SC Forest Resource Assessment and Strategy

Statewide Forest Resource Strategy

Protecting South Carolina’s Forests from Harm

Prescribed Burning
Forest managers in South Carolina conduct prescribed burns on about 525,000 acres each year. Experts agree that nearly twice this amount needs to receive this treatment, but obstacles such as smoke management and liability concerns, fragmentation of forest land, and changing attitudes about prescribed burning make increasing the amount of acreage burned a major challenge.

Wildfire Risk
Nearly 3,000 wildfires occur each year in South Carolina, two-thirds of which originate from escaped debris burns or are deliberately set. With the growth in the state’s population, more and more of these fires damage not only timber and wildlife habitat, but also homes and other structures.

Forest Health Threats
The threats to the health of the forests in South Carolina include native, non-native but naturalized, and non-native plants, diseases, and insects. The three most significant threats to South Carolina’s forests currently are southern pine beetle, Sirex wood wasp, and cogongrass. They are important because of their potential economic, aesthetic, and ecological impacts.

Goal: Protect South Carolina’s forests from threats such as wildfires, insect and disease attacks, and invasive species.

Objective 3.1: Ensure prompt and effective response to wildfires and other natural disasters.

Performance Measures: Desired outcome is a positive five-year trend in each of the following metrics: 1) Decreased fire size as measured by the mean number of acres burned;
2) Reduced response time to fires as measured from the time a call is received to the time a suppression unit is on-site; and
3) Reduced relative fire size as compared to the mean fire size in the Southeast.

Resources Needed: Equipment and personnel needed to maintain a 170-unit operating force; upgraded radios for dispatch.

Strategy 3.1.1: Serve as a primary point of contact for 9-1-1 centers, fire departments, and the public. Forestry Commission dispatch operations will be current with technology, equipment, and staffing to support the agency's statewide fire dispatch, smoke management, and emergency communication roles.
National Objectives Supported (see Appendix 4)	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders (see Appendix 5)	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported (see Appendix 6)
2.1	Fire Management	Fire Service	Wildfire Risk	PF 1,2,3,4,5, 6, 7, 8
	Training & Safety	SC EMD
	Information Technology	SC DHEC
		County 911 Centers

Strategy 3.1.2: Increase emphasis on training Forestry Commission personnel and cooperators in the Incident Command System (ICS) and general wildfire suppression tactics. Seek out non-fire and additional opportunities to use ICS and complete task books.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
2.1	Fire Management	USDA Forest Service	Wildfire Risk	PF 1,2,3,4,5,7,9
	Training & Safety	Forest Industry
	Information Technology	State Land Management Agencies
		TMOs and REITs
		US Fish and Wildlife Service

Strategy 3.1.3: Cooperate with Emergency Management Division, fire departments, and other emergency response organizations. Explore opportunities to train and utilize private and/or non traditional cooperators.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
2.1	Fire Management	Fire Service	Wildfire Risk	PF 1,2,3,4,5,7,9
3.3	Training & Safety	SC Emergency Management Division
	Information Technology	SC DHEC
		S.C. Fire Marshall's Office

Strategy 3.1.4: Evaluate staffing, equipment and technology to ensure adequate response to all wildfires and other disasters within the scope of the SC Forestry Commission's mission.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
2.1	Fire Management	USDA Forest Service	Wildfire Risk	PF 1,2,3,4,5,7,9
3.3	Training & Safety	SC Emergency Management Division
	Information & Education
	Information Technology

Objective 3.2: Evaluate and develop wildfire protection strategies, priorities and capabilities as urban development into forested areas creates additional hazards.

Performance Measures: Desired outcome is a positive five-year trend in each of the following metrics: 1) reduction in the number of structures lost to wildfire; 2) increase in the number of FireWise communities; 3) increase in the number of CWPPs; 4) increase in the number of local fire departments that have received wildfire training; and 5) evidence of cooperative agreements with non-traditional partners.

