TABLE OF CONTENTS
STATE COMMISSION OF FORESTRY
Members of the Commission
Lawrence J. Bloomer, Chairman, Easley
G. Edward Muckenfuss, Vice Chairman, Summerville
Joe P. Simpson, Lancaster
George E. Callaway, Manning
Joel R. Thrift, Westminster
Sara Lee Simons, Florence
David B. Smith, Conway
Mitchell S. Scott, Allendale
Dr. Constantine Curris, Clemson University, Clemson
Administration
J. Hugh Ryan, State Forester and Secretary to the Commission
Wray E. Freeman, Deputy State Forester
Dean Carson, Technical Assistant to the State Forester
Judy J. Weston, Executive Assistant to the State Forester
Tim Adams, Division Director, Field Operations Support
Joe M. Richbourg, Division Director, Administration
MISSION
The mission of the Forestry Commission is to protect, promote, enhance, and nurture the forest lands of South Carolina in a manner consistent with achieving the greatest good for its citizens.
The Commission will utilize Total Quality Management concepts in meeting its responsibilities.
Responsibilities extend to all forest lands, both rural and urban, and to all associated forest values and amenities including, but not limited to, timber, wildlife, water quality, air quality, soil protection, recreation, and aesthetics.
The Forestry Commission shall have general and specific responsibilities for the promulgation and enforcement of laws and regulations related to protection of the forest and its associated values.
The Commission shall be responsible for promoting and developing the appropriate technologies to accomplish its objectives, and for the development and promulgation of Best Management Practice Guidelines for South Carolina’s forest land.
FIELD OPERATIONS SUPPORT
The Field Operations Support Division provides operational and technical staff direction to the Forestry Commission field organization in each of the major program areas of forest management, nurseries and tree improvement, forest insects and diseases, forest fire protection, and environmental management. Additionally, it provides oversight to the equipment and communication needs of the agency including forest technology and operations of the central shop.
FOREST MANAGEMENT
The Forest Management Section assists South Carolina citizens with management and development of the forest resources of the state. Programs include Woodland Management Assistance, Reforestation Assistance, Forestry Services, Forest Products Utilization and Marketing Assistance, Resource Conservation and Development, Urban Forestry, and Forest Inventory. These programs assist owners in growing more timber, aid industries in more efficient utilization of the timber resource, and foster conservation and multiple use of the forest resource.
There are 12.4 million acres of commercial forestland in South Carolina. According to the 1993 U.S. Forest Service Survey, 72% of the land is owned by farmers and miscellaneous private owners. Forest industry owns approximately 19% with 9% in public ownership.
The Forest Management programs are designed to assist the non-industrial private landowner with multiple use forest management.
The Forest Management Section also has oversight responsibilities for the management of Sand Hills, Cassatt, and Manchester State Forests. Technical assistance is also provided to other state agency lands upon request.
FOREST MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE
Professional foresters from the Forestry Commission provide forest management advice and assistance to landowners. The land is examined and a written forest management plan is prepared. Recommendations for management may include such silvicultural practices as forest protection, reforestation, harvesting, prescribed burning, wildlife habitat improvement, and recreation. This year 4,266 management plans were prepared for 225,145 acres. Where practical, the landowner is referred to consulting or industrial foresters to assist in carrying out management recommendations. This year 641 cases were referred to consulting foresters and 151 to industrial foresters.
COST-SHARE PROGRAMS
Forest Renewal Program (FRP) - State
In 1982 the program was funded for the first time by a $100,000 state appropriation. This permitted an assessment of $400,000 from forest industry, and created a $500,000 Forest Renewal Fund. The funding was doubled effective July 1, 1996 increasing the program to $1,000,000.
Forest Incentives Program (FIP) - Federal
FIP funding for fiscal year 1997-98 was $679,140.
Agricultural Conservation Program (ACP) - Federal
The Agricultural Conservation Program was not continued with the 1996 Farm Bill. The figures below refer to completion of previously obligated funds.
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) - Federal
The Program began with crop year 1986 and was renewed with the passage of the 1990 Farm Bill. Sixteen signups have been held. This year 5,735 acres were planted. The CRP program has been renewed again with the 1996 Farm Bill.
Statewide Accomplishments All Cost-Share Programs
Reforestation and Timber Stand Improvement
|
Program |
No. of Landowners |
Acres Planted |
Natural Regeneration |
TSI Acres |
Cost-Share Payments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
FRP |
289 |
8,838 |
0 |
1,989 |
$782,909 |
|
FIP |
290 |
8,225 |
47 |
1,186 |
$451,375 |
|
ACP |
36 |
476 |
0 |
128 |
$28,278 |
|
CRP |
172 |
5,735 |
0 |
0 |
$221,954 |
|
SIP |
32 |
832 |
0 |
132 |
$50,897 |
|
Total |
819 |
24,106 |
47 |
3,435 |
$1,535,413 |
SEEDLING SURVIVAL
Survival checks were made on 10 percent of plantings using a row count or tenth acre plot method for determining survival. A weighted analysis involving all survival checks was used to determine the statewide survival of 83%.
Forest Management Assistance 1997 - 1998
Non Cost-Share Cost-Share Forest Stewardship County Exams Acres Exams Acres Exams Acres ======================================================================== Abbeville 51 6,949 15 654 1 105 Aiken 70 5,910 67 3,356 1 135 Allendale 13 704 146 9,332 0 0 Anderson 26 2,053 47 3,521 0 0 Bamberg 7 339 148 6,711 0 0 Barnwell 34 2,482 131 3,832 5 2,952 Beaufort 2 17 3 223 0 0 Berkeley 27 1,399 29 1,636 6 1,084 Calhoun 6 343 50 1,972 2 280 Upper Charleston4 366 1 25 0 0 Lower Charleston29 2,248 13 750 2 212 Cherokee 13 1,331 5 230 1 2,053 Chester 20 932 76 4,258 1 61 Chesterfield 18 1,275 69 2,888 1 67 Clarendon 38 1,216 109 3,242 2 88 Colleton 25 2,310 111 6,125 3 529 Darlington 41 1,839 100 2,999 5 628 Dillon 10 260 23 892 2 218 Dorchester 17 1,032 35 1,667 4 215 Edgefield 26 1,235 77 3,131 0 0 Fairfield 35 3,013 39 2,581 5 1,494 Florence 34 1,542 51 834 1 47 Georgetown 17 814 53 2,115 1 179 Greenville 32 1,744 27 1,129 1 12 Greenwood 22 2,804 13 599 1 88 Hampton 34 2,275 88 3,314 2 339 Horry 37 5,497 168 3,739 1 115 Jasper 12 307 23 768 2 261 Kershaw 13 1,007 36 1,559 2 425 Lancaster 31 1,989 24 1,146 1 267 Laurens 17 941 90 4,877 1 43 Lee 3 212 45 1,493 0 0 Lexington 38 1,500 63 1,957 2 2,192 McCormick 13 1,115 9 385 0 0 Marion 12 851 54 1,123 0 0 Marlboro 31 1,707 67 1,890 0 0 Newberry 34 4,036 15 587 2 71 Oconee 60 6,633 7 158 1 13 Orangeburg 55 4,394 276 10,866 8 1,881 Pickens 31 1,904 10 495 1 30 Richland 45 2,962 22 730 5 572 Saluda 29 1,126 65 2,804 0 0 Spartanburg 11 260 11 445 1 35 Sumter 12 414 35 1,354 1 12 Union 4 66 22 1,085 3 461 Williamsburg 32 1,607 313 11,814 2 321 York 46 3,538 7 222 1 1,650 ============================================================================== State Totals 1,217 88,498 2,888 117,512 81 19,135
FOREST SERVICES
Through this program the Commission provides assistance to landowners and other state agency lands with afforestation, reforestation, and maximization of production from their woodlands. The landowner is charged the cost of all services performed. These services were available to landowners during the year:
Firebreak Plowing - performed by Forestry Commission employees using agency equipment for $75 for the 1st hour and $50 for each additional hour. Prescribed Burning - performed by Forestry Commission employees using agency equipment for $12 per acre for the 1st 50 acres, $10 per acre for the 2nd 50 acres and $8/acre for all over 100 acres. Firebreak plowing costs are not included. Minimum fee $100.00. Prescribed Burning Standby - an agency tractor and employee on standby at burning site while landowner performed burning under an approved plan for $45 for the 1st hour and $20 for each additional hour. Minimum fee $100.00. Equipment Rental Program - agency owned tree planters, bedding plows and drum choppers made available to private landowners at rates from $4 to $15 per acre. Timber Marking - performed by Forestry Commission employees at the rate of $5 per thousand board feet and $2.00 per cord.
| Service | # Tracts | Units of Measure | Receipts Received FY 97-98 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firebreak Plowing | 399 | 1,499 miles | $75,550 |
| Prescribed Burning | 84 | 4,229 acres | $45,888 |
| Prescribed Burning Standby | 51 | 2,719 acres | $6,860 |
| Equipment Rental | 60 | 1,004 acres | $7,711 |
| Water Bar Construction | 15 | 199 bars | $10,750 |
| Timber Marking | 26 | 8,828 cords 1,322,749 bd. ft. | $21,821 |
| Total Dollars | 635 | $168,580 |
URBAN FORESTRY
Urban forestry seeks to improve the quality of life in populated areas by providing direct technical assistance to communities and by working through partnerships with other organizations to protect and improve the management of urban tree resources. Clean air, clean water, improved aesthetics, increased property value, noise buffering, energy conservation, and public safety are some of the products of these endeavors.
Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program
The Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program is a national program funded by Congress through the U. S. Forest Service. South Carolina received $149,015 in base funding to provide technical assistance and training. Pass-through grants in the amount of $190,000 were provided to county and local governments, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions to develop long-lasting urban forestry programs in their communities.
Partnership Development and Educational Programs
Through the technical assistance and grant funds, the urban forestry program strives to develop partnerships with a variety of organizations and units of local government. Often these partnerships result in educational programs about the benefits and importance of urban forest resources. During FY98, the Forestry Commission developed partnerships with 147 organizations and presented 96 educational sessions to 5,436 participants.
Technical Assistance
Three full-time urban foresters provide technical assistance on a regional basis for the Piedmont, Pee Dee and Coastal regions of the state. Other Commission foresters provide urban forestry assistance in their respective areas on a time available basis. A full-time grants administrator works in the Columbia office along with the Urban Forestry Coordinator for statewide program management.
|
Types of Technical Assistance |
Non-Grant Through Forestry Commission Technical Assistance |
Grant Program Accomplishments by Grantees |
|
Program Development/Expansion |
105 |
NA |
|
Project Management |
15 |
NA |
|
Urban Forest Cultural Practices |
894 |
NA |
|
Trees Inventoried |
||
|
Miles |
0 |
773 |
|
Total Trees Inventoried(#) |
0 |
12,682 |
|
Trees Planted |
||
|
Seedlings/Whips/Saplings(#) |
3,746 |
417 |
|
Street/Park Size(#) |
1 |
405 |
|
Trees Maintained(#) |
32 |
1,119 |
|
Local Ordinances Passed/Revised |
0 |
0 |
|
Demonstration Planting Projects |
2 |
27 |
Tree City USA
Sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation, Tree City USA is administered in South Carolina by the SC Forestry Commission. The program seeks to stimulate and promote the management of urban trees by recognizing towns and cities which meet the following criteria: (1) establishment of a city tree ordinance, (2) expenditure of at least two dollars per capita on tree care and planting, (3) a legally constituted tree board, and (4) observance of Arbor Day by a mayoral proclamation and official ceremony. South Carolina ranks 29th nationally with 27 towns recognized as Tree City USA.
FOREST STEWARDSHIP
The Forest Stewardship Program is a cooperative effort between the USDA Forest Service, Forestry Commission and natural resource agencies and organizations in South Carolina to encourage the long-term stewardship of non-industrial private forest lands. Landowners are provided technical assistance by having a multiple resource management plan developed for their property addressing their management objectives.
July 1, 1997 to June 30, 1998, natural resource professionals completed 81 plans on 19,201 acres.
Stewardship Incentive Program
Once landowners have an approved Stewardship Management Plan, they may be eligible to participate in the Stewardship Incentive Program (SIP). This is a federal cost-share assistance program to provide financial incentives to private landowners to carry out some of the management practices outlined in their Stewardship Management Plan.
SIP Accomplishments from July 1, 1997 to June 30, 1998
|
No. of Landowners |
Acres Treated |
Cost-Share Earned |
||
|
SIP 2 |
Reforestation |
26 |
832 |
$44,915 |
|
SIP 3 |
Forest Improvement |
6 |
132 |
$5,982 |
|
SIP 8 |
Wildlife Habitat |
24 |
427 |
$24,724 |
|
Total |
56 |
1,391 |
$75,621 |
FOREST INVENTORY AND HEALTH MONITORING
The Forestry Commission has made a commitment in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to begin the Southern Annual Forest Inventory System and Forest Health Monitoring Program. A coordinator for the program began in April and three two-person field crews were hired in May with field work on health monitoring beginning in June. After implementation, the inventory system will provide continuously updated information on the forest resources of the state.
