Amount of protected land in SC to double, according to plan announced Tuesday

A plan to double the amount of land that is protected from development in South Carolina was announced during a press conference near Andrews Tuesday.
Governor Henry McMaster was joined today by South Carolina Floodwater Commission Chairman Tom Mullikin, Senator Chip Campsen, Senator Ronnie Sabb, Andrews Mayor Frank McClary, and others at Cypress Reserve on the Black River.
“Our prosperity stands on three legs education, the environment, and the economy. Each one supports the other,” remarked Governor Henry McMaster. “This is the time to preserve nature in South Carolina, but we’ve got to have it. We have an opportunity with this act to really move forward. Right now, there’s a greater appreciation for getting outside in parks and natural spaces.”
The South Carolina Floodwater Commission published a 400-page report in 2019 and has begun to act on those recommendations to address the severe weather and flooding the state continues to experience each year.
Floodwater Commission Chairman, Tom Mullikin states “South Carolina has experienced numerous episodes of flooding along the coast, rivers, and low-lying interior areas as results of rains, storms, hurricanes and tides that highlight the need for a state-wide plan to accommodate and mitigate flooding impacts in our state. The additional lands protected through the South Carolina Conservation and Antiquities Act will provide a firewall of natural support from flooding and protect some of the most fragile and beautiful lands for future generations.”
Senator Campsen worked closely with business and conservation leaders to draft bill language which outlines measures for land protection. In addition to setting a goal to double the total acreage of protected land by 2050, the Conservation and Antiquities Act calls for a contribution of $.25 for each $1.30 collected through the state deed recording fee to the South Carolina Conservation Bank Trust Fund and dedicates a portion of sales tax revenue collected on the sale of outdoor recreational equipment to support deferred maintenance and land management needs on public lands managed by the SC Department of Natural Resources, SC Forestry Commission and SC State Parks.
“Rapid land development in our state has led to the loss of forests and farms, wildlife habitats and recreational areas,” commented Senator Campsen. “This solution safeguards our drinking water, protects rural communities and economies, and provides opportunities for citizens and visitors to access open spaces and waterways. Without intentional action, we cannot guarantee these benefits for future generations.”
Cypress Preserve on the Black River is in an area that has experienced significant momentum in land protection leading to a growing interest in nature-based tourism and an awareness of the role of protected land to mitigate flooding.
“Our community has been fortunate to receive considerable support of local, state, and federal entities with an interest in improving the quality of life for residents,” commented Dr. Tiffany
Wright. “We’re excited to see not only what the future holds for us along the Black River, but also for other rural communities who may now have similar opportunities.”
The South Carolina Conservation and Antiquities Act will be introduced for consideration in the upcoming legislative session.