New $50 Million Grant to Protect Over 62,000 Acres in South Carolina
Socastee, S.C. — A significant $50 million grant awarded by the U.S. Forest Service will help conserve more than 62,000 acres of land across three counties in South Carolina. This initiative is being hailed as one of the largest conservation projects in the state’s history. The funding will enable the preservation efforts in Georgetown, Marion, and Williamsburg counties, which are home to various vital ecosystems.
Details of the Conservation Project
This conservation initiative is set to preserve land in the Pee Dee Basin area, intersecting with the Santee, Black, and Pee Dee rivers. Officials expect the project to be finalized by the end of 2025. The development will open up approximately 7,500 acres of land to public access, aiming to boost the state’s ecotourism and recreational economies. Additionally, the project will help protect habitats for 115 priority plant and animal species, and it will act as a buffer against floodwaters.
Support from State Officials
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster expressed strong support for this grant. In a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, he highlighted the multiple benefits of the project, including the permanent protection of over 50,000 acres of working forestland. This, he stated, would ensure a sustainable timber industry, safeguard jobs in the Pee Dee region, and improve local water quality by maintaining critical riparian buffers. The effort is particularly significant for underserved towns in the area, many of which fall within the culturally important Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor.
Impact on the Local Economy and Environment
The forestry sector plays a crucial role in South Carolina’s economy, with an annual impact of around $23 billion. Wood harvested from the Pee Dee region alone contributes more than $116 million, supporting approximately 900 jobs. State officials stress the importance of these nature-based solutions, especially in the light of rising environmental changes and natural hazards. Ben Duncan, the state’s chief resilience officer, emphasized that it is vital to protect both communities and ecosystems.
Looking Ahead
This grant marks a monumental step forward for conservation in South Carolina, demonstrating a collaborative effort between state and federal agencies to safeguard the natural environment while also supporting local economies. As preparation for the transaction continues, stakeholders remain optimistic about the long-term benefits this initiative will bring to both residents and wildlife alike.
The project not only represents a commitment to ecological preservation but also reflects a broader strategy of tackling environmental challenges through sustainable practices.