Resources Needed: Funding for personnel to conduct assessments, design plans and deliver training; and equipment that would allow for low impact fire suppression.

Strategy 3.2.1: Redefine and strengthen the cooperative relationship with local fire departments as urban developments expand into forested areas.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
2.1, 3.3	Fire Management	Fire Service	Wildfire Risk	OA 5
	Community Forestry	SC U&CF Council	Community Forestry	PF 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
		Local Governments
		SC Fire Marshall's Office
		Local Fire Departments
		Homeowners Associations
		Private Landowners

Strategy 3.2.2: Implement low-impact suppression techniques where applicable.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
2.1	Fire Management	USDA Forest Service	Wildfire Risk	OA 5
3.3	Community Forestry	SC U&CF Council	Community Forestry	PF 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
		US Fish and Wildlife Service
		SC DNR
		Natural Resource Organizations
		Local Fire Departments

Strategy 3.2.3: Incorporate a FireWise approach to wildland urban interface areas by identifying communities at risk through hazard assessment, developing wildfire protection plans for communities, developing education/awareness efforts for communities, and developing fuel management strategies.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
2.1	Fire Management	SC State Fire Chief's Assoc.	Wildfire Risk	OA 5
3.3	Community Forestry	USDA Forest Service	Community Forestry	PF 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
	Information & Education	SC Urban & Community Council
		US Fish and Wildlife Service
		SC DNR
		Local Governments
		Developers
		American Planning Association

Strategy 3.2.4: Continue to promote fire prevention and emphasize wildfire prevention through the deployment of fire prevention teams during Fire Prevention Week and periods of high wildfire occurrence.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
2.1	Fire Management	USDA Forest Service	Wildfire Risk	OA 5
3.3	Community Forestry	Fire Service	Community Forestry	PF 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
	Information and Education	SC U&CF Council
		Local Fire Departments
		US Fish and Wildlife Service

Strategy 3.2.5: Seek out non-traditional partners who may provide assistance with changing fire protection issues.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
2.1	Fire Management	USDA Forest Service	Wildfire Risk	OA 5
3.3	Community Forestry	Fire Service	Community Forestry	PF 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
		SC DHEC
		SC U&CF Council
		SC DNR
		Natural Resource Associations

Strategy 3.2.6: Promote prescribed burning to restore fire-adapted lands to reduce the risk of wildfire impacts.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
1.1, 1.2	Fire Management	USDA Forest Service	Wildfire Risk	CWF 11
2.1	Forest Management	SC DNR	Conserve Working Forests	PF 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10
3.3, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7	Forest Stewardship	Forest Industry		OA 5, 10
		State Land Mgt. Agencies		EB 8
		Natural Resource Associations
		TMOs and REITs
		Prescribed Fire Council
		Conservation Organizations
		DHEC

Objective 3.3: Lead in law enforcement services in wildfire and forest product theft and fraud arenas.

Performance Measures: Desired outcome is a positive five-year trend in each of the following metrics: 1) an increase in the number of successful prosecutions as measured by the percent of successful/total prosecutions; and 2) the number of certified officers.

Resources Needed: Funding to maintain an adequate-sized law enforcement staff and improved technology for investigations.

Strategy 3.3.1: Provide forest product theft awareness and prevention training to SCFC personnel, landowners, and cooperators.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
1.2	Law Enforcement	Forest Landowners	Conserve Working Forests	CWF 3, 6
2.1	Forest Management	SC Forestry Association		OA 2
3.4, 3.5, 3.7	Information & Education	Clemson Extension Service
	Training & Safety	Forest Industry
		TMOs and REITs

