South Carolina Forestry Commission seeks $17.8M for land conservation initiative
March 26, 2025 | 2025 Legislative Meetings, South Carolina
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The South Carolina Joint Bond Review Committee has taken significant steps towards enhancing environmental conservation in the state. During their recent meeting on March 26, 2025, the committee reviewed a proposal from the South Carolina Forestry Commission to acquire 880 acres of land in Georgetown County, adjacent to the We T State Forest. This acquisition is part of a larger initiative aimed at protecting a total of 62,220 acres across Georgetown, Marion, and Williamsburg Counties from incompatible development.
To support this ambitious project, the South Carolina Office of Resilience proposed transferring $17,777,000 from the disaster relief and resilience reserve fund to the Forestry Commission. This funding will serve as matching funds for a $50 million grant awarded under the U.S. Forest Service's Forest Legacy Program, which aims to secure conservation easements covering 61,340 acres. The initiative is notable for being the largest land protection project undertaken by a state agency to date, emphasizing the collaboration among federal, state, and private entities.
The initiative not only aims to preserve vital water resources and habitats but also seeks to enhance climate resilience in the region. If the acquisition is approved, the newly acquired land will be integrated into the existing We T State Forest and will be accessible to the public for outdoor recreational activities. Local support for the project has been strong, with endorsements from Georgetown County and the Georgetown County School District.
The committee's review also included a request to establish Phase 2 of the initiative, which would be funded by timber sales revenue. A Phase 1 environmental site assessment confirmed that there are no recognized environmental conditions on the property, and no building condition assessment is necessary as there are no structures on the land.
As the committee moves forward with its recommendations, the implications of this initiative are clear: it represents a significant investment in the preservation of South Carolina's natural resources and a commitment to enhancing public access to outdoor spaces. The ongoing collaboration among various stakeholders underscores the importance of collective efforts in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable land management practices.
To support this ambitious project, the South Carolina Office of Resilience proposed transferring $17,777,000 from the disaster relief and resilience reserve fund to the Forestry Commission. This funding will serve as matching funds for a $50 million grant awarded under the U.S. Forest Service's Forest Legacy Program, which aims to secure conservation easements covering 61,340 acres. The initiative is notable for being the largest land protection project undertaken by a state agency to date, emphasizing the collaboration among federal, state, and private entities.
The initiative not only aims to preserve vital water resources and habitats but also seeks to enhance climate resilience in the region. If the acquisition is approved, the newly acquired land will be integrated into the existing We T State Forest and will be accessible to the public for outdoor recreational activities. Local support for the project has been strong, with endorsements from Georgetown County and the Georgetown County School District.
The committee's review also included a request to establish Phase 2 of the initiative, which would be funded by timber sales revenue. A Phase 1 environmental site assessment confirmed that there are no recognized environmental conditions on the property, and no building condition assessment is necessary as there are no structures on the land.
As the committee moves forward with its recommendations, the implications of this initiative are clear: it represents a significant investment in the preservation of South Carolina's natural resources and a commitment to enhancing public access to outdoor spaces. The ongoing collaboration among various stakeholders underscores the importance of collective efforts in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable land management practices.
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