State leaders announce conservation plan to protect land and strengthen local economies | News
3 min read 
The Black River, a 151-mile-long blackwater river winds its way through Sumter, Clarendon, and Williamsburg counties before merging with the Great Pee Dee River in Georgetown County. Once called the Wee Nee by the Native Americans who once inhabited the area, today, the Black River is the topic of discussion among state leaders as they look to protect it through conservation efforts, and strengthen local economies.
Photo by Tami Rodgers
Gov. Henry McMaster along with other state and local elected officials held a press conference on Aug. 3 to announce a bipartisan plan to protect land across the state and strengthen rural economies.
Meeting at the Black River Cypress Preserve on the Black River near Andrews on S.C. 41, leaders announced an upcoming bill that will be introduced at the next legislative session called the South Carolina Conservation and Antiquities Act.
The proposed bill looks double the state’s acres of protected lands by 2050 and is the result of a 400-page report that was published by the South Carolina Floodwater Commission in 2019.
The 2019 report “provided steps for addressing the impacts of stronger and more frequent rain events, and it is also a response to the growing demand for accessible outdoor spaces since the pandemic,” a press release before the announcement explained.
“Rapid land development in our state has led to the loss of forests and farms, wildlife habitats and recreational areas,” explained Senator George E. Campsen, who will introduce the bill. “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.”
The act calls for a contribution of 25 cents for each $1.30 collected through the state deed recording fee to go to the South Carolina Conservation Bank Trust Fund and a portion of sales tax revenue collected on the sale of outdoor recreational equipment would also be used to support deferred maintenance and management needs on public lands managed by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, the S.C. Forestry Commission and S.C. State Parks.
Speaking at the event, Williamsburg County Supervisor Dr. Tiffany Wright said they are “ecstatic” to be a part of the Black River partnership.
“We are honored to be the first new state park in over 15 years, and I believe that this is probably going to be a great relationship between us, our new conservation partners and everyone in South Carolina,” Wright said. “This is a new day in conservation, one of which the community and community leaders are engaged in partnerships working together as a team to protect one of our most valuable treasures, which is our Black River.”
Dr. Wright said that conservation efforts like the proposed act and recreation access to natural areas can bring, “economic opportunities, increase our market values for real estate and enhance the quality of life for our residents.”
“Equitable access connects the residents to special places and to help build and enforce the conservation ethics to protect those places,” she said. Access to the outdoors creates a healthier community and a place to exercise, decrease stress in communities that may not have that ability.”
She said that they have already received 1500 responses to a survey that was recently sent out regarding the upcoming state park along the Black River and most of the answers asked for it become a place for people to network and come together, and a place to get “baptized.”
“My vision for Williamsburg County is to see a thriving community that represents a diverse culture and encourages inclusion of all ethnicities,” she said. “This partnership has brought a sense of hope and a positive shared vision for our communities.
