Statewide Forest Resource Strategy
Conserving South Carolina’s Working Forests
Emerging Markets
Carbon credits, biomass, and other products of the forests of South Carolina are expected to become more important as issues such as climate change and the need for energy independence gain momentum on the federal level. Savvy landowners will position themselves to take advantage of these emerging markets, which may even enable some of them to retain ownership of their land. In addition, current markets for forest products need to be expanded to provide economic incentives for landowners to actively manage their forestland.
Forest Regulation
In many cases, forest regulation can be a disincentive for forest landowners to actively manage their forests and may be an incentive to convert their forestland to another use. Regulation can take the form of ordinances, taxes, and legislation such as the Endangered Species Act. Some forms of taxation, however, such as lower property tax rates for forested tracts, have a favorable effect on forest management.
Fragmentation and Parcelization
As South Carolina’s population grows, forested tracts of land continue to become fragmented by the addition of roads, power lines, and buildings. Many larger tracts are also being subdivided into parcels that make traditional forest management difficult to accomplish. This trend has implications for the long-term sustainability of the forest resources of South Carolina.
Goal: Conserve and manage working forest landscapes in South Carolina to achieve multiple objectives.
Objective 2.1: Serve as a catalyst for promotion, development and expansion of the forest resource and forestry-related industry in the state. |
Outcomes and Performance Measures: Desired outcome is a positive five-year trend in each of the following metrics: total economic impact of forestry on the state (billions of dollars); new capital investments announced (millions of dollars); and forestry jobs created (actual number). For R&D efforts, the metric is research projects with SC Forestry Commission involvement (number). |
Resources Needed: Funding for marketing, analysis, program development, outreach, and additional staffing, which can be incorporated into programs like the SC Forestry Commission’s “20 by 15” project for jobs and economic development. |
Strategy 2.1.1: Provide leadership in the identification, marketing, and development of appropriate primary and secondary forest industries. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.2 |
Resource Development Division |
SC Department of Commerce |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 6, 7, 8 |
3.4 |
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SC Forestry Association |
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Forest Industry |
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Strategy 2.1.2: Cooperate with national, state, regional and local economic development organizations to promote forestry-based businesses in South Carolina. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.2 |
Resource Development Division |
SC Department of Commerce |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 6, 7, 8 |
3.4 |
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SC Forestry Association |
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Councils of Government |
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Strategy 2.1.3: Expand delivery of forestry-related rural development programs in cooperation with other agencies/entities. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.2 |
Resource Development Division |
SC Department of Commerce |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 6, 7, 8 |
3.4 |
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SC Forestry Association |
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USDA Forest Service |
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Strategy 2.1.4: Identify and recommend mechanisms that would encourage enhanced management of forest lands for products and forest-related amenities. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.1, 1.2 |
Forest Management |
SC Forestry Association |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 3,4,5,6,7,8,11 |
3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7 |
Forest Stewardship |
Clemson Extension |
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EB 1,2,3,4,5 |
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Forest Legacy (DNR) |
SC DNR |
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Conservation Organizations |
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USDA Forest Service |
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Tree Farm |
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Strategy 2.1.5: Develop mechanisms to recognize and compensate landowners who provide ecosystem services that benefit the public. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.1, 1.2 |
Forest Management |
SC Forestry Association |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 3,4,5,6,7,8,11 |
3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7 |
Forest Stewardship |
Clemson Extension |
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EB 1,2,3,4,5 |
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Forest Legacy (DNR) |
SC DNR |
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Conservation Organizations |
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USDA Forest Service |
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Tree Farm |
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Strategy 2.1.6: Encourage full utilization of current and projected timber supplies. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.2 |
Resource Development |
SC Department of Commerce |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
3.4, 3.7 |
Forest Management |
SC Forestry Association |
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OA 12 |
Strategy 2.1.7: Support research and development efforts in silviculture and new product development. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.2 |
Forest Management |
Clemson University |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
3.4, 3.7 |
Resource Development |
USDA Forest Service |
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OA 12 |
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State Forests |
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Strategy 2.1.8: Encourage expansion of domestic and international markets for South Carolina forest products. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.2 |
Resource Development |
SC Department of Commerce |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
3.4, 3.7 |
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SC Forestry Association |
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OA 12 |
Strategy 2.1.9: Develop relationships with educational institutions and research organizations to encourage the use of state forest lands as potential research sites and forestry practices demonstration sites. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.1, 1.2 |
State Forests |
