Message from Stewardship Program

Did you know that South Carolina Forestry Commission law enforcement officers investigate more than 200 cases of timber theft and fraud every year, for losses totaling over $2 million? The actual extent of timber theft and fraud in South Carolina probably exceeds $10 million annually.

The State Forestry Commission can help you. If you suspect fraud or to report theft, call 803-896-8800 ask for Law Enforcement, Mike Heath. Or call your local South Carolina Forestry Commission office.

Assistance for South Carolina Forestland Owners: Furthermore,any landowner who owns more than 10 acres of forestland qualifies for assistance from the Forest Stewardship Program. The first step is to contact a natural resource professional, or call the South Carolina Forestry Commission (same link as above). They'll help you put together a multiple-resource Stewardship Management Plan (SMP) based on your management objectives. It may also provide optional details on wildlife habitat improvement, recreational opportunities and ways to enhance the natural beauty of the forest.

Once the S.C. Forestry Commission approves your plan, you may be eligible to receive cost-share benefits under the Stewardship Incentives Program (SIP) to help in implementing your plan.

State Forestland Statistics:

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

Stewardship in South Carolina:

• Number of stewardship plans = 2745
• Acres covered by stewardship plans = 713,479 acres

Links:

• South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC), Forest Stewardship Program
• SCFC Home Page
• South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
• Clemson University Extension Forest Resources
• Southern Regional Extension Forestry
• The Nature Conservancy, South Carolina Chapter
• EPA: Global Warming Effects on South Carolina
• Francis Marion and Sumter National Forest

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