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Wide photo of a tree stand

Forestry In South Carolina

Did you know, that 67% of the land in South Carolina is forested? Forests play a vital role in our economy, to wildlife and to the aesthetic value of the Palmetto State.

Forestry in South Carolina

Here are some facts about our most prevalent resource:

  • South Carolina has 12.9 million acres of forestland which is roughly 67 percent of the state’s total land area. 
  • Hardwood timber types occupy over 52 percent of the state’s forestland, with softwoods occupying 48 percent. 
  • Forest products are the number one agricultural product in South Carolina. 
  • Forestry is number two in manufacturing jobs and labor income. 
  • Forestry contributes $21 billion annually in economic impact for South Carolina.  
  • Eighty-seven percent of SC ‘s forest are privately owned with sixty-three percent being family owned.
  • On average pine sawtimber can be harvested in 28 years in managed under a sound forest management plan.
  • Once trees are planted, a landowner can expect to complete a commercial thinning at age 16 to 18, a second thinning at age 25 to 28 and a final harvest at age 30 to 35. 
  • There are over 2,000 products that we derive from trees:  lumber, paper, toothpaste, polyester, chemicals in soda production, chewing gum, and dish washing liquid are just a few.
  • NRCS provides cost-share for Timber Stand Improvement through EQIP and CSP.
  • A well-managed forest can increase the amount of wildlife significantly as well as certain forest, such as, the Longleaf Pine ecosystem are unique only to North America.
  • For EQIP NRCS funds $5,747,866 for forest-related contracts and CSP provides $1,985,000 for forestry in FY2021.

Maintaining Healthy Forests through Forest Management Plans

Forest Management Plans (FMP) are the root of proper forest management . The FMP provides each individual landowner a plan to achieve their objectives, whether they are maximizing growth for monetary return, wildlife habitat enhancement, reestablishment of longleaf pine ecosystems or other goals. 

FMPs must meet certain NRCS standards, and require activities, such as prescribed burns, stand thinning, mitigation of invasive species and monitoring. The FMP spells out these activities and standards, and the plan does not cost the landowner any money. 

To find out more about FMP, contact your local service center to learn more.

Other resources

 

Eddie Reese

State Forester

Find Your Local Service Center

USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.