MANCHESTER STATE FOREST
Manchester State Forest, located south of Wedgefield in Sumter County is currently comprised of approximately 23,745 acres, 4,413 acres of which was recently acquired through purchase or quit claim deed in five separate transactions. From 1939 to 1955, Manchester was leased by the State of South Carolina from the federal government and managed by the South Carolina Forestry Commission. The State received title to the property on June 28, 1955.
Receipts For Operating Budget: Timber sales were concentrated on thinnings in overstocked stands and conversion of older slash pine stands to longleaf plantations.
Timber Sales - Pine - 738,883 bd.ft., 1,688 cords
Hardwood - 20,141 bd.,, ft. and 2,300 cords $408,785.45
Pinestraw Sales $ 32,538.56
Land Leases (includes crop payments) $ 32,734.50 Use Permit Sales $ 8,615.10 Total $482,673.51
Note: 25% of all forest receipts paid to Sumter County - $120,668.37
Silvicultural Practices
Site preparation by burning, V-blade and various combinations of the aforementioned practices was completed on 49 acres. These areas included stands which were previously understocked and therefore clearcut. Three hundred twenty-one acres of old agricultural fields were also planted making the total areas artificially regenerated 370 acres.
The following species and number of trees were planted:
| Improved Coastal Loblolly Pine | 142,000 |
| Containerized Longleaf Pine | 169,000 |
| Bareroot Longleaf Pine | 27,000 |
| Total Trees Planted | 338,000 |
A total of 140 acres was prescribed burned for site preparation, wildlife habitat enhancement, hardwood control and litter reduction. Wet weather was the limiting factor in the completion of the proposed schedule of burning.
Forest Protection
No wildfires occurred on Manchester this year. Firebreaks were maintained on those areas that were either high risk or high value.
Recreation/Education
Recreational use of the forest continues to escalate over previous years. Hunting, fishing, horseback riding, motorcycle/ATV riding and mountain biking continue to be favorite activities. Work has begun to GPS, remap and relocate, if necessary, all trails on Manchester.
Use permits were implemented and became mandatory beginning in January, 1997 for all trail riding to include horseback riding, biking, motorcycle/ATV riding and use of the rifle and pistol range. Receipts from the sale of permits exceeded $8,600.
The rifle and pistol range continues to be popular with a total of 1,211 free use permits issued between July 1, 1996 and January 1, 1997. After January 1, 1997 permits were sold for use of the range with a total of 668 visits. The range is staffed by one temporary employee and approximately 40 volunteers.
Three (3) educational programs were conducted with the assistance of the forest staff and area personnel with approximately 65 individuals involved. Of this 65, two were visitors from Chile. One training session was also held at Manchester for SCFC: Advanced Fire Investigation for law enforcement officers.
Eight special use permits were issued for organized events, with approximately 2,600 participants.
Wildlife Management
Approximately 16,000 acres of the forest are presently included in the Wildlife Management Area Program through a cooperative agreement between the Department of Natural Resources and the South Carolina Forestry Commission. Technical assistance with game food plot establishment, monitoring deer herd dynamics, tracking various nongame and game species, pond management, and law enforcement on the forest is provided through interagency cooperation.
Planting and maintenance was conducted on 194 acres of wildlife areas. Corn, sunflowers, sorghum, browntop millet, quail mix, wheat, rye, clover, vetch and bicolor were utilized to diversify the food supply. Several of the plantings were donated by the Department of Natural Resources and planted by the Manchester and DNR personnel.
Cluster sites of the red cockaded woodpecker continue to be monitored along with scouting for new cavity and start trees in cooperation with biologists from the neighboring Poinsett Gunnery Range.
SAND HILLS STATE FOREST
Sand Hills State Forest covers approximately 46,000 acres with 45,000 acres in Chesterfield County and 1,000 acres in Darlington County. The forest was operated under a use agreement with the federal government from 1939 until 1991. In July of 1991, title to Sand Hills State Forest was transferred to the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
Receipts
Since 1967, Sand Hills has been totally self-supporting. The only appropriated funds coming to Sand Hills are earmarked for the development of the H. Cooper Black Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area.
Receipts For Operating Budget:| Timber Sales -(Pine, Sawtimber, Pulpwood) | $758,671.70 |
| Pinestraw | $ 55,994.96 |
| Land Lease Payments | $ 2,609.00 |
| WMA Payments | $ 12,000.00 |
| User Fees | $ 4,939.00 |
| Total | $834,214.66 |
Note: 25% of all receipts are paid to Chesterfield and Darlington County School System. - (F.Y. 97/98 $208,553)
Silvicultural Practices
Site preparation for planting longleaf pine, by disking and V-blading was completed on 1,149 acres. These areas were in slash pine that had stagnated. One hundred twelve acres were site prepared using Arsenal to eliminate the scrub hardwood competition. Bareroot longleaf seedlings were planted on 1,011 acres on the Forest and containerized Longleaf seedlings were planted on 145 acres on Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge. One hundred acres of longleaf plantations were treated with Class A bio-solids from the town of Cheraw. Because of the wet winter, no prescribed burning was accomplished.
The following species and number of seedlings were planted:
| Bareroot Longleaf Pine | 550,000 |
| Containerized Longleaf Pine | 80,000 |
| Total Trees Planted | 630,000 |
Forest Protection
No wildfires occurred on Sand Hills this year. The Forest boundary lines and the road system are maintained as firebreaks and as access in case of wildfire.
Recreation/Education
Recreational use of the Forest continues to increase. Hunting, fishing, horseback riding, motorcycle/ATV riding, mountain biking, hiking, and camping continue to be favorite activities.
A horse-riding trail from Sugarloaf Mountain to Cheraw State Park (26 miles) named the Pine Barrens Horse Trail is near completion. The Pine Barrens Wagon Trail from Sugarloaf Mountain to Cheraw State Park (24 miles) is complete except for signs. The Cooper Black Horse Trail (21 miles) is complete and being used regularly.
The Headquarters Mountain Bike Trail has been extended from 6 miles to 9 miles. This trail was built with the help of local volunteers and Boy Scouts. People from as far away as Charlotte, NC and Columbia use the trail frequently.
At Sugarloaf Mountain, there are 7 primitive camping sites for people without horses and 8 primitive camping sites for people with horses. Approximately 500 people used these sites this year.
In the Cooper Black area, there are 11 camping sites for RV campers. These sites have electrical hookups and water access. A dump station is under construction. Also at Cooper Black is a clubhouse that is available for anyone to rent. A commercial kitchen, under construction, will add to the usefulness of the clubhouse. A comfort station (restroom/shower facility) is also near completion.
Use of the Cooper Black Area is increasing. Sixteen field trials were held this year with approximately 2,000 people involved. The South Carolina Draft Horse Association (120 people) used the area also.
Sand Hills’ personnel conducted 7 educational programs that involved approximately 250 people. One of the programs was a teacher recertification program conducted by Bowater. Sand Hills is an annual stop for this program.
Wildlife Management
Approximately 40,000 acres of the Forest is included in the Wildlife Management Area Program. This is a cooperative agreement between the S.C. Department of Natural Resources and the S.C. Forestry Commission. Technical assistance with the game food plot establishment, monitoring deer herd dynamics, tracking various game and non-game species, and pond management Law enforcement on the forest is provided through interagency cooperation. Sand Hills has a 57-acre public dove field. Thirty-five acres of this field were planted to annual crops with the remainder planted and maintained in bicolor lespedeza.
Seventy-nine acres (135 plots) were planted as wildlife food plots. These plots were planted in chufa, corn, sunflower, spring game mix, dove mix, dove proso, wild turkey mix, quail mix, sorghum, and bicolor. All plantings were fertilized and limed at the recommended rates. All manageable bicolor patches in compartments 2 and 13 were bushhogged, fertilized, and limed. Twelve additional acres were disked or bushhogged. Twelve new acres were cleared for the establishment of more food plots.
A furbearer scent survey, fox squirrel survey, turkey survey, and a quail survey were conducted to track population trends.
Sixty one established wood duck boxes were monitored, cleaned and repaired.
One thousand sawtooth oaks were planted as a mast source for deer and turkey.
Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species Management and Research
Two adult male Red Cockaded woodpeckers were translocated from private land to Sand Hills State Forest in the fall. These birds were the products of a Habitat Conservation Plan between a private landowner and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Both birds were periodically monitored following their release.
Other RCW management activities occurring at Sand Hills consisted of a complete cavity tree survey at Cheraw Fish Hatchery, Cheraw State Park, and Sand Hills State Forest. Four hundred forty nine cavities were located at Sand Hills, ten at the fish hatchery, and forty two at Cheraw State Park. Variables such as new and old tree number, location, cluster, status, type and general comment were recorded and the database updated. Management prescriptions were written for 76 clusters at SHSF including sites that needed no action.
Four artificial recruitment sites were constructed this summer containing two drilled cavities, one advanced start, and seven artificial cavity boxes. Translocation of juvenile birds to these sites is planned for September of this year (1998). In addition, 19 artificial cavity boxes were installed at existing clusters to augment the number of cavities available. All artificial cavity trees, as well as new natural cavity and start trees located during the winter survey were painted, tagged and GPS’d. Fifty restrictor plates were installed on enlarged cavities. A wildlife biologist and 3 technicians completed these projects.
A research project to study the impact of large scale slash pine harvest for conversion to longleaf pine on the reproductive success and juvenile recruitment of RCW is complete.
A longleaf pine natural regeneration research project in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service is still ongoing and has been in effect for 25 years.
A University of Georgia student pursuing a doctorate in biology initiated a research project to establish a baseline population of the Pine Barren Tree Frog and the Gopher Frog. The Pine Barrens Tree Frog project is part of the mitigation plan for two ponds built in the Cooper Black Area for retriever field trials.
STATE LANDS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The State Lands Forest Management Program was created to provide professional forest management assistance to South Carolina state agencies that own timberlands. During fiscal year 1997-98, five agencies requested assistance from the state lands coordinator. The agencies and facilities were as follows:
Department of Natural Resources
S. C. Research Authority
Santee Cooper Authority
Old Myrtle Beach Air Force Base
S.C. State University
Department of Juvenile Justice
Timber Revenue
Nine state-owned tracts were marked or cruised for timber sales for a volume of 3.3 million board feet of sawtimber and 4,742 cords of pulpwood. Timber and pulpwood sold in fiscal year 1998 generated $269,080.00 for various state agencies.
Nurseries and Tree Improvement
The South Carolina Forestry Commission operates Taylor Forest Tree Nursery (bareroot) at Trenton and Creech Containerized Greenhouse at Wedgefield for the production of seedlings for South Carolina landowners.
This year 25,759,550 seedlings were grown. 23,278,341 seedlings were shipped in-state, while 846,500 seedlings were shipped out of state. South Carolina forest industries planted an additional 41,619,523 seedlings on company lands. A grand total of 97,962,833 seedlings were planted on 157,496 acres in the state during the year.
The Piedmont, Coastal and Sumter facilities continue to house White Pine, Virginia Pine and a hardwood genetics program. Spartanburg, Sumter, Walterboro and Taylor facilities are used as seedling distribution centers. Taylor is the only bareroot production facility.
CONTAINERIZED SEEDLINGS
Specialized needs exist for seedlings other than bareroot stock grown at the South Carolina Forestry Commission’s Taylor Nursery. To meet these needs, a triple bay greenhouse is maintained at Creech Greenhouse in Wedgefield. Containerized seedlings, rooted cuttings and progeny test materials are grown at the greenhouse. The greenhouse and associated slathouses give the Commission the capacity to grow a million plus containerized seedlings annually. The greenhouse production was 1,083,316 for the fiscal year.
RESEARCH
The South Carolina Forestry Commission continues cooperative research projects with Clemson University, Auburn University and U.S. Forest Service. The Commission also maintains membership in the North Carolina State University Pine Tree Improvement Cooperative, the North Carolina State Hardwood Research Cooperative, and the Auburn University Southern Forest Nursery Management Cooperative.
FOREST TREE SEED COLLECTION PROGRAM
Each year the South Carolina Forestry Commission collects or purchases pine cones and other forest tree seed for seedling production. During the past year, Walnut, Baldcypress, Red Cedar, Yellow Poplar, and Longleaf Pine seed were either purchased or collected for future seedling production.