Clemson University |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 8, 11 |
3.4, 3.5 |
Tree Improvement |
Clemson Extension |
Threats to Forest Health |
OA 6, 8 |
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Forest Health |
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Fire Management |
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Forest Management |
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Objective 2.2: Provide policy makers, the forestry community and the interested public accurate and timely information on the state's forest inventory and health of the forest. |
Outcomes and Performance Measures: Desired outcome is meeting the required federal standards (completing 20% per year and meeting accuracy standards). Metric is accurate (80% accuracy) and timely (20% or more per year) data gathered in FIA and TPO. |
Resources Needed: Funding for three FIA crews for South Carolina and for support, equipment, and vehicles. |
Strategy 2.2.1: Maintain funds and personnel to re-measure the state's Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) plots on a five-year cycle. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.1, 1.2 |
FIA |
USDA Forest Service |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11 |
2.1 |
Forest Health |
SC Department of Commerce |
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3.4, 3.5, 3.7 |
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Forest Industry |
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Strategy 2.2.2: Survey adequate forest plots to ascertain a picture of forest health. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.1, 1.2 |
FIA |
USDA Forest Service |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11 |
2.1 |
Forest Health |
SC Dept. of Commerce |
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OA 4 |
3.4, 3.5, 3.7 |
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Forest Industry |
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PF 11, 12, 13, 14 |
Strategy 2.2.3: Continue to collect and provide information about land use, fragmentation, and ownership issues. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.1, 1.2 |
FIA |
SC Forestry Association |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 1, 2, 3, 4, |
3.3, 3.4, 3.5 |
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Forest Industry |
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USDA Forest Service |
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Objective 2.3: Identify and conserve high priority forest ecosystems and landscapes. |
Outcome and Performance Measures: Desired outcome is an increase in the number of acres of forestland protected from development and functioning as working forests. |
Resources Needed: Funding for protection or acquisition of property, for staffing, and for the Forest Stewardship program. |
Strategy 2.3.1: Collaborate with other natural resource organizations to identify and conserve high quality forest ecosystems and landscapes. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.1 |
State Forests |
SC DNR |
Conserve Working Forests |
OA 6,7,8 |
2.2 |
Forest Management |
USDA Forest Service |
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CWF 1, 4, 11 |
3.4, 3.5 |
Forest Legacy (DNR) |
Natural Resource Associations |
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Forest Stewardship |
SC Forestry Association |
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Tree Farm |
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Strategy 2.3.2: Actively seek out grants, federal funds and other income sources to expand the state forest system, with the primary goal of acquiring tracts contiguous to existing properties. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.1, 1.2 |
State Forests |
General Assembly |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 4,11 |
3.4, 3.5 |
Forest Legacy (DNR) |
USDA Forest Service |
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OA 6, 8 |
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Conservation Organizations |
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Natural Resource Associations |
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Conservation Bank |
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SC DNR |
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Strategy 2.3.3: Utilize Stewardship Contracting and Agreement Authorities in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service to benefit landscape scale ecosystem restoration projects on both public and private lands near federal lands. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.1, 1.2 |
Forest Management |
USDA Forest Service |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 3, 4, 5, 6, 11 |
3.1, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7 |
State Forests |
Federal Land Mgt. Agencies |
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OA 12 |
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Forest Stewardship |
State Land Mgt. Agencies |
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Conservation Organizations |
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Objective 2.4: Promote informed management of public and private forestland in South Carolina. |
Outcome and Performance Measures: Desired outcome is greater informed management as indicated by the number of forest management plans written (number), implementation of Forest Stewardship Plans (%), implementation of Forest Stewardship Plans in priority areas (acres), number of landowners assisted (number), acres assisted on other state lands (acres), number of consultant-written plans (Forest Stewardship) (number), number of Memorandum of Understandings with other agencies (number), number of referrals to consulting foresters (number), number of current plans (Forest Stewardship and FRP) (number), and number of landowners that indicated on seedling survey that they worked with a SC Forestry Commission forester (%). |
Resources Needed: Funding for program development, outreach, and staffing. Technology transfer. |
Strategy 2.4.1: Utilize the Stewardship program to deliver comprehensive management plans to all landowners with multiple natural resource management objectives. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.1 |
Forest Management |
Tree Farm |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 3, 4, 11 |
2.2 |
Forest Stewardship |
USDA Forest Service |
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3.4, 3.5 |
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SC DNR |
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Strategy 2.4.2: Provide special services, for a fee, that are not sufficiently provided by the private sector, such as prescribed burning, firebreak plowing, and water bar construction. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.2 |
Fire Management |
Forest Landowners |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 3, 4, 10 |
2.2 |
Forest Management |
SC Forestry Association |
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PF 5, 10 |
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Association of Consulting Foresters |
