed by the late Robert Harmon in 1980. While Forest Lake can
claim no further world records, it consistently produces largemouth bass over ten pounds and bream over two pounds. Anglers
find success from boats and from docks alike. While the fishing tradition has continued since the lake creation, the residents
decided that the waterfowl hunting posed a danger to residents and disturbed the otherwise tranquil nature of habitat. The
ecosystem was truly developing beyond expectations, including nesting bald eagles and ospreys. It was clear that action was
needed to insure this is habitat; so interested residents successfully campaigned to make Forest Lake a wildlife sanctuary.
The concerned residents would further continue their commitment to environment by only allowing electric motors on boats.
The lake community also continued to mature as the city began swelling westward. In the early 1970’s, single family homes
emerged along both banks of the lake. The homes ranged from resort/vacation type structures to more conventional building
styles. This continued until the late 70’s and early 80’s when it became clear the lake was headed towards more upscale construction
and lifestyle. Homes ranged in size from 1800 square feet to over 6000 square feet. The lake also saw the development into
what is now called Waterford, Mallard Point and most recently Forest Lake Pointe. These sub-divisions cemented the direction
of the lake community forever. During the maturing process of the lake as an ecosystem it suffered through an issue that plagues
most every body of water in South Carolina, proliferation of aquatic weeds and grasses. Something needed to be done quickly.
The Forest Lake Homeowners Association jumped into action and rallied the support and funds of friends and residents of Forest
Lake. They successfully removed the problem through chemical and natural processes. These processes continue today with periodic
spraying by volunteers from the FLHA and by the voracious grass carp introduced by the FLHA in cooperation with South Carolina
Department of Natural Resources. The effects of their work were felt immediately as evidenced by the number of new recreational
boats that are now ubiquitous on the lake. Most of the boats on the lake now, in sharp contrast to forty years ago, rarely
engage in fishing. Instead, most boaters now just enjoy the tranquility of sunset cruises or visiting friends dockside. The
last piece of the lake’s history remained missing until the spring of 2003 when the property on the southeast corner of the
lake was purchased. This would write the last chapter of a story that began over forty years ago. This was a chance to take
all of the experiences from the other sub-divisions lakeside and refine them to create the best possible place to live and
experience this one of a kind environment. These ideas became the basis that became Forest Lake Shores. Some of the unique
features of Forest Lake shores include true cul-de-sac infrastructure to allow safer environments for children and activities.
It also is the only community on the lake to offer the security and amenities exclusive to City of Florence residents police,
fire, trash pick-up, water and sewer. There are two paved entrances for easy ingress and egress along with beautiful entrance
signage. Perhaps one of the most unique features of this community are the canals. Realizing that the wetland laws and requirements
of the US Corps of Engineers would make it nearly impossible to recreate another lake like Forest Lake in Eastern South Carolina,
the idea was born to add waterfront property with deep-water access by engineering navigable canals. While canal communities
are common in places like south Florida and coastal areas of the Carolinas and Georgia, they are rare on freshwater lakes.
The water will be a visible attractant to many waterfowl and shorebird alike and be a truly unique asset to the place you
call home. It is the one of the goals of this development to make you feel at home from the moment you turn off of Knollwood
Drive, because this will be a community of neighbors. Neighbors, who enjoy nature and the lifestyle that comes with living
on one of the most beautiful, unspoiled bodies of water in South Carolina. Envision yourself on your dock at the end of the
day enjoying the sunset, or watching the Kingfisher setting up for his evening plunge or perhaps untying the boat from your
dock before the evening cruise. You may want to reflect at the events that got you here. You may reflect on your day at work,
or the next days events. But it is more likely that you will choose not to reflect on anything more than the tranquility that
comes with these surroundings. That is what we do. You see the developer and I live on Forest Lake currently and plan to be
here for many years to come. We are not just selling lots to buyers; we are selling home sites to neighbors. So on behalf
my family and I: Welcome to the neighborhood! D.
Lee Daugherty 843-229-9393 Voice |
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