Strategy 3.3.2: Develop and enforce a standardized procedures manual for field investigation and prosecution of cases involving violations of burning, timber theft, or other laws.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
1.2	Law Enforcement	SC Criminal Justice Academy	Conserve Working Forests	PF 1,2,3,4,5
2.1	Fire Management	SLED	Wildfire Risk	CWF 3,6,7,8
3.4	Information & Education	SC Forestry Association
		SC Timber Producers Association
		Local Law Enforcement Organizations
		US Forest Service
Strategy 3.3.3: Continue to implement a Class 1 Certification Program for SC Forestry Commission officers and investigators.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
1.2	Law Enforcement	SC Criminal Justice Academy	Conserve Working Forests	PF 1,2,3,4,5
2.1	Fire Management	SLED	Wildfire Risk	CWF 3,6,7,8
3.4

Strategy 3.3.4: Review law enforcement officer staffing levels and adjust accordingly.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
1.2	Law Enforcement	SC Criminal Justice Academy	Conserve Working Forests	PF 1,2,3,4,5
2.1	Fire Management	SLED	Wildfire Risk	CWF 3,6,7,8
3.4

Objective 3.4: Detect, identify, and respond promptly to forest pests (insects, diseases, non-native plants, and invasive species).

Outcomes and Performance Measures: Desired outcome is a positive five-year trend in each of the following metrics: 1) early detection and rapid response to forest pest problems as measured by evidence that all pests identified as major or moderate threats or Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) in the assessment are identified as appropriate; 2) number of workshops conducted, number of educational materials distributed, and positive responses to participant surveys (how useful they have found information); and 3) response time from the time at which Forest Health Section is notified or detects a forest pest until a recommendation is made.

Resources Needed: Cooperators, projects with other agencies in South Carolina, funding for personnel and equipment, technology to assist with data collection and analysis.

Strategy 3.4.1: Provide education and training to agency foresters, technicians, and cooperators (consulting foresters, industry foresters, federal agencies in combination with USFS, other state agencies, (PRT, DNR, DOT, for example), and other organizations) on survey techniques, identification and control of forest pests, and integrated pest management.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
1.1, 1.2	Forest Health	USDA Forest Service	Threats to Forest Health	OA 10, 12
2.2	Forest Management	SC DNR	Conserve Working Forests	EB 8,9,10,11,12,13
3.4, 3.5, 3.7	State Forests	State Land Mgt. Agencies	Community Forestry	CWF 3,6,7,8,11
	Community Forestry	Clemson Extension Service
	Training & Safety	Association of Consulting Foresters
		Forest Industry
		SC Forestry Association
		Federal Land Mgt. Agencies
		TMOs and REITs
		USDA APHIS
		Clemson DPI

Strategy 3.4.2: Conduct continuous monitoring of forest pests (insects, diseases, non-native plants, and invasive species).
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
1.1, 1.2	Forest Health	USDA Forest Service	Threats to Forest Health	OA 10, 12
2.2	Forest Management	USDA APHIS	Conserve Working Forests	EB 8,9,10,11,12,13
3.4, 3.5, 3.7	State Forests	State Land Mgt. Agencies	Community Forestry	CWF 3,6,7,8,11
	Community Forestry	Federal Land Mgt. Agencies
		TMOs and REITs
		Clemson DPI

Strategy 3.4.3: Provide detailed field or lab evaluation of specific forest pest problems for use by land managers. Partner with federal, state, local, and private organizations on issues of mutual interest.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
1.1, 1.2	Forest Health	Clemson University	Threats to Forest Health	OA 10, 12
2.2	Forest Management	Forest Landowners	Conserve Working Forests	EB 8,9,10,11,12,13
3.4, 3.5, 3.7	State Forests	Forest Industry	Community Forestry	CWF 3,6,7,8,11
	Community Forestry	State Land Mgt. Agencies
		TMOs and REITs
		USDA APHIS
		Clemson DPI

Strategy 3.4.4: Enhance staffing, technology and equipment to combat forest pest problems on a timely basis and as required by state law.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
1.1, 1.2	Forest Health	Clemson University	Threats to Forest Health	OA 10, 12
2.2	Forest Management	Forest Landowners	Conserve Working Forests	EB 8,9,10,11,12,13
3.4, 3.5, 3.7	State Forests	Forest Industry	Community Forestry	CWF 3,6,7,8,11
	Community Forestry	State Land Mgt. Agencies
		TMOs and REITs
		USDA APHIS
		Clemson DPI

Objective 3.5: Promote the responsible use of prescribed fire.

