South Carolina Forestry Commission

REGISTER NOW: The South Carolina Society of American Foresters (SAF) Summer Meeting (Pee Dee Chapter) is coming up soon! Join us June 11-12 in Florence for two full days of connection and learning through a mill tour, reception and updates from the SCFC, Francis Marion University, Clemson University and more! Register here: lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/jgbn9ya… *CFEs have been applied for.

Industry update from @sylvamoco: By 2027, our Eastover, South Carolina, mill will produce an additional 60,000 short tons of paper annually. That’s equivalent to roughly 160 million paperback novels or 24 million reams of paper! 🤯📚 This is the result of our $145 million investment in high‑return projects at our South Carolina facilities. We've made significant progress since the announcement. The investments are on track for completion and will improve long‑term efficiency, lower costs and increase capacity, strengthening Eastover’s position as one of the most competitive paper mills in the world. Learn more: sylvamo.com/us/en/news/eas…

APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN FOR HURRICANE HELENE DISASTER RELIEF BLOCK GRANT Hurricane Helene dealt a heavy blow to forest landowners across the western part of South Carolina in September 2024. Recognizing these losses, the South Carolina Forestry Commission and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture applied for and received funds from the US Department of Agriculture to help offset a portion of these losses. SCDA began taking applications for the SC Disaster Relief Block Grant for Helene today. The block grant is designed to help offset some of the financial losses suffered by farmers and forest landowners due to Hurricane Helene. Losses eligible for assistance include infrastructure damage, market losses, future economic losses and timber losses. The SC Forestry Commission is overseeing the timber loss aspect of this grant. Here are the basics regarding timber loss: Property must be located in an eligible county (see green counties on attached map). Property must have been owned by a private landowner on September 27, 2024. Property must contain at least 10 contiguous acres of forestland with at least 15% of the trees with significant damage (broken main stem, blown over or major crown damage). No restoration work is required — these funds are designed to help offset financial losses. Participation in other federal programs does not impact eligibility for this grant. Loss valuations will be carried out by consulting/registered foresters and by SCFC foresters. Forest landowners who meet the following criteria can apply online by visiting the SCDA website at agriculture.sc.gov/divisions/agen…. For more information about the block grant, eligibility, application process and more, please visit our website at scfc.gov/management/lan….

APPLY NOW: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a second national deadline for agricultural producers and landowners to apply for fiscal year 2026 assistance in the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The new deadline for entities to apply is May 29, 2026. NRCS is providing up to $200 million in funding for the application period for agricultural land easements.    ACEP helps landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect, restore and enhance wetlands, protect the agricultural viability and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses of that land that negatively affect the agriculture and conservation values, and protect grazing and related conservation values by restoring or conserving eligible land. Agricultural land easements provide cost-share assistance to eligible entities to acquire easements from qualifying landowners, preserving agricultural use, including grazing, and protecting associated conservation values on eligible land. Learn more: nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initi…

#ForestryFactFriday Did you know Spanish moss is closely related to... the pineapple? The seemingly bizarre pair belongs to the same family, Bromeliaceae. Suddenly, my family seems slightly more normal...⁠ ⁠ From tropical treat to magnificent moss, this family of plants is known for its unique characteristics, including the ability to thrive in diverse environments and climates.⁠ ⁠ Spanish moss is an epiphyte, which is a plant that lives without soil. Instead, it absorbs nutrients and water directly from the air.⁠ ⁠ Our beloved gray, trailing strands of Spanish moss do not have roots or other means of penetrating the host, but the plant does depend on a host for a support. ⁠ ⁠ Spanish moss was historically used as stuffing for upholstery and car seat cushions. It was also boiled to make tea and was said to have health benefits.

