Conservation Forestry for Conservation-Reliant Species in South Carolina

Background and Summary
In South Carolina, private citizens own 72% of the state’s forestland. Pine forests with an open understory and isolated wetlands are home to a number of rare and declining bird species, plants and reptiles. Much of the best habitat is found on private lands. In South Carolina, almost two-thirds of remaining longleaf pine communities are owned by family forest owners.

The Center for Conservation Solutions initiative for conservation-reliant species in South Carolina is motivating and educating family forest owners in South Carolina to improve and protect wildlife habitat. Center for Conservation Solutions integrates conservation priorities and economic realities. It demonstrates, first-hand, to family forest owners the benefits of developing and implementing a management plan. It makes landowners aware of opportunities and assistance available to them. In so doing, the initiative encourages landowners to practice conservation forestry that creates and restores habitat for species on the decline and at the same time generates income for the landowner from timber and other uses.

Center for Conservation Solutions has partnered with the American Bird Conservancy, Clemson University Extension Service and the South Carolina Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, State and Private Forestry, U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to engage family forest owners in South Carolina in ecosystem conservation that benefits rare and declining birds, plants and reptiles – especially those that depend upon fire-maintained southern pine communities and forested wetlands. Additional support is provided by the Home Depot Foundation.

Our Results
Outreach started with the core of 1,438 landowners with the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) who collectively manage 800,000 acres of forestland in South Carolina. It expanded to include the more than 635 landowners enrolled in South Carolina Forestry Commission’s Forest Stewardship Program. For more details see our results

Outreach and Education Activities

1. Demonstration Field Days for Landowners

2. Forest Ecosystem Conservation Handbook for Conservation-Reliant Species in South Carolina: A Guide for Family Forest Owners

Printed in December of 2007, this 100-page, landowner-friendly guide outlines forest management practices that benefit conservation-reliant species in South Carolina. It provides family forest owners with practical information on establishing pine stands, prescribed burns, utilizing herbicides for hardwood midstory and invasive species control, cost-share assistance, and regulatory assurances for landowners.

Download the handbookpdf [This is a large file--12 mb] or complete an online form if you wish to receive a printed copy.

3. Educational Forest Trail
A self-guided trail with interpretive signs is planned

4. Forest Conservation Awareness Sign
South Carolina family forest owners who incorporate recommended management practices to conserve and create habitat for species at risk can receive a 12” x 18” aluminum sign to post on their property. Family forest owners are proud of their efforts to conserve their forests, and awareness signs provide them public recognition of their efforts to conserve and create wildlife habitat.

If you are a forest owner following recommended conservation practices, let your neighbors know that you are making a difference and helping wildlife!

To receive a South Carolina Conservation Forestry in Action sign, complete an application form that provides details of your conservation forestry practices

Technical and Cost-share Assistance

Active forest management has the potential to improve wildlife habitat within longleaf, slash, and loblolly pine communities while providing economic return to landowners. At times, however, conservation management requires a financial investment by the landowner without providing economic return. Cost-share programs can help landowners with some of the costs associated with restoring and conserving wildlife habitat. These government programs are designed to provide financial incentives for landowners willing to participate voluntarily in conservation efforts. The process of seeking cost-share funds can be complex, but for more information and help in getting started select South Carolina state from our drop down menu.

The American Forest Foundation (AFF) and Clemson University provided cost-share assistance for 15 projects that improve habitat on 594 acres for declining species dependent on fire-maintained southern pine communities and forested wetlands in South Carolina. Funded projects will benefit a number of conservation-reliant species. ( Download a pdf for a list of targeted species.) While AFF no longer has cost-share assistance for these activities, forest owners are encouraged to work with their foresters, state agencies, local conservation groups and natural resource professionals who can provide technical assistance in developing conservation and forest management plans.