State Nurseries Seedling Production By Species 1997-98
Bareroot Seedlings
|
Improved Coastal Loblolly Pine |
8,000,000 |
|
Improved Piedmont Loblolly Pine |
10,500,000 |
|
Improved Texas Loblolly |
100,000 |
|
Longleaf Pine |
4,100,000 |
|
Improved Virginia Pine |
100,000 |
|
Improved White Pine (2-0) |
130,000 |
|
Baldcypress |
100,000 |
|
Red Cedar |
100,000 |
|
Yellow Poplar |
40,000 |
|
Improved Sweetgum |
-0- |
|
Improved Sycamore |
60,000 |
|
Black Walnut |
35,000 |
|
Attaway Lespedeza |
1,000,000 |
|
Sawtooth Oak |
80,000 |
|
Miscellaneous |
3,000 |
|
Total |
24,348,000 |
|
White Pine (1-0) Not For Sale |
100,000 |
Containerized Seedlings
(Creech Greenhouse)
|
Improved Piedmont Loblolly Pine |
-0- |
|
Improved Coastal Loblolly Pine |
-0- |
|
Improved Virginia Pine |
5,000 |
|
Improved Longleaf Pine |
1,222,750 |
|
Leyland Cypress |
65,000 |
|
Carolina Sapphire |
9,500 |
|
Clemson Greenspire |
6,300 |
|
Wiregrass |
3,000 |
|
Total |
1,311,550 |
|
Grand Total |
25,759,550 |
Tree Seedling Distribution By Landowner Classification
A. Seedlings Planted in the State by Land Ownership:
|
Land Ownership |
Percent of Total |
Number of Trees Planted |
|---|---|---|
|
1. Private Ownership |
34 |
48,231,717 |
|
2. Christmas Tree Growers |
<1 |
90,543 |
|
3. Forest Industry (Pulp & Paper) |
33 |
32,175,232 |
|
4. Lumber |
6 |
15,008,094 |
|
5. Forest Industry (Other Corp.) |
21 |
510,000 |
|
6. Schools |
<1 |
141,215 |
|
7. State Forest |
<1 |
834,545 |
|
8. Other State Land |
<1 |
66,940 |
|
9. Other Government Land |
<1 |
866,386 |
|
10. Federal Land |
3 |
37,025 |
|
11. Associations/Clubs |
<1 |
51,136 |
|
Total |
100 |
97,962,833 |
B. Source of Seedlings Planted in the State:
Nurseries in South Carolina
|
South Carolina Forestry Commission (Includes Greenhouse) |
23,278,341 |
|
Champion International |
7,155,778 |
|
International Paper Company |
34,384,000 |
|
Westvaco |
12,338,145 |
|
Weyerhaeuser |
12,873,000 |
|
Total |
90,029,264 |
Nurseries Outside of South Carolina
|
Georgia Forestry Commission |
685,101 |
|
International Paper (Lattay) |
2,380,000 |
|
Union Camp |
2,077,140 |
|
International Forest Company |
2,791,328 |
|
Total |
7,933,569 |
Total Seedlings and Acres Planted In South Carolina
1929-1998 by County
|
County |
Seedlings Planted 1997-98 |
Grand Total Planted to Date 1929-98 |
Acres Planted 1929 - 6/30/98 |
|
Abbeville |
1,145,174 |
12,633,484 |
82,530 |
|
Aiken |
4,848,641 |
241,594,290 |
304,117 |
|
Allendale |
1,876,955 |
12,140,518 |
136,506 |
|
Anderson |
503,529 |
52,695,194 |
74,671 |
|
Bamberg |
1,625,375 |
68,758,088 |
91,319 |
|
Barnwell |
1,544,047 |
33,939,717 |
174,936 |
|
Beaufort |
370,475 |
28,182,702 |
37,868 |
|
Berkeley |
1,584,499 |
133,040,322 |
169,938 |
|
Calhoun |
333,003 |
49,533,757 |
65,516 |
|
Charleston |
734,106 |
53,546,834 |
72,408 |
|
Cherokee |
131,866 |
34,292,228 |
41,951 |
|
Chester |
148,585 |
85,404,628 |
130,761 |
|
Chesterfield |
1,274,552 |
147,942,508 |
178,255 |
|
Clarendon |
437,383 |
71,802,222 |
90,923 |
|
Colleton |
1,617,878 |
139,511,300 |
192,240 |
|
Darlington |
929,145 |
39,225,364 |
49,758 |
|
Dillon |
723,613 |
34,254,321 |
41,939 |
|
Dorchester |
1,509,169 |
87,902,970 |
108,396 |
|
Edgefield |
2,532,738 |
88,810,319 |
122,837 |
|
Fairfield |
632,089 |
115,926,963 |
146,143 |
|
Florence |
996,936 |
37,389,309 |
47,289 |
|
Georgetown |
1,785,618 |
149,167,867 |
189,181 |
|
Greenville |
327,469 |
31,149,737 |
37,031 |
|
Greenwood |
1,370,842 |
94,692,183 |
110,452 |
|
Hampton |
3,364,398 |
114,282,698 |
147,957 |
|
Horry |
161,393 |
80,228,528 |
94,464 |
|
Jasper |
1,774,154 |
102,167,698 |
122,290 |
|
Kershaw |
823,654 |
190,785,598 |
226,484 |
|
Lancaster |
2,700,777 |
82,256,615 |
103,193 |
|
Laurens |
1,667,855 |
104,219,372 |
194,207 |
|
Lee |
346,627 |
37,019,796 |
47,468 |
|
Lexington |
2,745,172 |
72,239,001 |
92,815 |
|
Marion |
634,744 |
43,168,914 |
56,072 |
|
Marlboro |
503,446 |
61,304,140 |
77,987 |
|
McCormick |
1,281,824 |
54,709,514 |
73,945 |
|
Newberry |
2,437,521 |
96,713,283 |
129,052 |
|
Oconee |
697,298 |
39,322,250 |
43,920 |
|
Orangeburg |
3,613,737 |
149,528,538 |
222,850 |
|
Pickens |
417,813 |
3,357,349 |
35,643 |
|
Richland |
395,487 |
31,263,604 |
83,898 |
|
Saluda |
1,901,577 |
71,812,617 |
88,483 |
|
Spartanburg |
289,119 |
63,600,605 |
76,295 |
|
Sumter |
904,067 |
72,869,264 |
87,357 |
|
Union |
264,738 |
783,815,230 |
101,422 |
|
Williamsburg |
1,805,182 |
115,536,794 |
159,228 |
|
York |
2,131,508 |
66,540,440 |
82,347 |
|
Multiple Counties |
38,117,055 |
160,486,408 |
262,697 |
|
Total |
97,962,833 |
4,440,765,071 |
5,307,039 |
SEED ORCHARDS
Since 1963, the South Carolina Forestry Commission has been a participating member in the North Carolina State University Industry Cooperative Tree Improvement Program. Understanding that trees could be genetically improved, substantial gains have been and will continue to result in firm commitments to tree improvement programs. As tree improvement programs continue, new and greater challenges in accomplishing breeding and operational goals will become evident. All Loblolly Pine seedlings for the 1997-98 planting season were from second generation genetically improved sources.
|
Creech Seed Orchard
|
Acres |
|
Genetic Diversity Archives |
25.0 |
|
Coastal Loblolly (Disease Resistant) |
5.0 |
|
Longleaf (1st Generation) |
12.0 |
|
Virginia Pine (1st Generation) |
3.0 |
|
Sawtooth Oak |
2.0 |
|
Total |
47.0 |
|
"Gobbler" Sawtooth Oak |
1.3 |
|
Coastal Loblolly (2nd Generation) |
204.0 |
|
Piedmont Loblolly (2nd Generation) |
118.0 |
|
Longleaf Pine (1st Generation) |
38.0 |
|
Third Generation Breeding Orchard |
2.0 |
|
Total |
363.3 |
|
Sycamore |
4.0 |
|
Sweetgum |
6.0 |
|
Willow Oak (Seed Production) |
1.3 |
|
Swamp Chestnut Oak |
1.2 |
|
Green Ash |
3.3 |
|
Red Maple |
1.3 |
|
Southern Red Oak |
2.2 |
|
White Oak |
1.9 |
|
Total |
21.2 |
|
White Pine (1.5 Generation) |
12.0 |
|
Northern Red Oak |
2.0 |
|
Virginia Pine (1st Generation) |
3.0 |
|
Total
Grand Total Orchard Acres |
17.0
448.5 |
|
Year |
Total State Nurseries |
Total All Sources |
Year |
Total State Nurseries |
Total All Sources |
|
1928-29 |
142,000 |
142,000 |
1964-65 |
49,009,893 |
60,683,493 |
|
1929-30 |
148,000 |
148,000 |
1965-66 |
42,310,685 |
56,529,185 |
|
1930-31 |
986,000 |
986,000 |
1966-67 |
48,575,190 |
69,597,590 |
|
1931-32 |
976,000 |
976,000 |
1967-68 |
39,970,136 |
58,812,136 |
|
1932-33 |
996,000 |
996,000 |
1968-69 |
29,529,285 |
51,453,285 |
|
1933-34 |
1,031,000 |
1,031,000 |
1969-70 |
31,415,430 |
49,202,630 |
|
1934-35 |
7,529,000 |
7,529,000 |
1970-71 |
31,939,880 |
54,540,880 |
|
1935-36 |
23,000,000 |
23,000,000 |
1971-72 |
23,677,925 |
41,357,225 |
|
1936-37 |
22,000,000 |
22,000,000 |
1972-73 |
30,977,800 |
45,239,100 |
|
1937-38 |
11,192,000 |
11,192,000 |
1973-74 |
28,443,000 |
42,305,500 |
|
1938-39 |
10,854,000 |
10,854,000 |
1974-75 |
40,081,500 |
55,996,500 |
|
1939-40 |
12,244,000 |
12,244,000 |
1975-76 |
40,664,387 |
59,063,387 |
|
1940-41 |
21,165,423 |
21,165,423 |
1976-77 |
39,795,375 |
59,238,275 |
|
1941-42 |
10,275,037 |
10,275,037 |
1977-78 |
45,734,500 |
64,380,200 |
|
1942-43 |
4,742,010 |
4,742,010 |
1978-79 |
43,009,533 |
65,936,933 |
|
1943-44 |
5,662,608 |
5,662,608 |
1979-80 |
46,374,919 |
76,206,619 |
|
1944-45 |
1,962,600 |
1,962,600 |
1980-81 |
53,512,622 |
86,419,513 |
|
1945-46 |
6,402,255 |
6,402,255 |
1981-82 |
55,727,828 |
87,793,028 |
|
1946-47 |
1,962,600 |
1,962,600 |
1982-83 |
47,798,858 |
86,265,299 |
|
1947-48 |
11,356,990 |
11,356,990 |
1983-84 |
50,169,612 |
100,394,312 |
|
1948-49 |
30,388,775 |
30,338,775 |
1984-85 |
51,635,770 |
107,717,581 |
|
1949-50 |
29,501,955 |
29,501,955 |
1985-86 |
65,464,810 |
124,381,360 |
|
1950-51 |
20,615,315 |
20,615,315 |
1986-87 |
73,554,964 |
157,522,970 |
|
1951-52 |
16,619,000 |
19,619,000 |
1987-88 |
78,787,967 |
164,094,827 |
|
1952-53 |
22,035,850 |
32,246,298 |
1988-89 |
55,051,595 |
153,450,416 |
|
1953-54 |
36,210,100 |
42,852,314 |
1989-90 |
38,355,557 |
128,475,489 |
|
1954-55 |
35,373,025 |
45,182,255 |
1990-91 |
29,297,000 |
102,384,439 |
|
1955-56 |
34,413,550 |
42,931,755 |
1991-92 |
31,983,779 |
94,7105,82 |
|
1956-57 |
55,753,600 |
69,658,736 |
1992-93 |
22,665,397 |
84,287,351 |
|
1957-58 |
60,846,200 |
93,369,084 |
1993-94 |
23,286,422 |
119,310,888 |
|
1958-59 |
123,985,000 |
166,351,000 |
1994-95 |
16,153,974 |
90,333,823 |
|
1959-60 |
147,146,365 |
187,516,418 |
1995-96 |
16,841,263 |
99,549,491 |
|
1960-61 |
145,609,075 |
158,330,575 |
1996-97 |
16,058,174 |
99,438,594 |
|
1961-62 |
71,892,420 |
83,844,470 |
1997-98 |
23,278,341 |
97,962,833 |
|
1962-63 |
56,191,241 |
64,201,541 |
|||
|
1963-64 |
51,445,597 |
62,423,597 |
Total State Nurseries: 2,453,737,962
Total All Sources: 4,198,646,345
Forest Tree Seedling Sales, Distribution by Species, By County, Fiscal 98
|
2nd Gen. Coastal Loblolly |
2nd Gen. Piedmont Loblolly |
Longleaf |
Lespedeza |
Misc. |
Virginia Pine |
White Pine (2-0) |
Red Cedar |
Leyland Cypress |
Imp.Texas Loblolly |
Sawtooth Oak |
Bald-cypress |
Imp. Sycamore |
Yellow Poplar |
Black Walnut |
Carolina Sapphire |
Clemson Greenspire |
Wire Grass |
Grand Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Abbeville |
1,129,404 |
90 |
4,000 |
1,050 |
3,500 |
500 |
324 |
1,100 |
4,500 |
400 |
288 |
18 |
1,145,174 |
||||||
|
Aiken |
3,777,250 |
350,500 |
586,476 |
15,000 |
104,460 |
3,185 |
1,100 |
3,400 |
2,700 |
300 |
3,000 |
162 |
108 |
1,000 |
4,848,641 |
||||
|
Allendale |
588,500 |
1,029,040 |
142,000 |
3,000 |
114,000 |
135 |
90 |
100 |
90 |
1,876,955 |
|||||||||
|
Anderson |
473,961 |
9,000 |
3,600 |
5,100 |
4,900 |
3,726 |
300 |
600 |
300 |
1,600 |
100 |
234 |
108 |
503,529 |
|||||
|
Bamberg |
1,587,540 |
26,975 |
6,000 |
500 |
1,100 |
360 |
2,800 |
100 |
1,625,375 |
||||||||||
|
Barnwell |
1,413,150 |
34,000 |
68,535 |
20,000 |
4,000 |
100 |
200 |
1,300 |
162 |
1,500 |
500 |
500 |