Thanks to everyone who made the South Carolina Future Farmers of America (FFA) Career Development Event (CDE) competition at Harbison State Forest a success! A total of 48 students from 12 schools traveled to Columbia May 2 and completed a written test and hands-on events including Tree/Plant Identification, Timber Cruising for Cord Tonnage, Map Interpretation and Chainsaw Parts/Identification/Troubleshooting/Safety. Top Scoring Middle School: Lakeside Middle School Top Individuals: 1st: Lucy Allen (Fort Mill) 2nd: Lena Richardson (SCGSA) 3rd: Lorelei von Motz (Fort Mill) Top Teams: 1st: SC Governor’s School for Agriculture 2nd: Fort Mill 3rd: Gilbert Congratulations to all of these students and teams, and best of luck to the SC Governor's School for Agriculture as they move on to represent our state at the national level! Special thanks to SCFC's Matt Schnabel and Shelby Bentley for planning, setting up and hosting the event. Thanks also to Francis Marion University's Dr. Andy Londo for facilitating student practicums, Mrs. Jenny Woody and state officers for registration assistance and logistical help during the event, Clemson Extension, FFA CDE Coordinator Hannah Elrick and all who helped with the event!

The SCFC enjoyed hosting the South Carolina Wildlife Federation's Spring Habitat Workshop at Harbison State Forest Wednesday! SCWF Habitat Education Manager Savannah Jordan first did a presentation on the status of wildlife populations, wildlife habitat requirements and what landowners and homeowners can do to help wildlife populations and increase habitat. Then, SCWF staff led an activity where participants made pine cone bird feeders using peanut butter and bird seed. SCFC Environmental Program Manager Matt Schnabel led everyone on a tour of Harbison’s certified wildlife habitat garden (scwf.org/habitat-restor…), complete with new signage, and then he gave an overview presentation about the SCFC. The event ended with a short hike, led by Manchester State Forest Director Daniel Tew, that included stops at three forested stands that show different management objectives and practices to teach people how forestry practices can affect and benefit wildlife populations. Thanks again to the SC Wildlife Federation for bringing this awesome program to Harbison!

The SC Sustainable Forestry Teachers’ Tour is coming up soon, and sponsors are needed! Sponsors will offset the SC Forestry Foundation's program cost per teacher, and helping us provide a worthwhile education program for all participants. On average, each teacher costs the program around $1,000.00 during the week of Teachers' Tour (June 23-26, 2026). This program cost encompasses all meals, bus transportation, hotel rooms, course credits, program supplies, and teacher materials for each individual attending the Tour. Please consider donating to cover our program cost for one teacher, or let us know if you're interested in sponsoring in a different way (providing a meal during the tour, teacher materials, etc.)! Learn more or apply: scforestry.org/teachers-tour-… The Teachers' Tour is a professional development course designed for educators seeking a hands-on outdoor learning experience. Selected applicants will visit forests, logging operations, and wood product mills in the area around the chosen Tour location. Our course will give educators a comprehensive overview of SC’s $21 billion forest industry, looking closely at forestry’s economic, environmental, and social impact on our state. You will learn about sustainable forestry practices, conservation, endangered species, careers in forestry - and more - from the experts. Let nature inspire new teaching methods, recharge your batteries, and foster curiosity by learning how to integrate natural resource conservation into your own classroom.

The South Carolina Forestry Commission is thankful for all firefighters on this International Firefighters' Day. They're the heroes who run toward danger to protect lives and property, and the world is a better place because of their sacrifices, dedication and courage. Thank you, firefighters!

The SCFC enjoyed talking with 600 Scouting youth and adults as part of about a dozen exhibitors at the Scouting America 2026 Cornerstone Conclave at Camp Barstow April 24-26. SCFC Environmental Education Program Manager Matt Schnabel shared information about our upcoming merit badge workshops and Cub Scout Family Day event at Harbison State Forest, opportunities for outdoor recreation at our state forests, careers with the SCFC and general information about our agency, forest management assistance and wildfire. Learn more about our upcoming Scouting events: scfc.gov/education/othe…

