South Carolina

Total forested acres = 12.5 million
Privately owned = 9 million
Industry = 2 million
Government = 1.5 million

Below is a summary of our habitat conservation projects and educational opportunities relevant to family forest owners in South Carolina. In addition, you’ll find links to state agencies and local conservation partners that can provide further resources and information about conservation forestry.

Conservation Forestry for Conservation-Reliant Species in South Carolina
Under a grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Private Stewardship Grants Program, AFF worked with the American Bird Conservancy, Clemson University Extension Service, and the South Carolina chapter of The Nature Conservancy to help family forest owners improve habitat for species dependent on fire-maintained southern pine ecosystems and forested wetlands in South Carolina. Read more.

An article in the Charleston Mercury by Jeff Dennis highlights the importance of the South Carolina Conservation Initiative to the state's Lowcountry region.

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.

South Carolina "Conservation Forestry in Action" Awareness Sign
Apply for a sign

Demonstration Field Days

• Colleton, SC -June 2009
• Aiken County, SC - May 2008
• Williamsburg County, SC - November 2007
• Colleton County, South Carolina – June 2007.
• Hampton County, SC – April 2006.
• Georgetown County, SC – June 2005.
• Hampton County, SC – October 1999.

Technical and Cost-share Assistance

• The Clemson University Cooperative Extension can provide management suggestions based upon current university research, information and expertise. Use the website link to locate your local county agents. Ph: (864) 656-3382.
• The South Carolina Forestry Commission provides cost-share, educational and technical forestry services to landowners. Ph: (803) 896-8800.
• The Partners for Fish & Wildlife program of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offers technical and financial assistance to landowners for restoration of native habitat types. Ph: (843) 727-4707 (ext 17).
• The South Carolina Natural Resources Conservation Service can provide information on federal cost-share opportunities and assistance. Ph: (803) 253-3930.
• The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has information about rare species or ecological communities that may occur on your land and what you can do to help conserve them. Ph: (803) 734-3893.

Forest Landowner Groups
Local organizations that support the work of family forest owners:

• South Carolina Forestry Association