100 |
1,544,047 |
|||||
|
Beaufort |
334,000 |
28,875 |
2,000 |
2,500 |
1,100 |
800 |
792 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
54 |
54 |
370,475 |
||||||
|
Berkeley |
1,428,256 |
20,520 |
47,000 |
77,803 |
600 |
1,800 |
360 |
3,000 |
2,000 |
2,100 |
500 |
100 |
100 |
360 |
1,584,499 |
||||
|
Calhoun |
272,000 |
1,000 |
40,580 |
13,000 |
1,845 |
500 |
2,600 |
306 |
400 |
300 |
100 |
200 |
100 |
36 |
36 |
333,003 |
|||
|
Charleston |
515,070 |
122,275 |
4,000 |
72,088 |
6,000 |
1,600 |
800 |
3,330 |
5,955 |
1,000 |
600 |
200 |
612 |
576 |
734,106 |
||||
|
Cherokee |
126,500 |
1,000 |
2,100 |
100 |
486 |
700 |
100 |
600 |
100 |
180 |
131,866 |
||||||||
|
Chester |
142,213 |
2,500 |
500 |
1,500 |
1,692 |
180 |
148,585 |
||||||||||||
|
Chesterfield |
41,500 |
219,500 |
981,955 |
9,000 |
1,545 |
100 |
1,000 |
162 |
17,500 |
1,300 |
100 |
100 |
700 |
18 |
72 |
1,274,552 |
|||
|
Clarendon |
394,500 |
15,985 |
21,000 |
370 |
100 |
700 |
630 |
1,000 |
700 |
1,200 |
1,000 |
90 |
108 |
437,383 |
|||||
|
Colleton |
1,341,895 |
1,500 |
146,430 |
6,000 |
116,794 |
2,325 |
1,100 |
900 |
54 |
200 |
200 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
90 |
90 |
1,617,878 |
||
|
Darlington |
765,000 |
18,500 |
119,195 |
9,000 |
600 |
2,100 |
3,100 |
3,024 |
8,000 |
200 |
0 |
200 |
100 |
54 |
72 |
929,145 |
|||
|
Dillon |
705,000 |
15,305 |
600 |
100 |
1,100 |
900 |
500 |
0 |
18 |
90 |
723,613 |
||||||||
|
Dorchester |
1,459,802 |
8,595 |
4,000 |
20,240 |
1,600 |
250 |
300 |
1,278 |
12,000 |
200 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
324 |
180 |
1,509,169 |
||
|
Edgefield |
1,914,476 |
542,500 |
21,090 |
20,000 |
11,000 |
2,100 |
6,500 |
576 |
6,000 |
2,000 |
5,000 |
1,100 |
198 |
198 |
2,532,738 |
||||
|
Fairfield |
2,000 |
601,117 |
1,040 |
23,000 |
500 |
252 |
500 |
3,400 |
100 |
90 |
90 |
632,089 |
|||||||
|
Florence |
958,500 |
4,500 |
20,950 |
4,000 |
400 |
1,200 |
2,196 |
1,200 |
800 |
3,000 |
100 |
36 |
54 |
996,936 |
|||||
|
Georgetown |
1,691,880 |
35,930 |
57,000 |
500 |
72 |
100 |
100 |
36 |
1,785,618 |
||||||||||
|
Greenville |
0 |
303,900 |
545 |
2,000 |
3,940 |
8,100 |
2,400 |
3,096 |
1,000 |
200 |
500 |
700 |
800 |
126 |
162 |
327,469 |
|||
|
Greenwood |
1,361,166 |
1,000 |
2,000 |
500 |
3,000 |
1,422 |
700 |
500 |
500 |
54 |
1,370,842 |
||||||||
|
Hampton |
3,096,940 |
228,955 |
31,000 |
235 |
4,100 |
360 |
1,400 |
1,000 |
300 |
54 |
54 |
3,364,398 |
|||||||
|
Horry |
64,500 |
6,000 |
13,250 |
50,000 |
1,100 |
500 |
5,202 |
1,025 |
300 |
19,000 |
200 |
100 |
108 |
108 |
161,393 |
||||
|
Jasper |
1,622,200 |
126,520 |
10,000 |
13,000 |
1,000 |
1,200 |
234 |
1,774,154 |
|||||||||||
|
Kershaw |
293,500 |
255,500 |
257,690 |
8,000 |
1,790 |
100 |
2,200 |
2,376 |
1,000 |
900 |
300 |
100 |
18 |
180 |
823,654 |
||||
|
Lancaster |
16,000 |
2,641,500 |
38,605 |
1,000 |
1,500 |
1,600 |
54 |
500 |
18 |
2,700,777 |
|||||||||
|
Laurens |
2,000 |
1,645,785 |
3,000 |
5,400 |
4,000 |
2,000 |
2,124 |
1,650 |
300 |
100 |
1,000 |
100 |
288 |
108 |
1,667,855 |
||||
|
Lee |
82,500 |
171,000 |
80,220 |
8,000 |
3,545 |
126 |
100 |
100 |
1,000 |
18 |
18 |
346,627 |
|||||||
|
Lexington |
2,035,700 |
223,500 |
436,945 |
10,000 |
20,195 |
3,100 |
3,400 |
4,752 |
500 |
1,000 |
3,000 |
200 |
700 |
1,100 |
684 |
396 |
2,745,172 |
||
|
Marion |
632,000 |
1,000 |
100 |
108 |
700 |
500 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
18 |
18 |
634,744 |
|||||||
|
Marlboro |
459,500 |
4,000 |
28,440 |
10,000 |
1,000 |
216 |
200 |
90 |
503,446 |
||||||||||
|
McCormick |
184,404 |
1,093,040 |
4,000 |
180 |
200 |
1,281,824 |
|||||||||||||
|
Newberry |
2,000 |
2,424,796 |
5,000 |
350 |
545 |
1,500 |
864 |
1,650 |
600 |
126 |
90 |
2,437,521 |
|||||||
|
Oconee |
677,333 |
2,000 |
545 |
8,100 |
2,000 |
1,368 |
500 |
1,600 |
100 |
3,300 |
200 |
90 |
162 |
697,298 |
|||||
|
Orangeburg |
3,372,941 |
4,000 |
86,835 |
109,000 |
19,003 |
1,300 |
600 |
5,600 |
1,584 |
2,000 |
4,150 |
2,100 |
100 |
1,300 |
2,900 |
162 |
162 |
3,613,737 |
|
|
Pickens |
384,133 |
360 |
3,000 |
2,380 |
17,200 |
2,300 |
2,196 |
4,500 |
700 |
100 |
800 |
90 |
54 |
417,813 |
|||||
|
Richland |
189,000 |
50,500 |
100,025 |
20,000 |
5,550 |
2,300 |
5,400 |
4,896 |
3,500 |
5,500 |
6,000 |
1,000 |
700 |
756 |
360 |
395,487 |
|||
|
Saluda |
575,000 |
1,317,980 |
1,545 |
4,000 |
600 |
1,100 |
918 |
200 |
198 |
36 |
1,901,577 |
||||||||
|
Spartanburg |
1,000 |
254,179 |
1,495 |
8,000 |
8,335 |
5,800 |
3,000 |
4,626 |
900 |
100 |
1,000 |
234 |
450 |
289,119 |
|||||
|
Sumter |
476,500 |
76,000 |
311,620 |
15,000 |
2,745 |
600 |
1,900 |
1,314 |
2,000 |
300 |
14,600 |
100 |
100 |
216 |
72 |
1,000 |
904,067 |
||
|
Union |
500 |
254,860 |
5,000 |
1,100 |
700 |
1,600 |
360 |
500 |
100 |
18 |
264,738 |
||||||||
|
Williamsburg |
1,671,494 |
1,500 |
65,645 |
60,000 |
1,045 |
100 |
1,100 |
684 |
1,300 |
1,300 |
600 |
198 |
216 |
1,805,182 |
|||||
|
York |
2,067,000 |
950 |
49,000 |
2,410 |
3,900 |
700 |
3,618 |
300 |
2,800 |
200 |
414 |
216 |
2,131,508 |
||||||
|
Multiple Counties |
36,347,000 |
426,500 |
1,152,015 |
125,000 |
5,280 |
16,200 |
6,300 |
6,948 |
1,000 |
4,000 |
3,600 |
9,200 |
12,600 |
800 |
414 |
198 |
38,117,055 |
||
|
Grand Total |
70,314,998 |
20,318,407 |
5,338,961 |
820,000 |
541,738 |
109,595 |
99,950 |
81,400 |
73,098 |
60,500 |
51,730 |
51,100 |
37,900 |
36,500 |
12,500 |
7,452 |
5,004 |
2,000 |
97,962,833 |
FIRE MANAGEMENT
Area protected: 12,807,924 acres. Acres protected is based on 1993 Forest Survey data for non-federal forest land, plus 10% to cover adjacent non-forest land. Also included is 101,320 acres of federal land protected under special contract. Mutual aid is provided on 802,147 acres of additional federal land.
Wildfire occurrence during the fiscal year was the lowest since statewide record-keeping began in 1947. The Forestry Commission responded to 1,943 fires during 1997-98, compared to the previous low of 2,445 fires in 1965.
The 10,425 acres burned during the year did not establish a new record low, but was far below average. The year's largest wildfire burned 750 acres in Horry County during the month of June.
Low wildfire losses are attributed to abundant rainfall associated with a strong el Nino event dominating weather patterns during the winter-spring wildfire season. The highest sustained wildfire danger during the year occurred during the month of June as the el Nino subsided.
FIRE PROTECTION COOPERATIVES
The Forestry Commission has cooperative arrangements with 10 fire and emergency management entities. Activities for each cooperative during FY 1997-98 are as follows:
Southeastern States Forest Fire Compact Commission: Formed in 1954, the Compact allows member states to provide and receive mutual aid in fighting wildland fires. Member states include: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
SCFC provided firefighting assistance to the State of Florida for 41 consecutive days during June and July, 1998. A total of 171 SCFC firefighters logged 2,024 man-days of service under the Compact during the period. Twenty-four pieces of SCFC firefighting equipment were dispatched for a total of 691 use-days.
SC Division of Emergency Preparedness: There were no emergency activations involving SCFC during the year. Staff foresters participated in several EPD emergency response training sessions.
Rural Cooperative Fire Protection Program: Federal funds for this program have decreased significantly over the past few years. During the year, 23 fire departments were approved for matching-fund grants totaling $13,000.
Federal Excess Property Program: One hundred and fifty-seven pieces of federal excess equipment were loaned to fire departments during the year. At present, 744 pieces of equipment are assigned to 348 departments statewide.
National Weather Service: NWS provides daily fire weather forecasts and atmospheric dispersion information. During the year, SCFC and NWS worked to improve content and timing of daily forecasts.
USDA Forest Service: Under the terms of a 1996 contract, SCFC provides aerial wildfire detection on 611,407 acres of National Forest land and 198,000 of Savannah River Site land in SC. A mutual aid agreement between the US Forest Service and SCFC allows both parties to provide initial attack firefighting within one-quarter mile of National Forest boundaries.
DOD Corps of Engineers: Beginning in 1997, SCFC has provided all fire suppression services on 55,320 acres of Corps of Engineers land. Under the terms of the agreement, actual fire suppression costs are reimbursed to the SCFC.
USDI Fish and Wildlife Service: Under the terms of a 1992 land acquisition agreement, SCFC provides initial attack fire suppression on the 46,000 acre Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge. The agreement terminates in 2042. SCFC maintains mutual aid firefighting agreements with the following National Wildlife Refuges: Ace Basin, Cape Romain, Savannah, Pinckney Island, and Santee.
USDI Park Service: Agreement maintained; no reportable activity.
Wildland Fire Protection Partnership: Organized in 1991, the Partnership seeks solutions to wildfire management problems in the wildland-urban interface. Membership includes the SC Forestry Commission, US Forest Service, SC Firemen's Association, Department of Health and Environmental Control, SC Division of Emergency Preparedness, SC Fire Marshal, SC Fire Academy, and SC Forestry Association (ex officio).
During the year the Partnership sponsored the SCFC video production of S-190, a nationally accredited course in Basic Wildfire Behavior. The video course was designed primarily to make standard wildland fire training readily available to the SC Fire Service. The course is available to fire departments statewide.
Eighty Fire Service personnel completed the course during the last quarter of the fiscal year. Each will receive a certificate and a distinctive uniform shoulder patch.