May the Forest Be With You! May 4th is as good a day as any to pause and reflect on the benefits forests bring to us. 🌲 Recreation: trees provide a calming environment where we can get active, relax and connect with nature. 🌲 Air filtration: trees act as a physical barrier, reducing noise and light pollution, and they also draw in carbon dioxide and release oxygen for us to breathe. 🌲 Wildlife: trees provide food and shelter for wildlife. 🌲 Jobs: from planting seedlings to maintaining forests and harvesting timber, trees generate the need for many different types of jobs. 🌲 Soil and water protection: trees help manage runoff, canopies help reduce erosion and root systems take up water to promote infiltration. 🌲 ... and so many more! The benefits we receive from the forests around us are endless. Enjoy them at a state forest near you, and May the Forest Be With You always! scfc.gov/state-lands/

Tomorrow is Wildfire Community Preparedness Day! The national campaign encourages people and organizations to come together every year and take action to reduce wildfire risks. ⁠ What can you do? ✅ Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris and pine needles that could catch embers ✅ Move any flammable material away from wall exteriors - mulch, flammable plants, leaves and needles, firewood piles - anything that can burn ✅ Replace or repair any loose or missing shingles to prevent embers from reaching the structure ✅ Clean debris from exterior attic vents and install 1/8 in. metal mesh screening to reduce embers ✅ Repair or replace damaged or loose window screens and any broken windows ✅ Reduce embers that could pass through vents in the eaves by installing 1/8 in. metal mesh screening ✅ Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating Learn more: nfpa.org/en/education-a… SCFC Fire Prevention: scfc.gov/protection/fir…

REMINDER: Reimbursement forms for VFA grant recipients are due by May 15. -When must purchases be made? Invoices must be dated within the approved grant period listed in the allocation letter. Purchases outside the approved period are not reimbursable. -How do departments get reimbursed? Departments submit completed reimbursement forms, paid invoices showing proof of payment, required timesheets if claiming labor, and any required certifications or signatures. -How to Request Reimbursement for VFA Fire Protection Grants: The SC Forestry Commission has received authorization to distribute matching federal funds to fire departments in South Carolina under the Volunteer Fire Assistance Program through the USDA Forest Service’s National Fire Plan. The VFA Grants are for purchasing equipment and supplies to meet your structural or wildland firefighting needs. Receipts for equipment purchased must match the equipment requested in your initial grant application. The Fire Department’s match can be direct expenditures for the purchase of supplies and equipment. The match can also be costs incurred by the department for wildland fire training or time spent on refurbishing or fabricating equipment (i.e. a brush truck). In either case, time spent by volunteer firemen to refurbish a brush truck or attend wildland fire training must be documented. Questions? Contact VFA Grant Coordinator Andy Johnson at ajohnson@scfc.gov or (803) 896-8809.

SCFC to lift burning ban for all counties Friday: Officials urge vigilance while burning outdoors as drought conditions persist COLUMBIA—The South Carolina Forestry Commission will lift the State Forester's Burning Ban for all counties, effective at 7 a.m., Friday, May 1. Agency officials believe the combination of rain, elevated relative humidity, improved overnight recovery and a lack of significant wind in the forecast warrant removing all remaining counties from outdoor burning restrictions. “Many areas of the state have seen rainfall this week, and higher relative humidity and fuel moisture continue to mitigate significant fire potential,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. “Though we expect even more rain across more of the state in the next week, people who choose to burn outdoors should still exercise vigilance as the rain we have received has not changed the state’s drought status.” Shareable release: scfc.gov/wp-content/upl…

Looking for the latest wildfire, prescribed burn and fire weather updates? Get helpful information with our FREE SCFC app! ⬇️⁠ ⁠ Our app has various fire features including:⁠ 1️⃣ WILDFIRE MAP. See how many active and contained fires are currently in SC. Get details on the location, status, cause and more.⁠ 2️⃣ KBDI WEATHER MAP. Use the Keetch-Byram Drought Index to see assessments and predictions of wildfire potential and severity.⁠ 3️⃣ PRESCRIBED BURN ACTIVITY. See how many active controlled burns are happening, the burn location, burn type and more.⁠ ⁠ Check the link in our bio for: 📲 SCFC app for iPhone: apps.apple.com/us/app/s-c-for… 📲 SCFC app for Android: play.google.com/store/search?q… Online wildfire map (works on phone, too): scfc.firesponse.com/public/ Online prescribed burn notification map (also works on phone): scfc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboard…

