South Carolina DNR committee approves amendment to protect state-owned wildlife lands

The House Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee of South Carolina convened on February 18, 2025, to discuss significant amendments to the Wildlife Management Area (WMA) program. The primary focus was on ensuring the protection and management of state-owned lands for public recreational use, particularly hunting and fishing.

During the meeting, committee members highlighted the importance of maintaining as much land as possible within the WMA program, which currently encompasses approximately 1.1 million acres. However, a substantial portion—about 800,000 acres—consists of leased lands, which are vulnerable to withdrawal by private landowners. This situation poses challenges for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), as they cannot guarantee access to these leased lands if landowners choose to terminate their leases with just 30 days' notice.

To address these concerns, Representative Bauer proposed an amendment aimed at excluding leased lands from the WMA program, thereby focusing on state-owned properties managed by the DNR. This amendment seeks to enhance the protection of public lands, ensuring that South Carolinians have reliable access for recreational activities. The committee unanimously approved the amendment with a vote of 5 to 0.

The discussions also touched on the implications of losing leased lands and the inability of the DNR to secure new leases if current landowners withdraw. The committee acknowledged that while the state owns approximately 300,000 acres under its direct management, the remaining leased lands are not guaranteed for public use.

In conclusion, the committee's actions reflect a commitment to safeguarding public access to recreational lands in South Carolina. The approved amendment is a step towards strengthening the management of state-owned properties, ensuring that they remain available for future generations to enjoy. Further discussions and legislative actions will likely follow as the committee continues to refine the WMA program.