FIRE WEATHER
Weather Stations. The Forestry Commission, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, and USDI Fish and Wildlife Service share a network of 13 Automated Weather Stations across the state. Data from these stations are used in daily calculations for the National Fire Danger Rating System. Weather readings from these stations are available 24 hours a day for wildfire and prescribed fire management purposes.
|
Month |
Precipitation |
Normal Precipitation |
Departure from Normal |
|---|---|---|---|
|
July 97 |
6.92 |
5.60 |
+1.32 |
|
August |
2.19 |
5.57 |
-3.38 |
|
Sept |
5.70 |
4.31 |
+1.39 |
|
Oct |
4.52 |
3.15 |
+1.37 |
|
Nov |
4.52 |
2.88 |
+1.64 |
|
Dec |
5.28 |
3.60 |
+1.68 |
|
Jan 98 |
7.43 |
3.97 |
+3.46 |
|
Feb |
7.84 |
3.90 |
+3.94 |
|
Mar |
5.17 |
4.96 |
+0.21 |
|
Apr |
6.62 |
3.37 |
+3.25 |
|
May |
2.89 |
4.09 |
-1.20 |
|
June |
3.54 |
5.22 |
-1.68 |
|
TOTAL |
62.62 |
50.62 |
+12.00 |
|
Fiscal Year |
Precip. Inches |
Departure from Normal |
|---|---|---|
|
1993-94 |
42.76 |
-7.57 |
|
1994-95 |
57.29 |
+4.69 |
|
1995-96 |
47.72 |
+4.62 |
|
1996-97 |
50.62 |
-3.46 |
|
1997-98 |
62.62 |
+12.00 |
|
5-Yr. AVERAGE |
52.20 |
+1.58 |
Readiness Plan. The daily readiness level of Forestry Commission firefighters is based on fire danger data, available number of firefighters, and status of firefighting equipment. Average statewide readiness levels for FY 97 are as follows:
Readiness 1 (No wildfire danger) 14 days Readiness 2 (Low wildfire danger) 275 days Readiness 3 (Moderate wildfire danger) 72 days Readiness 4 (High wildfire danger) 4 days Readiness 5 (Extreme wildfire danger) 0 days
Burning Ban and Red Flag Fire Alert. A statewide Red Flag Fire Alert was issued on June 25 due to prolonged dry weather and high temperature. The Alert was still in effect at the end of the fiscal year.
DISPATCH AND AIR OPERATIONS
Dispatch. Forestry Commission dispatch is by closest available resource, regardless of political or administrative boundaries. Dispatching was handled by Region Dispatch Centers located in Walterboro, Florence, and Newberry.
Air Operations. Eight Forestry Commission pilots equipped with Federal Excess planes provided both fire detection and incident reconnaissance. Private aerial contractors trained in wildfire detection supplemented the agency's resources when needed. A combined total of 4,348 hours of aerial detection/suppression time was logged during the fiscal year.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Forestry Commission has 63 commissioned law enforcement officers, all certified by the Criminal Justice Academy. In order to provide better coordination of the law enforcement effort, the three Region investigators were transferred to the Fire Management Staff just prior to the beginning of the fiscal year.
During the year, investigators placed strong emphasis on investigation of timber theft and fraud. Public demand for these services continues to grow. Thirty-three cases of timber theft were cleared in fiscal 97-98 - timber valued at $180,000. Eleven court cases are pending - timber valued at $225,000. Eleven cases are still under investigation - timber valued at $188,000.
Five new Forest Law Enforcement officers were trained and certified through the SC Criminal Justice Academy this year. The following specialized training was provided for selected officers: Kinesic Interviews and Interrogations, Advanced Fire Investigation, Criminal Profiling, Critical Incident Debriefing, and Psychology of Juvenile Firesetters.
Specialized law enforcement equipment obtained during the year included two video surveillance cameras.
TRAINING
The Fire Management Staff conducted the following training during the year: Basic Firefighting School (SCFC), Basic Firefighter Training (S-130), Introduction to Fire Behavior (S-190), and Portable Pumps and Water Use (S-211). In addition, Fire Management provided instructional assistance in the USFS presentation of Basic Information Officer Training (I-403).
Dispatch managers were provided two special courses: Basic Dispatch and Communication Procedures, and Introduction to Fire Management. New contract pilots were provided training in SCFC aerial detection procedures.
Personnel from Federal agencies, local government, and other state agencies attended courses presented by the Fire Management Staff.
FIRE PREVENTION/FIRE INFORMATION
Note: responsibility for fire prevention and fire information passed from Information/Education to Fire Management in February, 1998.
In a cooperative effort with the Information and Education Department, the Fire Management Section participated in a $2,000 in-house grant designed to generate locally targeted wildfire prevention. Proposals were received from Williamsburg and Berkeley Counties; both were funded in full.
During the year, Fire Management developed procedures and training for the Smokey voice system; produced 18 art/graphic pieces to support SCFC programs; produced 2 computer animation sequences; participated with USFS in a Smokey promotion for the Capitol City Bombers; wrote scripts for 2 training videos; and produced 9 news releases and 2 magazine feature articles. In addition, the Fire Management Staff provided 98 media interviews during the year.
Fires by Cause
|
Cause |
Number |
Acres Burned |
Average Acres
|
Percent of Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
FY 98 |
5 year average |
||||
|
Lightning |
53 |
743.9 |
14.0 |
2.7 |
2.2 |
|
Campfire |
17 |
96.2 |
5.7 |
.9 |
.6 |
|
Smoking |
72 |
258.3 |
3.6 |
3.7 |
3.2 |
|
Debris Burning |
796 |
3680.7 |
4.6 |
40.9 |
36.4 |
|
Incendiary |
581 |
4073.1 |
7.0 |
29.9 |
39.6 |
|
Equipment |
118 |
443.8 |
3.8 |
6.1 |
5.4 |
|
Railroad |
18 |
123.4 |
6.9 |
.9 |
.9 |
|
Children |
125 |
235.7 |
1.9 |
6.4 |
5.4 |
|
Miscellaneous |
163 |
770.0 |
4.7 |
8.5 |
6.3 |
|
TOTALS |
1943 |
10425.1 |
5.4 |
100.00 |
100.00 |
Five Year Summary All Fires
|
Fiscal Yr. |
Acres Protected |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Fires | Acres Burned |
Av. Acres/Fire | %Area Burned | ||
|
93-94 |
12,706,604 |
6,468 |
40,074.0 |
6.2 |
.32 |
|
94-95 |
12,706,604 |
3,377 |
16,524.5 |
4.9 |
.13 |
|
95-96 |
12,706,604 |
4,341 |
27,112.1 |
6.2 |
.21 |
|
96-97 |
12,807,924 |
3,204 |
21,730.7 |
6.8 |
.17 |
|
97-98 |
12,807,924 |
1,943 |
10,425.1 |
5.4 |
.08 |
|
Five Year Averages |
|
3,867 |
23,173.3 |
5.9 |
.18 |
PRESCRIBED FIRE
Certified Prescribed Fire Manager Program. Four Certified Prescribed Fire Manager Schools were conducted during the year. A total of 573 individuals have been certified as prescribed fire managers since the program's inception in 1994.
| Region | Forestry Understory | Forestry Site Prep | Wildlife | Agriculture | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | Acres | No. | Acres | No. | Acres | No. | Acres | |
|
Coastal |
1,505 |
131,582 |
1,893 |
8,390 |
502 |
46,707 |
2,606 |
48,993 |
|
Pee Dee |
835 |
38,228 |
1,499 |
10,939 |
195 |
15,808 |
3,218 |
73,816 |
|
Piedmont |
218 |
26,874 |
340 |
7,636 |
45 |
2,691 |
382 |
4,878 |
|
Totals |
2,558 |
196,794 |
3,732 |
26,965 |
742 |
65,206 |
6,206 |
127,687 |
Grand Total Burning Under Smoke Management Guidelines: 13,238 fires; 416,652 acres
| County | Acres Protected | Notifications |
|---|---|---|
| Abbeville | 202,645 | 519 |
| Aiken | 455,540 | 1,267 |
| Allendale | 178,794 | 278 |
| Anderson | 214,724 | 1,551 |
| Bamberg | 182,062 | 333 |
| Barnwell | 147,093 | 537 |
| Beaufort | 136,739 | 1,355 |
| Berkeley | 390,299 | 1,417 |
| Calhoun | 168,997 | 439 |
| Charleston | 244,835 | 877 |
| Cherokee | 165,386 | 539 |
| Chester | 307,154 | 462 |
| Chesterfield | 350,594 | 792 |
| Clarendon | 241,314 | 779 |
| Colleton | 502,776 | 1,191 |
| Darlington | 206,641 | 489 |
| Dillon | 158,914 | 470 |
| Dorchester | 283,205 | 854 |
| Edgefield | 238,766 | 597 |
| Fairfield | 409,985 | 365 |
| Florence | 322,779 | 1,204 |
| Georgetown | 417,150 | 1,003 |
| Greenville | 271,893 | 2,321 |
| Greenwood | 212,203 | 588 |
| Hampton | 279,511 | 766 |
| Horry | 492,064 | 2,249 |
| Jasper | 329,574 | 776 |
| Kershaw | 413,527 | 686 |
| Lancaster | 289,284 | 391 |
| Laurens | 325,714 | 611 |
| Lee | 149,375 | 196 |
| Lexington | 280,985 | 1,937 |
| Marion | 239,275 | 437 |
| Marlboro | 203,172 | 346 |
| McCormick | 140,099 | 218 |
| Newberry | 254,485 | 521 |
| Oconee | 226,058 | 1,191 |
| Orangeburg | 438,154 | 1,199 |
| Pickens | 233,056 | 1,325 |
| Richland | 280,398 | 1,620 |
| Saluda | 203,906 | 343 |
| Spartanburg | 289,043 | 1,847 |
| Sumter | 258,685 | 814 |
| Union | 229,078 | 194 |
| Williamsburg | 450,241 | 959 |
| York | 290,432 | 1,669 |
| Federal Land | 101,320 | ---- |
|
County or State Forest |
Careless Negligent |
Intentional |
Willfull and Malicious |
Precautions |
State Forest |
Other |
Burn
|
Investigations |
Total |
Fines (dollars) |
|||||||||
|
P* |
C* |
P* |
C* |
P* |
C* |
P* |
C* |
P* |
C* |
P* |
C* |
Fire |
Smoke Mgt. |
Timber Theft |
Violations |
Prosecutions |
|||
|
Abbeville |
1 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
18 |
1 |
$50.00 |
|||||||||||
|
Aiken |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
9 |
110 |
2 |
$50.00 |
||||||||
|
Allendale |
1 |
1 |
7 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Anderson |
1 |
1 |
8 |
3 |
18 |
17 |
2 |
||||||||||||
|
Bamberg |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
$125.00 |
||||||||||
|
Barnwell |
1 |
1 |
12 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
17 |
1 |
$75.00 |
||||||||||
|
Beaufort |
5 |
3 |
8 |
1 |
17 |
||||||||||||||
|
Berkeley |
1 |
1 |
4 |
4 |