SCFC to lift burning ban for 7 more counties Thursday COLUMBIA—The South Carolina Forestry Commission will lift the State Forester's Burning Ban for an additional seven counties, effective at 7 a.m., Thursday, April 30. Agency officials believe the combination of rain and elevated relative humidity stretching from the Midlands to the Upstate warrant removing Edgefield, Fairfield, Newberry, Lexington, McCormick, Richland and Saluda counties from outdoor burning restrictions. Twenty-seven counties remain subject to the ban, however, highlighting the elevated fire danger that remains in a majority of the state (see map at right). “We’re seeing relative humidities increase across the state each day as well as good RH recovery overnight, which raises the moisture level in finer forest fuels,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. “Sustained winds and gusts are lower too, and the prospect of even more rain across greater portions of the state over the next week could help us get out of what has been an extended period of fire danger this year.” Citizens who may plan to conduct outdoor burning of residential yard debris or prescribed burns in counties not subject to the burning ban must still notify the Forestry Commission before doing so: Residential yard debris burning State law requires citizens who live in unincorporated areas to notify the Forestry Commission before burning outdoors. In most cases, the law applies to burning leaves, limbs and branches that people clean up from their yards. Citizens who do live in city/town limits must still abide by any burning ordinances in their local jurisdictions. Citizens can make notification online by visiting scfc.gov/notify or by calling the toll-free notification number for the county in which they live, found here: scfc.gov/protection/fir…. Prescribed burning State law requires that you notify the Forestry Commission before burning for forestry, wildlife management or agricultural purposes. This includes burning for wildfire hazard reduction, brush control, endangered species management, wildlife habitat improvement, plant disease control, crop residue removal and preparation of land for planting trees or agricultural crops. All burning for forestry, wildlife and agriculture must comply with SC Smoke Management Guidelines. To make notification, regardless of county, please call (800) 777-3473. Shareable release: scfc.gov/wp-content/upl…

SCFC TO LIFT BURNING BAN FOR 12 UPSTATE COUNTIES WEDNESDAY The South Carolina Forestry Commission will lift the State Forester's Burning Ban for 12 counties in the Piedmont region of the state, effective at 7 a.m., Wednesday, April 29. The counties coming off the burning ban are Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Chester, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg, Union and York (see attached map). READ THE FULL RELEASE: scfc.gov/wp-content/upl…

Please join us in celebrating our administrative professionals! Wildland firefighters may be among the most visible employees while on a fire, but we also rely on our dedicated administrative team that keeps everything together behind the scenes at the Forestry Commission. We’re thankful for our administrative team that does everything from coordinating schedules and logistics to managing essential tasks and providing critical support. Although this post is a bit behind due to a busy fire week, we're always thankful and happy to recognize the work done to support wildland fire crews and our agency's mission. Happy (belated) Administrative Professionals Week!

The South Carolina Forestry Commission turns 99 today! Established by the General Assembly on April 26, 1927, the agency has been protecting, promoting and enhancing South Carolina’s forests for the benefit of all for nearly a century. For our birthday wish this year, we ask the public to continue exercising patience, restraint and vigilance as the statewide burning ban remains in effect. Although some rainfall has occurred this weekend, fire danger remains elevated and will continue to be until we receive significantly more precipitation. Please do not burn outdoors, and use extreme caution operating any equipment that could create sparks, avoid parking on dry grass and refrain from using fireworks.

While we celebrate Arbor Day in South Carolina in December, today is National Arbor Day! Learn more about ways to celebrate all the benefits trees bring to our communities from the Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org/celebrate/