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TIMOs and REITs |
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Strategy 2.4.3: Actively seek partnerships that increase the number of sources for reforestation assistance and the funding available for forestry practices. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.1, 1.2 |
Forest Management |
USDA Forest Service |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 3, 4, 5, 6 |
3.6 |
Forest Renewal Program |
NRCS |
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Forest Stewardship |
Forest Industry |
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SC Forestry Association |
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FSA |
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Strategy 2.4.4: Provide technical assistance to landowners to promote informed management of private forestland in South Carolina. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.2 |
Forest Management |
Forest Landowners |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11 |
2.1, 2.2 |
Forest Stewardship |
Forest Industry |
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EB 10, 11, 12 |
3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7 |
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SC Forestry Association |
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SC DNR |
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Natural Resource Associations |
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Strategy 2.4.5: Provide forest management assistance to public entities that hold forested lands. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.2 |
Forest Management |
SC DNR |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11 |
2.1, 2.2 |
Forest Stewardship |
SC Department of Corrections |
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3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7 |
State Lands |
SC Park Service |
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State Land Mgt. Agencies |
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Strategy 2.4.6: Stay current with new management techniques and methods of forest management to ensure delivery of the best possible advice. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.2 |
Forest Management |
SC DNR |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11 |
2.1, 2.2 |
Forest Stewardship |
SC Department of Corrections |
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3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7 |
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SC Park Service |
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State Land Mgt. Agencies |
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Strategy 2.4.7: Develop and maintain effective partnerships with organizations, agencies, and private consultants to collaboratively provide forest management information and services. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.2 |
Forest Management |
SC DNR |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11 |
2.1, 2.2 |
Forest Stewardship |
SC Dept. of Corrections |
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3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7 |
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SC Park Service |
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State Land Mgt. Agencies |
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Association of Consulting Foresters |
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Objective 2.5: Provide landowners with optimum quality forest tree seedlings to meet needs not filled by the private sector. |
Outcomes and Performance Measures: Desired outcomes are customers satisfied with the product (percent satisfaction of customers that self-report), revenues meet or exceed costs (over 5-year period), and Performance Rating System (PRS) comparable with that available from other sources. |
Resources Needed: Funding and staffing to enable the SC Forestry Commission to re-join the NC State Tree Improvement Cooperative as full members. |
Strategy 2.5.1: Partner with nursery and tree improvement organizations to maintain access to technical expertise, high value plant material, and funding sources. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.2 |
Tree Improvement |
Forest Landowners |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 1, 3, 4, 5 |
3.4, 3.7 |
Nursery |
TIMOs and REITs |
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Strategy 2.5.2: Provide the best available forest tree seedlings through self-sustaining nursery operations. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
1.2 |
Tree Improvement |
Forest Landowners |
Conserve Working Forests |
CWF 1, 3, 4, 5 |
3.4, 3.7 |
Nursery |
TIMOs and REITs |
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Objective 2.6: Enhance the image of the Forestry Commission as an initial source for forest management information and assistance in South Carolina. |
Outcome and Performance Measures: Desired outcome is increased public awareness of the SC Forestry Commission as measured by the number of people surveyed (percent of respondents). |
Resources Needed: Funding for staff positions in Information & Education program area, space on a server for internet applications, and for materials and advertising. |
Strategy 2.6.1: Develop creative approaches to reaching landowners and explore diverse methods for marketing the agency's programs and promoting services to new audiences. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
3.3, 3.6 |
Information & Education |
Clemson Extension Service |
Conserve Working Forests |
OA 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 |
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Community Forestry |
SC Forestry Association |
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CWF 3 |
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State Forests |
Conservation Organizations |
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Forest Stewardship |
Natural Resource Associations |
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Forest Management |
USDA Forest Service |
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Strategy 2.6.2: Improve, maintain, and continually update the Forestry Commission website to communicate effectively to the public. |
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National Objectives Supported |
SCFC Program Areas |
Stakeholders |
Priority Areas |
Key Findings Supported |
3.3, 3.6 |
all program areas (Information & Education is lead) |
Clemson Extension Service |
Conserve Working Forests |
OA 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 |
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SC Forestry Association |
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CWF 3 |
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Conservation Organizations |
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Natural Resource Associations |
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USDA Forest Service |
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