28 |
28 |
47 |
1 |
91 |
5 |
$900.00 |
||||||||
|
Calhoun |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
7 |
5 |
4 |
10 |
5 |
$425.00 |
||||||||
|
Charleston |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
2 |
18 |
3 |
$693.00 |
||||||||
|
Cherokee |
2 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
10 |
12 |
2 |
$125.00 |
|||||||||||
|
Chester |
3 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
30 |
4 |
6 |
15 |
4 |
$305.00 |
|||||||||
|
Chesterfield |
6 |
6 |
3 |
3 |
23 |
27 |
5 |
66 |
9 |
$525.00 |
|||||||||
|
Clarendon |
6 |
2 |
42 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Colleton |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
5 |
8 |
3 |
67 |
3 |
$225.00 |
||||||||
|
Darlington |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
30 |
||||||||||||||
|
Dillon |
10 |
6 |
19 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Dorchester |
5 |
5 |
3 |
13 |
8 |
41 |
5 |
$275.00 |
|||||||||||
|
Edgefield |
9 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
13 |
||||||||||||||
|
Fairfield |
1 |
1 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
16 |
1 |
||||||||||||
|
Florence |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
12 |
7 |
8 |
1 |
53 |
3 |
$350.00 |
||||||
|
Georgetown |
2 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
7 |
12 |
5 |
39 |
5 |
$550.00 |
|||||||||
|
Greenville |
3 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
11 |
8 |
30 |
4 |
$350.00 |
||||||||||
|
Greenwood |
36 |
2 |
6 |
1 |
19 |
||||||||||||||
|
Hampton |
2 |
5 |
2 |
30 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Horry |
2 |
2 |
5 |
5 |
18 |
11 |
9 |
1 |
83 |
7 |
$297.00 |
||||||||
|
Jasper |
8 |
7 |
5 |
25 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Kershaw |
5 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
24 |
12 |
1 |
2 |
36 |
11 |
$1,570.00 |
||||||||
|
Lancaster |
1 |
1 |
1 |
15 |
1 |
||||||||||||||
|
Laurens |
1 |
3 |
6 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Lee |
3 |
1 |
1 |
37 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Lexington |
7 |
7 |
2 |
2 |
20 |
20 |
41 |
1 |
111 |
9 |
$1,050.00 |
||||||||
|
Marion |
1 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
6 |
15 |
1 |
$50.00 |
|||||||||||
|
Marlboro |
9 |
6 |
6 |
35 |
|||||||||||||||
|
McCormick |
2 |
2 |
8 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Newberry |
2 |
6 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Oconee |
3 |
3 |
6 |
50 |
20 |
3 |
$275.00 |
||||||||||||
|
Orangeburg |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
8 |
13 |
12 |
8 |
55 |
9 |
$700.00 |
||||||||
|
Pickens |
10 |
10 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
20 |
21 |
5 |
30 |
14 |
$850.00 |
||||||||
|
Richland |
2 |
2 |
7 |
5 |
20 |
2 |
29 |
2 |
$285.00 |
||||||||||
|
Saluda |
6 |
3 |
2 |
14 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Spartanburg |
1 |
1 |
10 |
1 |
8 |
1 |
15 |
1 |
|||||||||||
|
Sumter |
1 |
1 |
6 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
40 |
1 |
$90.00 |
||||||||||
|
Union |
9 |
2 |
15 |
1 |
15 |
||||||||||||||
|
Williamsburg |
4 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
10 |
10 |
9 |
26 |
5 |
2 |
90 |
17 |
$1,304.00 |
||||||
|
York |
1 |
1 |
20 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
15 |
1 |
$125.00 |
||||||||||
|
Manchester |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
$375.00 |
||||||||||||||
|
Sand Hills |
14 |
14 |
15 |
14 |
$4,075.00 |
||||||||||||||
|
Total |
65 |
64 |
8 |
5 |
60 |
58 |
17 |
17 |
1 |
401 |
312 |
357 |
55 |
1,503 |
151 |
$16,069.00 |
|||
P* = Prosecutions
C* = Convictions
Total All Land Fires by County and Cause, Fiscal Year 1998
|
Lightning |
Campfire |
Smoking |
Debris Burning |
Incendiary |
Equipment Use |
Railroad |
Children |
Miscellaneous |
Total No. |
Total Acres |
||||||||||
|
County |
No. |
Acres |
No. |
Acres |
No. |
Acres |
No. |
Acres |
No. |
Acres |
No. |
Acres |
No. |
Acres |
No. |
Acres |
No. |
Acres |
||
|
Abbeville |
2 |
1.5 |
2 |
4.0 |
10 |
68.7 |
6 |
36.7 |
4 |
5.6 |
1 |
8.0 |
2 |
3.0 |
3 |
2.3 |
30 |
129.8 |
||
|
Aiken |
7 |
307.0 |
1 |
10.0 |
44 |
134.3 |
54 |
174.6 |
10 |
37.4 |
16 |
36.8 |
8 |
8.7 |
140 |
708.8 |
||||
|
Allendale |
1 |
2.5 |
5 |
7.8 |
2 |
13.2 |
2 |
0.6 |
10 |
24.1 |
||||||||||
|
Anderson |
1 |
2.0 |
1 |
6.0 |
1 |
3.0 |
10 |
30.0 |
2 |
16.0 |
1 |
5.0 |
5 |
30.0 |
3 |
25.0 |
24 |
117.0 |
||
|
Bamberg |
1 |
3.0 |
3 |
7.1 |
1 |
0.1 |
3 |
0.3 |
1 |
0.5 |
9 |
11.0 |
||||||||
|
Barnwell |
4 |
1.8 |
1 |
3.0 |
9 |
116.4 |
5 |
1.1 |
3 |
1.3 |
3 |
2.0 |
2 |
5.1 |
27 |
130.7 |
||||
|
Beaufort |
1 |
1.0 |
1 |
0.1 |
7 |
24.6 |
10 |
51.7 |
2 |
5.5 |
21 |
82.9 |
||||||||
|
Berkeley |
1 |
1.0 |
1 |
0.1 |
39 |
146.9 |
51 |
584.7 |
2 |
1.5 |
2 |
33.0 |
1 |
0.1 |
4 |
17.0 |
101 |
784.3 |
||
|
Calhoun |
1 |
0.2 |
9 |
88.1 |
1 |
0.8 |
3 |
3.5 |
2 |
8.7 |
16 |
101.3 |
||||||||
|
Charleston |
13 |
38.4 |
5 |
143.3 |
18 |
181.7 |
||||||||||||||
|
Cherokee |
1 |
62.0 |
3 |
4.0 |
4 |
33.0 |
7 |
36.0 |
3 |
8.0 |
1 |
18.0 |
1 |
10.0 |
5 |
25.0 |
25 |
196.0 |
||
|
Chester |
1 |
58.0 |
1 |
2.0 |
9 |
23.8 |
5 |
62.2 |
7 |
50.7 |
1 |
1.0 |
1 |
0.5 |
1 |
1.0 |
26 |
199.2 |
||
|
Chesterfield |
5 |
10.3 |
3 |
13.0 |
41 |
48.9 |
25 |
102.5 |
5 |
3.3 |
5 |
13.8 |
84 |
191.8 |
||||||
|
Clarendon |
19 |
49.8 |
22 |
474.2 |
2 |
4.1 |
1 |
0.1 |
2 |
0.2 |
46 |
528.4 |
||||||||
|
Colleton |
2 |
8.1 |
34 |
77.6 |
30 |
69.3 |
8 |
11.3 |
3 |
1.2 |
2 |
15.0 |
79 |
182.5 |
||||||
|
Darlington |
1 |
0.5 |
16 |
36.3 |
12 |
47.5 |
2 |
123.0 |
2 |
1.5 |
3 |
3.8 |
36 |
212.6 |
||||||
|
Dillon |
1 |
25.0 |
2 |
15.2 |
11 |
37.6 |
8 |
55.7 |
9 |
25.8 |
3 |
6.0 |
34 |
165.3 |
||||||
|
Dorchester |
18 |
50.8 |
20 |
350.7 |
3 |
1.9 |
41 |
403.4 |
||||||||||||
|
Edgefield |
1 |
8.0 |
10 |
40.1 |
2 |
3.1 |
1 |
0.1 |
1 |
3.0 |
1 |
5.0 |
4 |
3.6 |
20 |
62.9 |
||||
|
Fairfield |
1 |
0.2 |
1 |
0.1 |
5 |
1.6 |
11 |
21.3 |
3 |
58.0 |
4 |
8.0 |
2 |
0.8 |
5 |
36.5 |
32 |
126.5 |
||
|
Florence |
1 |
0.1 |
26 |
75.1 |
23 |
88.3 |
2 |
11.5 |
4 |
6.8 |
1 |
2.2 |
57 |
184.0 |
||||||
|
Georgetown |
1 |
7.0 |
21 |
396.1 |
18 |
283.5 |
40 |
686.6 |
||||||||||||
|
Greenville |
3 |
6.0 |
21 |
47.8 |
7 |
16.3 |
2 |
2.5 |
2 |
4.0 |
14 |
79.1 |
49 |
155.7 |
||||||
|
Greenwood |
2 |
0.2 |
3 |
3.2 |
16 |
25.2 |
1 |
1.0 |
2 |
0.8 |
2 |
2.0 |
3 |
1.6 |
29 |
34.0 |
||||
|
Hampton |
1 |
0.5 |
18 |
23.3 |
11 |
19.0 |
2 |
4.2 |
1 |
0.5 |
1 |
0.2 |
1 |
1.0 |
35 |
48.7 |
||||
|
Horry |
1 |
1.0 |
2 |
10.1 |
2 |
1.1 |
34 |
865.4 |
42 |
148.4 |
5 |
18.6 |
7 |
12.2 |
8 |
106.1 |
101 |
1,162.9 |
||
|
Jasper |
1 |
4.0 |
11 |
59.3 |
12 |
97.6 |
1 |
1.0 |
1 |
0.1 |
2 |
8.0 |
28 |
170.0 |
||||||
|
Kershaw |
2 |
2.5 |
1 |
1.5 |
26 |
107.3 |
7 |
15.1 |
4 |
15.5 |
3 |
0.3 |
3 |
5.0 |
46 |
147.2 |
||||
|
Lancaster |
4 |
154.0 |
1 |
2.0 |
7 |
26.6 |
5 |
7.8 |
3 |
6.0 |
2 |
17.0 |
22 |
213.4 |
||||||
|
Laurens |
1 |
20.0 |
5 |
49.5 |
6 |
8.5 |
1 |
2.0 |
2 |
15.5 |
5 |
27.3 |
20 |
122.8 |
||||||
|
Lee |
2 |
25.0 |
1 |
10.0 |
22 |
114.8 |
15 |
130.4 |
1 |
3.0 |
2 |
4.0 |
43 |
287.2 |
||||||
|
Lexington |
3 |
30.0 |
4 |
15.6 |
63 |
101.2 |
13 |
58.2 |
7 |
37.4 |
1 |
1.0 |
35 |
50.8 |
12 |
7.0 |
138 |
301.2 |
||
|
Marion |
1 |
2.0 |
6 |
24.3 |
8 |
15.6 |
1 |
0.2 |
1 |
0.1 |
1 |
0.8 |
1 |
0.1 |
19 |
43.1 |
||||
|
Marlboro |
9 |
14.4 |
23 |
40.4 |
1 |
0.1 |
3 |
8.1 |
36 |
63.0 |
||||||||||
|
McCormick |
1 |
1.0 |
2 |
3.3 |
7 |
3.0 |
2 |
15.1 |
5 |
40.2 |
1 |
0.5 |
3 |
50.6 |
21 |
113.7 |
||||
|
Newberry |
1 |
25.0 |
2 |
4.0 |
3 |
6.1 |
6 |
33.8 |
2 |
0.4 |
7 |
34.1 |
21 |
103.4 |
||||||
|
Oconee |
1 |
0.1 |
13 |
23.7 |
6 |
7.1 |
1 |
10.0 |
1 |
0.5 |
5 |
11.5 |
27 |
52.9 |
||||||
|
Orangeburg |
4 |
33.1 |
5 |
28.4 |
29 |
165.2 |
21 |
115.5 |
4 |
1.9 |
5 |
9.0 |
7 |
131.3 |
75 |
484.4 |
||||
|
Pickens |
1 |
0.2 |
2 |
8.0 |
4 |
11.3 |
26 |
39.9 |
2 |
1.2 |
1 |
8.0 |
2 |
2.8 |
8 |
13.5 |
46 |
84.9 |
||
|
Richland |
1 |
2.5 |
1 |
1.0 |
11 |
27.5 |
14 |
76.0 |
2 |
1.2 |
4 |
19.1 |
7 |
32.6 |
40 |
159.9 |
||||
|
Saluda |
4 |
14.4 |
12 |
28.2 |
2 |
5.2 |
5 |
11.4 |
1 |
2.0 |
24 |
61.2 |
||||||||
|
Spartanburg |
2 |
13.0 |
4 |
28.0 |
13 |
39.0 |
3 |
12.0 |
2 |
4.0 |
2 |
12.0 |
26 |
108.0 |
||||||
|
Sumter |
24 |
100.8 |
14 |
191.1 |
1 |
0.5 |
2 |
2.2 |
41 |
294.6 |
||||||||||
|
Union |
1 |
0.5 |
4 |
5.0 |
11 |
13.0 |
2 |
58.0 |
2 |
4.0 |
9 |
34.0 |
29 |
114.5 |
||||||
|
Williamsburg |
2 |
14.0 |
26 |
222.1 |
62 |
411.0 |
2 |
0.6 |
3 |
1.2 |
95 |
648.9 |
||||||||
|
York |
10 |
13.7 |
2 |
5.0 |
2 |
1.5 |
2 |
18.5 |
16 |
38.7 |
||||||||||
|
Grand Total |
53 |
743.9 |
17 |
96.2 |
72 |
258.3 |
796 |
3,680.7 |
581 |
4,073.1 |
118 |
443.8 |
18 |
123.4 |
125 |
235.7 |
163 |
770.0 |
1,943 |
10,425.1 |
Total All Land Fires by County and Month, Fiscal Year 1998
|
July |
August |
September |
October |
November |
December |
January |
February |
March |
April |
May |
June |
Total No. |
Total Acres |
|||||||||||||
|
County |
No. |
Acres |
No. |
Acres |
No. |
Acres |
No. |
Acres |
No. |
Acres |
No. |
Acres |
No. |
Acres |
No. |
Acres |
No. |
Acres |
No. |
Acres |
No. |
Acres |
No. |
Acres |
||
|
Abbeville |
3 |
2.7 |
1 |
15.0 |
4 |
8.1 |
1 |
2.0 |
2 |
3.2 |
4 |
14.3 |
6 |
67.7 |
3 |
5.0 |
1 |
0.3 |
5 |
11.5 |
30 |
129.8 |
||||
|
Aiken |
8 |
270.8 |
7 |
55.0 |
20 |
52.0 |
8 |
15.1 |
3 |
6.0 |
4 |
23.0 |
3 |
11.0 |
9 |
24.5 |
26 |
91.7 |
11 |
34.5 |
14 |
60.6 |
27 |
64.6 |
140 |
708.8 |
|
Allendale |
1 |
2.5 |
1 |
2.0 |
1 |
0.5 |
1 |
1.2 |
3 |
17.0 |
1 |
0.5 |
2 |
0.4 |
10 |
24.1 |
||||||||||
|
Anderson |
3 |
7.0 |
2 |
9.0 |
4 |
7.0 |
1 |
2.0 |
1 |
3.0 |
2 |
4.0 |
1 |
2.0 |
5 |
37.0 |
3 |
39.0 |
2 |
7.0 |
24 |
