South Carolina Wetlands Reserve Program

South Carolina Wetlands Information

• Success Story — The John W. Carter Wetland Restoration Easement, Outdoor Classroom and Nature Trail

Overview

South Carolina's WRP focuses on restoring wetlands back to their original condition in addition to improving waterfowl and wildlife habitat over and above existing natural conditions. With approximately $11 million received since inception of the program in FY96 in South Carolina, WRP has been well received by landowners. The state has approximately 12,500 acres currently enrolled and an additional 3,000 acres submitted for restoration. South Carolina is continually adapting to different methods and venues to further reach additional landowners about the benefits of WRP, especially minority landowners.

The agency's efforts garnered special recognition from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, recognizing the positive impact the program has had on the state's natural resources. "The Wetlands Reserve Program has restored thousands of acres of wetland habitat that have been lost or are in danger of being lost to development," said James A. Timmerman, retired executive director. Mr. Timmerman added, "We applaud the staff of the Natural Resources Conservation Service for the program's success. And we would especially like to recognize the landowners who are restoring wetlands on their property through the Wetlands Reserve Program."

The significant strides of WRP throughout South Carolina have created a renewed awareness and appreciation of wetlands by landowners, students and the average citizen. As the new millineum approaches, NRCS hopes to continue the enthusiasm about South Carolina's wonderful wetlands, wildlife and flora!

Landowner Interest

Landowners' primary interest in the program stems from the desire to restore wetlands functions and wildlife enhancement benefits. Current WRP projects include numerous restoration efforts such as diking and blocking installed drainage systems, reforestation of bottomland hardwood species, and natural habitat development.

WRP benefits are a tremendous selling point for the program. Landowners in South Carolina are extremely impressed with wetlands enhancement which benefits water quality and wildlife enhancement. In addition to public benefits, landowners benefit both socially and economically, receiving income from the land while providing communities much sought after recreational areas such as hunting, fishing and birdwatching sanctuaries. Students in local communities are also taking advantage of WRP easements purchased from school districts. Several WRP projects have been specifically developed on school property, creating an excellent environmental learning opportunity for children of various ages.

Partnerships

Partnership interest in WRP has significantly increased NRCS' ability to enhance restoration easements statewide. The agency is particularly proud of an agreement with the South Carolina Waterfowl Association (SCWA), having agreed to build and install duck boxes on many WRP easements statewide. In addition, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service assists with site visits, biology planning, and site eligibility. The Corps of Engineers has assisted with monitoring WRP sites by onsite inspections including taking pictures and confirming boundaries with Global Positioning Systems (GPS). By recording data with GPS, data can be transferred to a Geographical Information System (GIS), making the information available for multiple uses. NRCS also assisted the South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism with a 700-acre WRP site at Lee State Park, which now serves as an environmental learning center for local and state residents. Funding for the project was obtained from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Contact

Glenn Sandifer, 803-253-3894

< Back to State Programs and Success Stories
< Back to Wetlands Reserve Program