Beaufort County and Redfish Holdings have finalized a settlement agreement dividing ownership and operational responsibility for Melrose Landing on Daufuskie Island, marking a major milestone in the County’s long-term strategy to stabilize public ferry access and improve safety at the docking facility.

Effective December 09, 2025, Beaufort County has acquired Melrose Landing Road, all parking areas, structures, walkways, the main pier and pier head, and all docking facilities to the northeast side of the pier.

“This agreement strengthens Daufuskie Island’s long-term transportation infrastructure and ensures the public has a safe, permanent, county-owned embarkation point,” said Hank Amundson, Special Assistant to the County Administrator. “We are grateful for the collaboration with Redfish Holdings and look forward to improving access and services for residents, property owners, and visitors.”

Redfish Holdings will retain ownership of all docking facilities to the southwest, and an adjacent 1.15 acre parcel along Cooper River Landing Road for the Melrose Resort. Each party will independently manage its respective facilities under the terms of the settlement.

“We are proud to work alongside Beaufort County in a way that aligns with the island’s long-term vision,” said Jan Vreeburg of Redfish Holdings. “This transition helps ensure that both residents and guests benefit from improved access and coordinated operations.”

Significant repairs and improvements will begin immediately to ensure public safety. These repairs include securing or removing unsafe floating docks, replacing decking and handrails, and making structural repairs to the boarding barge to support ferry service. Please note that there will be interruptions of access to the county northeast ancillary docks due to current conditions and impending repairs. Daily ferry service will continue uninterrupted. 

Eventual improvements and renovations are planned for the site, including increased pedestrian access, updated facilities, and revised parking configurations.

The settlement between Beaufort County and Redfish Holdings establishes a clear structure for coordinated marina operations, reflecting a shared commitment to keeping Daufuskie Island accessible, resilient, and economically sustainable. Transition activities are underway now, and stakeholders, tenants, and slip holders will receive direct updates as work progresses. 

As part of ongoing improvements and to help support rising operational costs, QDR ferry rates for residents and property owners will increase by $2 across all tiers effective January 1, 2026. It has been many years since fees were adjusted, and this modest change follows significant cost-reducing actions taken during the past year. Parking fees at the mainland embarkation point on Pinckney Island were eliminated, saving frequent ferry users up to $100 per month. In the coming months, parking and access fees on the Daufuskie Island side will also be eliminated now that Melrose Landing is transitioning to a public facility.