117.0 |
||||
|
Bamberg |
1 |
3.0 |
1 |
0.1 |
1 |
0.1 |
3 |
5.6 |
1 |
2.0 |
1 |
0.1 |
1 |
0.1 |
9 |
11.0 |
||||||||||
|
Barnwell |
1 |
0.3 |
2 |
0.2 |
4 |
4.6 |
1 |
0.2 |
1 |
35.0 |
8 |
16.5 |
3 |
2.0 |
2 |
0.2 |
2 |
0.4 |
3 |
71.3 |
27 |
130.7 |
||||
|
Beaufort |
1 |
1.0 |
4 |
9.6 |
2 |
3.0 |
2 |
9.0 |
3 |
23.5 |
4 |
28.1 |
3 |
5.6 |
2 |
3.1 |
21 |
82.9 |
||||||||
|
Berkeley |
1 |
0.1 |
11 |
217.6 |
6 |
14.1 |
1 |
1.0 |
4 |
12.1 |
2 |
27.0 |
5 |
13.0 |
40 |
371.2 |
8 |
34.5 |
5 |
24.3 |
18 |
69.4 |
101 |
784.3 |
||
|
Calhoun |
1 |
1.0 |
2 |
11.0 |
2 |
65.7 |
2 |
1.0 |
5 |
13.5 |
3 |
8.9 |
1 |
0.2 |
16 |
101.3 |
||||||||||
|
Charleston |
1 |
5.0 |
1 |
3.0 |
2 |
0.2 |
1 |
1.0 |
1 |
5.0 |
6 |
135.5 |
2 |
20.1 |
1 |
1.5 |
3 |
10.4 |
18 |
181.7 |
||||||
|
Cherokee |
2 |
4.0 |
8 |
79.0 |
3 |
4.0 |
2 |
2.0 |
4 |
35.0 |
3 |
21.0 |
2 |
21.0 |
1 |
30.0 |
25 |
196.0 |
||||||||
|
Chester |
1 |
2.0 |
6 |
41.6 |
3 |
10.5 |
1 |
1.0 |
1 |
3.0 |
1 |
3.0 |
1 |
0.1 |
3 |
3.0 |
3 |
59.0 |
1 |
7.0 |
5 |
69.0 |
26 |
199.2 |
||
|
Chesterfield |
10 |
25.3 |
8 |
17.7 |
3 |
1.6 |
3 |
14.1 |
8 |
7.4 |
3 |
0.4 |
8 |
14.5 |
12 |
19.9 |
16 |
72.3 |
4 |
2.5 |
9 |
16.1 |
84 |
191.8 |
||
|
Clarendon |
1 |
0.1 |
1 |
0.1 |
4 |
57.4 |
1 |
0.3 |
2 |
0.6 |
6 |
22.1 |
2 |
17.0 |
5 |
31.5 |
12 |
284.7 |
5 |
101.4 |
7 |
13.2 |
46 |
528.4 |
||
|
Colleton |
3 |
4.2 |
2 |
1.1 |
7 |
19.4 |
2 |
1.1 |
12 |
7.5 |
9 |
26.3 |
6 |
10.1 |
8 |
9.6 |
17 |
68.3 |
3 |
10.1 |
3 |
3.4 |
7 |
21.4 |
79 |
182.5 |
|
Darlington |
2 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
3 |
16.0 |
2 |
0.5 |
1 |
3.0 |
3 |
3.8 |
3 |
23 |
1 |
1.0 |
6 |
133.5 |
6 |
14.5 |
5 |
6.3 |
3 |
5.0 |
36 |
212.6 |
|
Dillon |
7 |
27.3 |
5 |
53.2 |
7 |
8.2 |
1 |
0.5 |
1 |
1.0 |
5 |
14.0 |
3 |
6.2 |
5 |
54.9 |
34 |
165.3 |
||||||||
|
Dorchester |
1 |
0.1 |
6 |
55.4 |
3 |
1.7 |
1 |
4.0 |
5 |
171.5 |
15 |
139.1 |
2 |
1.1 |
8 |
30.5 |
41 |
403.4 |
||||||||
|
Edgefield |
1 |
0.1 |
2 |
1.1 |
4 |
16.3 |
1 |
3.0 |
2 |
7.0 |
6 |
26.7 |
1 |
0.1 |
2 |
8.5 |
1 |
0.1 |
20 |
62.9 |
||||||
|
Fairfield |
1 |
0.1 |
3 |
0.5 |
6 |
39.3 |
1 |
0.2 |
3 |
8.1 |
2 |
42.2 |
2 |
15.5 |
7 |
18.2 |
7 |
2.4 |
32 |
126.5 |
||||||
|
Florence |
3 |
3.0 |
2 |
1.3 |
12 |
14.8 |
3 |
3.8 |
1 |
0.1 |
2 |
3.5 |
3 |
20.0 |
19 |
74.3 |
5 |
15.0 |
2 |
27.0 |
5 |
21.2 |
57 |
184.0 |
||
|
Georgetown |
1 |
1.0 |
3 |
3.0 |
1 |
2.0 |
1 |
1.0 |
1 |
5.0 |
2 |
13.0 |
12 |
258.0 |
8 |
39.1 |
1 |
3.0 |
10 |
361.5 |
40 |
686.6 |
||||
|
Greenville |
1 |
0.3 |
2 |
0.6 |
3 |
2.5 |
1 |
1.5 |
3 |
10.5 |
4 |
8.0 |
1 |
20.0 |
8 |
61.5 |
9 |
27.0 |
7 |
14.5 |
6 |
6.0 |
4 |
3.3 |
49 |
155.7 |
|
Greenwood |
1 |
0.1 |
3 |
3.3 |
2 |
0.7 |
1 |
7.0 |
2 |
5.5 |
3 |
2 |
5 |
4.9 |
3 |
5.0 |
4 |
4.0 |
2 |
0.3 |
3 |
1.2 |
29 |
34.0 |
||
|
Hampton |
2 |
1.1 |
1 |
1.0 |
6 |
6.0 |
4 |
12.6 |
1 |
0.1 |
2 |
10.1 |
2 |
2.2 |
6 |
6.3 |
4 |
6.2 |
3 |
0.6 |
1 |
0.2 |
3 |
2.3 |
35 |
48.7 |
|
Horry |
1 |
0.5 |
12 |
75.3 |
8 |
22.0 |
4 |
5.6 |
6 |
27.1 |
3 |
5.0 |
1 |
0.1 |
4 |
10.1 |
22 |
188.1 |
14 |
19.2 |
6 |
2.6 |
20 |
807.3 |
101 |
1,162.9 |
|
Jasper |
2 |
2.3 |
2 |
5.0 |
2 |
7.0 |
4 |
15.0 |
6 |
63.0 |
6 |
49.1 |
3 |
19.1 |
3 |
9.5 |
28 |
170.0 |
||||||||
|
Kershaw |
2 |
1.1 |
8 |
14.8 |
5 |
3.7 |
4 |
3.5 |
2 |
60.0 |
3 |
3.6 |
3 |
5.0 |
2 |
2.0 |
5 |
26.0 |
3 |
2.0 |
2 |
2.0 |
7 |
23.5 |
46 |
147.2 |
|
Lancaster |
6 |
169.6 |
3 |
22 |
2 |
5.0 |
6 |
6.8 |
1 |
1.0 |
1 |
1.0 |
3 |
8.0 |
22 |
213.4 |
||||||||||
|
Laurens |
2 |
2.5 |
4 |
12.0 |
2 |
3.5 |
1 |
45.0 |
1 |
0.5 |
1 |
2.0 |
4 |
36.5 |
1 |
4.0 |
4 |
16.8 |
20 |
122.8 |
||||||
|
Lee |
8 |
98.6 |
1 |
10.0 |
5 |
34.0 |
1 |
2.0 |
2 |
8.0 |
6 |
16.8 |
1 |
2.5 |
8 |
85.0 |
6 |
25.5 |
1 |
1.0 |
4 |
3.8 |
43 |
287.2 |
||
|
Lexington |
6 |
14.2 |
8 |
15.3 |
27 |
37.9 |
3 |
0.8 |
2 |
1.2 |
9 |
9.6 |
6 |
39.7 |
14 |
47.8 |
17 |
61.7 |
17 |
33.7 |
15 |
14.9 |
14 |
24.4 |
138 |
301.2 |
|
Marion |
5 |
5.4 |
2 |
2.3 |
3 |
4.6 |
4 |
21.0 |
3 |
7.2 |
2 |
2.6 |
19 |
43.1 |
||||||||||||
|
Marlboro |
2 |
12.3 |
4 |
3.9 |
2 |
2.6 |
3 |
0.3 |
2 |
0.2 |
2 |
5.0 |
1 |
5.0 |
12 |
19.8 |
3 |
9.1 |
2 |
2.1 |
3 |
2.7 |
36 |
63.0 |
||
|
McCormick |
5 |
1.0 |
4 |
69.4 |
1 |
0.5 |
1 |
0.3 |
2 |
0.6 |
1 |
0.5 |
1 |
1.0 |
3 |
25.0 |
1 |
0.1 |
2 |
15.3 |
21 |
113.7 |
||||
|
Newberry |
2 |
3.2 |
2 |
25.2 |
4 |
1.8 |
2 |
6.0 |
4 |
1.8 |
4 |
36.0 |
2 |
1.4 |
1 |
28.0 |
21 |
103.4 |
||||||||
|
Oconee |
2 |
1.7 |
1 |
2.0 |
4 |
6.6 |
3 |
7.0 |
14 |
28.1 |
2 |
7.0 |
1 |
0.5 |
27 |
52.9 |
||||||||||
|
Orangeburg |
2 |
78.0 |
10 |
73.9 |
13 |
37.3 |
3 |
1.9 |
3 |
3.1 |
6 |
58.5 |
6 |
34.0 |
6 |
47.0 |
13 |
71.3 |
3 |
2.7 |
1 |
30.0 |
9 |
46.7 |
75 |
484.4 |
|
Pickens |
2 |
1.2 |
4 |
8.5 |
4 |
4.1 |
3 |
1.7 |
4 |
6.5 |
1 |
3.0 |
5 |
18.5 |
11 |
23.3 |
9 |
17.0 |
3 |
1.1 |
46 |
84.9 |
||||
|
Richland |
1 |
1.0 |
3 |
24.0 |
4 |
3.2 |
3 |
5.0 |
1 |
10.0 |
4 |
23.1 |
9 |
26.5 |
5 |
37.0 |
3 |
17.0 |
7 |
13.1 |
40 |
159.9 |
||||
|
Saluda |
1 |
0.3 |
3 |
5.1 |
4 |
11.2 |
3 |
11.2 |
1 |
5.0 |
1 |
0.2 |
2 |
0.3 |
3 |
10.8 |
3 |
9.3 |
3 |
7.8 |
24 |
61.2 |
||||
|
Spartanburg |
2 |
7.0 |
7 |
18.0 |
1 |
5.0 |
1 |
5.0 |
3 |
15.0 |
6 |
44.0 |
5 |
11.0 |
1 |
3.0 |
26 |
108 |
||||||||
|
Sumter |
2 |
0.2 |
1 |
2.0 |
1 |
0.1 |
3 |
45.0 |
5 |
22.5 |
3 |
21.0 |
10 |
118.0 |
4 |
13.5 |
3 |
46.0 |
9 |
26.3 |
41 |
294.6 |
||||
|
Union |
2 |
2.5 |
5 |
6.0 |
7 |
13.0 |
1 |
1.0 |
1 |
5.0 |
2 |
4.0 |
6 |
71.0 |
2 |
6.5 |
1 |
1.0 |
2 |
4.5 |
29 |
114.5 |
||||
|
Williamsburg |
1 |
0.5 |
2 |
9.0 |
4 |
18.5 |
3 |
2.3 |
5 |
68.0 |
4 |
25.0 |
7 |
46.1 |
9 |
36.2 |
39 |
381.4 |
8 |
29.0 |
3 |
12.2 |
10 |
20.7 |
95 |
648.9 |
|
York |
3 |
4.2 |
2 |
1.5 |
2 |
1.5 |
5 |
26.5 |
1 |
1.5 |
1 |
1.0 |
2 |
2.5 |
16 |
38.7 |
||||||||||
|
Grand Total |
99 |
749.4 |
154 |
822.8 |
226 |
650.3 |
67 |
105.3 |
68 |
359.4 |
116 |
358.6 |
67 |
336.1 |
157 |
756.2 |
425 |
3,145.4 |
211 |
882.9 |
104 |
324.2 |
249 |
1,934.5 |
1,943 |
10,425.1 |
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT The Environmental Management Section is responsible for the development and implementation of South Carolina Forestry Commission programs that are related to the environmental protection of forest and associated natural resources. Issues that are addressed include the protection of water quality, site productivity, endangered species, and unique ecosystems. BMP MANUAL South Carolina’s Best Management Practices for Forestry was originally published in March 1994. Copies are distributed to loggers, landowners, and foresters at BMP educational programs and upon individual request. Since September 1997, the BMP committee for braided streams has been meeting regularly to determine if additional BMPs are necessary for use when harvesting in braided stream systems. Draft BMPs addressing braided stream systems have been developed, and comments have been received from the forestry community and state and federal regulatory agencies BMP IMPLEMENTATION MONITORING Compliance with harvesting BMPs has been documented in three previous surveys. Compliance for harvesting BMPs was 84% in 1991, and 90% in 1994. A new survey was initiated in the spring of 1997 to update BMP compliance. Compliance with harvesting BMPs in the 1997 survey improved to 92%. Two hundred sites were located and inspected throughout South Carolina by BMP Foresters. In the winter of 1998, site preparation BMPs were evaluated on the same 200 sites as the first part of a two-year monitoring study. This study will be completed in the winter of 1999, and the resulting data will be analyzed and published during the 1998-99 fiscal year. BMP EDUCATION/TRAINING PROGRAM BMP training and education are essential to the success of the Forestry Commission’s non-regulatory BMP program. During this fiscal year, thirty-three BMP meetings were held across the state for forest landowner groups, government agencies, and professional organizations. A total of 1,073 people attended these meetings. Included in these meetings were 4 Timber Operations Professional (TOP) workshops, which reached 145 loggers and foresters. COURTESY EXAM PROGRAM The S.C. Forestry Commission’s BMP Foresters, located in each of the three operating regions of South Carolina, offer courtesy BMP exams to landowners, foresters, and timber buyers. The BMP Forester makes site-specific BMP recommendations to follow while conducting forestry activities. During the 1997-98 fiscal year, the BMP Foresters completed 246 courtesy exams. Of the 246 sites, 237 (96%) were completed in compliance with our recommended guidelines. ENDANGERED SPECIES This year, the Environmental Management Section began training on endangered species biology and management, with an emphasis on those species that may impact forestry operations. The BMP Foresters are available to provide information and assistance to SCFC personnel, foresters, and private landowners. This assistance may include site visits, cooperating on the Safe Harbor program administered by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, and assisting State Forests and other state-owned properties upon request. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING The S.C. Forestry Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) to encourage cooperation between the two agencies with regard to BMP compliance. The SCDNR will inform the Forestry Commission of BMP problems located by SCDNR personnel. The Forestry Commission will inform the SCDNR of suspected violations of game, fish, boating, or litter laws, and the two agencies will work together on matters of mutual interest, including legislation, staff training, and public information.