Performance Measures: Desired outcome is a positive five-year trend in each of the following metrics: 1) an increase in the number of acres burned using prescribed burning; 2) an increase in the number of certified prescribed fire managers; 3) an improved climate for prescribed burning as evidenced by fewer legal restrictions.

Resources Needed: Improved smoke management models; the availability of affordable liability insurance; and personnel and equipment to conduct prescribed burns.

Strategy 3.5.1: Continue to implement and educate the public regarding smoke management guidelines.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
1.1, 1.2	Fire Management	SC DHEC	Wildfire Risk	OA 6,7
2.1, 2.2	Information Technology	USDA Forest Service	Conserve Working Forests	EB 8
3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7		Department of Defense	Threats to Forest Health	CWF 9,10
		US Fish and Wildlife Service	Community Forestry	PF 1,2,3,4,5,10,11

Strategy 3.5.2: Continue to monitor and research smoke management guidelines to maintain air quality standards.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
1.1, 1.2	Fire Management	SC DHEC	Wildfire Risk	OA 6,7
2.1, 2.2	Information Technology	USDA Forest Service	Conserve Working Forests	EB 8
3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7		Clemson University		CWF 9,10
		US Fish and Wildlife Service		PF 1,2,3,4,5,10,11
		Department of Defense

Strategy 3.5.3: Maintain an active leadership role on the SC Prescribed Fire Council.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
1.1, 1.2	Fire Management	SC Prescribed Fire Council	Wildfire Risk	OA 6,7
2.1, 2.2		Forest Landowners	Conserve Working Forests	EB 8
3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7		SC DNR	Threats to Forest Health	CWF 9,10
		TIMOs and REITs		PF 1,2,3,4,5,10,11
		State Land Mgt. Agencies
		Federal Land Mgt. Agencies
		Clemson University

Strategy 3.5.4: Examine regulations and liability issues concerning prescribed burning and seek solutions that will provide for public safety while promoting prescribed burning.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
1.1, 1.2	Fire Management	SC Prescribed Fire Council	Wildfire Risk	OA 6,7
2.1, 2.2	Community Forestry	Forest Landowners	Conserve Working Forests	EB 8
3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7		SC DNR	Threats to Forest Health	CWF 9,10
		TIMOs and REITs	Community Forestry	PF 1,2,3,4,5,10,11
		State Land Mgt. Agencies
		Federal Land Mgt. Agencies
		General Assembly

Strategy 3.5.5: Develop a method for prioritization of prescribed burning in order to effectively utilize resources to accomplish prescribed burning goals.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
1.1, 1.2	Fire Management	SC Prescribed Fire Council	Wildfire Risk
2.1	Forest Management	Forest Landowners	Conserve Working Forests
3.3, 3.5	Community Forestry	SC DNR	Community Forestry
	Forest Stewardship	TIMOs and REITs
		State Land Mgt. Agencies
		Federal Land Mgt. Agencies

Strategy 3.5.6: Restore fire adapted lands and/or reduce risk of wildfire impacts by encouraging the increased use of prescribed burning.
National Objectives Supported	SCFC Program Areas	Stakeholders	Priority Areas	Key Findings Supported
1.1, 1.2	Fire Management	SC Prescribed Fire Council	Wildfire Risk	OA 6,7
2.1, 2.2	Forest Management	Forest Landowners	Conserve Working Forests	EB 8
3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7	Community Forestry	SC DNR	Threats to Forest Health	CWF 9,10
	Forest Stewardship	TIMOs and REITs	Community Forestry	PF 1,2,3,4,5,10,11
		State Land Mgt. Agencies
		Federal Land Mgt. Agencies

SC Forest Resource Assessment Page