South Carolina protects 62,000 acres of forest in $70m conservation effort

Image Credits: Mac Stone taken via South Carolina Forestry Commission

In fantastic news for climate activists, South Carolina has permanently protected more than 62,000 acres of forestland in one of the state's biggest conservation efforts. The project, which spans three river basins, is a major win for wildlife, local communities and the environment. More importantly, it ensures that these forests will not gradually disappear under the pressure of expanding cities, mining and commercial development. Announced on October 29, 2025, the Pee Dee Basin Initiative marks the largest conservation easement in South Carolina's history. Worth approximately $70 million, the project brings together government agencies, conservation organisations and private partners to protect forests along the Pee Dee, Santee and Black rivers. The land will continue to support sustainable timber production, but its future use will now be governed by permanent conservation restrictions. More than trees, this initiative also protects an entire landscape, including wildlife habitats, wetlands and forests that play an important role in keeping nearby communities safe from flooding.

A forest protected from development

These 62,000 acres stretch across Marion, Williamsburg and Georgetown counties in South Carolina. The initiative was developed through a partnership involving the South Carolina Forestry Commission, the Open Space Institute (OSI), the US Forest Service, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and several other organisations. Resource Management Service (RMS), the company managing the timberland, also played a central role in bringing the project together. At the heart of the agreement is a conservation easement. Essentially, this is a legally binding arrangement that places permanent restrictions on how land can be used, without necessarily transferring ownership to the government or a conservation organisation. Most of the protected property will remain privately owned and managed by RMS on behalf of its investors. Timber production can continue, provided it follows sustainable forestry practices. However, the easements prevent activities such as property development, mining and other non-timber uses that could damage the ecological character of the landscape. Conservation here does not mean turning forests into completely untouched wilderness. In this case, it means finding a way for the timber industry and the natural environment to coexist without allowing one to permanently destroy the other.

A home for wildlife and a natural defence against floods

Beyond the timber industry, the forests are home to a remarkable variety of wildlife. The initiative is expected to protect habitats for at least 115 plant and animal species of conservation concern, including migratory birds, rare mussels, and the Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon. One of the most important parts of the protected landscape is its 30,000 acres of bottomland hardwood forests. These are forests that grow on low-lying, frequently flooded land, usually alongside rivers and streams. Their trees and vegetation help absorb excess rainwater, slow down flooding and reduce the impact of severe weather on surrounding communities. They also provide important habitats for aquatic species and other wildlife that depend on healthy river ecosystems. The benefits extend beyond wildlife protection. More than 7,500 acres of the land will eventually be opened to public access, including an 880-acre expansion of the Wee Tee State Forest and new Wildlife Management Areas. Visitors will be able to enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting and wildlife watching. For local residents, this means more opportunities to experience the natural landscape without having to travel far. It also supports an outdoor recreation industry that already generates approximately $2.74 billion in economic activity for South Carolina every year.

The $70 million effort behind the project

Protecting an area this large is no small financial undertaking. The Pee Dee Basin Initiative represents an investment of approximately $70 million, supported by a combination of federal grants, state funding and private contributions. A significant portion came from a $50 million grant through the US Forest Service's Forest Legacy Program, which is funded through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. At the time of its announcement in October 2024, this was the largest single Forest Legacy grant awarded by the US Forest Service. South Carolina also committed approximately $17.8 million from its Disaster Relief and Resilience Reserve Fund as matching support for the federal grant. Additional contributions came from the South Carolina Conservation Bank, Walmart and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Acres for America programme, among other partners. The project was formally completed and announced in October 2025, bringing together several years of planning, negotiations and funding arrangements. The South Carolina Forestry Commission will hold and monitor the conservation easements to ensure that the land continues to meet the conditions of the agreement. Atlantic Packaging has also contributed to a dedicated stewardship fund to support this long-term responsibility.

Keeping forests as forests

South Carolina is often called the nation's 'wood basket', and for good reason. Its forestry industry generates approximately $23.2 billion for the state's economy each year and supports thousands of jobs. Timber is an important renewable resource, but the demand for land, housing and infrastructure can put considerable pressure on forests, particularly in rapidly growing regions. The Pee Dee Basin Initiative attempts to address this tension before it becomes irreversible. Rather than shutting down timber production, it protects the landscape from being divided into smaller parcels for incompatible development. The forests can continue to support livelihoods while retaining their ecological functions. It is a particularly encouraging example of what conservation can look like when economic interests and environmental priorities are not treated as opposing forces. After all, a forest is worth considerably more than the timber it produces. It stores carbon, filters water, provides shelter for wildlife and helps protect communities from extreme weather. With more than 62,000 acres now under permanent protection, South Carolina has made a considerable investment in ensuring that these benefits do not disappear with the next wave of development.