DISPATCH AND FOREST TECHNOLOGY Through reorganization of the Columbia Office, a Dispatch and Forest technology Coordinator position was established to assist with implementing developing technology in fire dispatching and forest management. Activities will include enhancing computer-aided dispatch software (CADS), upgrading computer hardware, expanding the use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS), computer mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), aerial photography and satellite imagery. This position also serves as a liaison between Computer Services, Field Operations Support, and field personnel on computer-related issues. The Equipment Section is responsible for development and implementation of statewide programs concerning the use, design and maintenance of specialized forest fire control equipment. This section is responsible for providing technical assistance and advice to region repair shops, developing specifications for fire suppression equipment and the motor vehicle fleet, and arranging training for all field mechanics. All regular and specialized fire control equipment is modified and processed for field use at the Commission’s Central Repair Shop. The Central Repair Shop personnel makes numerous repairs to Forestry Commission vehicles and equipment and manufactured fire control equipment. The following list is some of the major accomplishments performed by the Central Repair Shop. EQUIPMENT PURCHASED
Coastal Region
Pee Dee Region
Piedmont Region
Sand Hills State Forest
Manchester State Forest
Taylor Nursery
Neiderhof Seed Orchard
Creech Seed Orchard
Columbia Headquarters
TRAINING FOR MECHANICS
ADMINISTRATION HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT The Human Resource Management Section administers the following programs for the SCFC:
PROCUREMENT/INSURANCE The Procurement Section is responsible for all Commission procurements, either in a review function of field procurements or in procuring the equipment, supplies, and services required by the Commission. Procurement activities include the training of Commission personnel involved in procurement, locating responsible vendors, establishing approved vendor files, advertising and soliciting for quotations, reviewing and awarding contracts and providing contract administration for Commission procurements. The section is the Commission liaison for all procurement requirements handled by the State Procurement Office and conducts the review of the bids received and makes the recommendation of award for the contracts. The development of written specifications and performance requirements for the specialized forestry equipment and services (uniform program, aerial fire detection patrol and the various nursery contracts) is coordinated and reviewed prior to beginning the actual procurement process. A procurement policy and procedures manual is maintained and distributed to personnel to inform them of the procurement procedures required by the S.C. Consolidated Procurement Code. In March 1997, the Commission received authorization from the Budget and Control Board to increase their certification to $25,000 per procurement. This approval was a result of audit performance reviews, procurement training received and given by this section, and procurement certification levels of the section personnel. In addition to State Contract purchases and purchases through the Materials Management Office, the section handled solicitations and awards for 65+ procurements totaling in excess of $465,000.00. The Procurement Card program utilized by Commission personnel is administered through the section, which also provides training for all approved cardholders. The Forestry Commission was selected as a pilot agency for this program, now in its first year of operation. The Commission has 114 personnel involved in the program. There have been 1,253 transactions (purchases) for $123,022.72 in the first six months. There have been only five vouchers that had to be prepared to pay for the purchases. The paperwork preparation time and expense for 1,248 vouchers have been eliminated by the use of this program. Further results will be evaluated for the program’s economy and efficiency to the State after the first year of use. The Minority Business Enterprise Utilization Program and the Commission’s annual Minority Business Plan is coordinated, developed, and submitted to the Office of Small and Minority Business-Governor’s Office for approval. All property (building and equipment), tort liability, fidelity (honesty bond), vehicle and aircraft insurance coverage is the responsibility of this section. The annual review of renewal of insurance, and filing of claims for losses or damage are the responsibility of this section. The Fire and Extended Insurance coverage for buildings and property statewide is $16,856,200.00 and data processing equipment coverage is $1,360,000. Three hundred forty-five vehicles are operated and covered with $500,000 single limit liability coverage. The Commission and employees are covered with $1,000,000 tort liability insurance coverage. Establishment of fixed assets records for equipment procured is initiated upon procurement and then coordinated with the Accounting Section. Screening requests for Federal Excess Property acquired through the U.S. Forest Service by the Fire Management Section are reviewed for compliance and then authorized for acquisition.
Four (4) International Transports (Aiken , Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties)
Six (6) International Truck Tractors (Dorchester, Barnwell, Jasper, Bamberg, Orangeburg, and Beaufort Counties).
Six (6) Boaz Tilt Trailers (Dorchester, Jasper, Bamberg, Orangeburg, and Beaufort Counties)
One (1) Reverse C Frame for Fesco Lift Plow (Colleton County)
Two (2) 1999 Ford 3/4 ton Ext. Cab Trucks (Jasper and Dorchester Counties)
One (1) 1998 Ford Ranger For BMP Position
One (1) 1998 Ford 3/4 ton Truck (Hampton County)
One (1) 1998 Ford 1/2 ton Truck (Aiken County)
Two (2) Crawler Tractors JD450G (Florence and Kershaw Counties)
Six (6) International Transports (Florence, Kershaw, Chesterfield, Horry, and Marlboro Counties)
One (1) International Truck Tractors (Georgetown County)
One (1) Reverse C Frame for Lift Plow (Williamsburg County)
Seven (7) 1999 Ford 3/4 Ton Ext. Cabs Trucks (Williamsburg, Marlboro, Sumter, Lee, Kershaw, Clarendon, and Darlington Counties)
Two (2) Lift Whitfield Plows (Florence and Kershaw Counties)
One (1) Chevrolet Blazer Law Enforcement
Two (2) front-mounted winches for Kershaw and Florence Counties Tractors
One (1) 1998 Ford 1/2 Ton Ext. Cab Truck (Lancaster County)
Five (5) International Transports (Lexington, Richland, Anderson, Greenville, and Pickens Counties)
Two (2) 1999 Ford 3/4 Ton Ext. Cabs trucks (Chester and Richland Counties)
One (1) Lift Whitfield Plow (Newberry County)
Two (2) Crawler Tractors JD 450G (Edgefield and Fairfield Counties)
One (1) front-mounted winch for Edgefield County Tractor
Three (3) 1998 1/2 ton Chevrolet Trucks
One (1) 15 Ton Trailer
One (1) Plymouth Voyager Mini wagon 1998
One (1) 3/4 ton 1998 Chevrolet Truck
One (1) 3/4 ton 1998 Chevrolet Truck
Two (2) Ford Ranger Pickups for Forest Inventory Analysis
Central Repair Shop along with field personnel initiated purchasing, fabrication, and organizing the building of truck bodies for the new equipment.
Six (6) attended an Air Conditioning Retro fitting.
Five (5) attended Front End and Under/Truck training
Thirteen (13) attended AC Delco Charging and Cranking System training.
Seven (7) attended ABS Brakes training.
Four (4) attended Preventive Maintenance training on Allison Transmission
Nine (9) attended General Motors, Ford and Chrysler Driveability seminar.
Nineteen (19) attended a session on Preventive Maintenance Checks for JD 450G’s.
|
REVENUES |
||||
|
State Appropriations |
$19,120,537 |
|||
|
Federal Grants |
$1,909,769 |
|||
|
Earmarked Funds |
||||
|
Hunting & Fishing License |
39,763 |
|||
|
Burning Assistance Fee |
53,224 |
|||
|
Fire Lane Fee |
79,592 |
|||
|
Timber Marking Fee |
14,720 |
|||
|
Training Conf - Registration Fee |
1,600 |
|||
|
User Fee - State Park & Forest |
22,745 |
|||
|
Miscellaneous Fee |
3,730 |
|||
|
Construction of Water Bar |
7,200 |
|||
|
Stand By for Prescribed Burning |
6,765 |
|||
|
Sale of Seedlings |
1,073,507 |
|||
|
Sale of Timber |
1,332,548 |
|||
|
Employee Violation Penalty |
0 |
|||
|
Other Penalties, Costs, Settlements |
31,942 |
|||
|
Rent - Residence |
7,411 |
|||
|
Rent - Farm Land |
39,620 |
|||
|
Rent - State Owned Property |
12,480 |
|||
|
Rent - Equipment |
7,744 |
|||
|
Contributions & Donations |
682 |
|||
|
Insurance Claims |
6,489 |
|||
|
Sale of Services |
57,510 |
|||
|
Sale of Surplus Materials |
240 |
|||
|
Commission-Vending Machines |
447 |
|||
|
Sale of Junk |
465 |
|||
|
Sale of Firearms |
2,400 |
|||
|
Forest Product Assessment |
688,273 |
|||
|
Capital Reserve Funds |
50,000 |
|||
|
Sale of Assets |
269,065 |
|||
|
Total Earmarked |
$3,810,161 |
|||
|
Total Revenue |
$24,840,468 |
|||
|
EXPENDITURES |
||||
|
Transferred to General Fund |
36,662 |
|||
|
State |
18,330,086 |
|||
|
Federal |
1,908,482 |
|||
|
Earmarked |
4,180,389 |
|||
|
Total Expenditures |
$24,455,619 |
|||
|
EXCESS OF REVENUE O/(U) EXPENDITURES |
$384,849 |
|||
|
Expenditures include $379,007 for Permanent Improvement projects |
||||
ECONOMIC AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Forest and wood product business development and recruiting as well as rural development assistance is a component of the Forestry Commission’s mission. The goal is to maximize the benefits to the state from the forest resource base. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 8 business assists this year resulted in announced new investment of $128.325 million and creation of 253 new jobs. 67 business recruiting contacts maintained, with 25 contacts initiated this year. 57 existing business development assists provided. 57 requests for technical information or industry directories processed. Business promotion activities included a South Carolina exhibit at the Woodworking and Furniture Supply Fair in Anaheim, CA. The South Carolina Department of Commerce designated the forest products industry cluster for priority development and assistance was provided to develop a plan of work to assist the industry. Trade promotion activities included ongoing assistance to South Carolina Export Consortium and participating in trade delegation visit from Gabon and Chile. RURAL DEVELOPMENT 5 Rural Development program grants awarded to communities and organizations through the USDA Forest Service Rural Community Assistance program administered by South Carolina Forestry Commission. Rural development activities included sponsorship and participation in Governor’s Rural Summit, participation in southeast region Forest Based Economic Development Academy, and continuing to serve as State co-chair of South Carolina Rural Development Council.
| Exhibits | 61 |
| News releases/articles | 72 |
| Interviews: Television Newspaper Radio | 62 71 52 |
| Parades | 88 |
Forestry Commission personnel in region and area offices participated in approximately 1,161 educational programs, attended by some 58,000 people.