As we approach the end of 2024, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the challenges we’ve faced, the successes we’ve achieved, and the resilience of South Carolina’s forestry community. This year has tested us in ways we could not have anticipated, but it has also proven the strength of our shared mission to protect, promote and enhance our state’s forests.
Navigating Market Challenges
One of the most pressing issues this year has been the ongoing closures, conversions and curtailments of forest product mills, which have collectively resulted in a staggering loss of 8 million tons of production (see page 19). These impacts have reverberated across our communities, leaving significant gaps in the market. South Carolina is not alone in this struggle; the nationwide loss of over 150 mills in the past two years highlights a critical challenge for our industry.
In response, the Forestry Commission took proactive steps to address these concerns, first among them partnering with the Forestry Association of South Carolina to form the Forest Recovery Task Force. Most recently, a joint meeting of the FASC board and our agency’s commissioners laid the groundwork for strategic action. A notable outcome was the decision to request funding for a dedicated position at the Forestry Commission to recruit primary and secondary forest product industries to the state. This initiative, paired with South Carolina’s strong timber supply and the interest of potential investors, brings hope for a brighter economic future.
Hurricane Helene’s Aftermath
The devastation brought by Hurricane Helene in September was another defining event of 2024. The Category 4 storm left a trail of destruction through South Carolina, affecting more than 210,000 acres of timberland andcausing an estimated $194 million in damage. The Forestry Commission’s response was swift and comprehensive.
From deploying saw teams to clear roads and restore access to assisting with debris management and coordinating disaster relief, our teams worked tirelessly to support affected communities. The damage assessments conducted in collaboration with the US Forest Service and aerial surveys underscored the scale of losses, especially for private landowners. Yet amidst these challenges, our staff provided invaluable technical assistance to help landowners begin recovery efforts.
Advancing Firefighting and Conservation Efforts
Despite these hurdles, 2024 was also a year of progress. The reintroduction of aerial firefighting capabilities marked
a significant milestone for the Forestry Commission, with two SEAT aircraft under contract to enhance wildfire response. The implementation of dozer training academies ensures that the next generation of firefighters are prepared for the challenge of battling wildfires in our state. At the same time, the continued integration of enclosed-
cab dozers into our firefighting fleet has also strengthened firefighter safety and operational efficiency. As you are reading this, 20 new firefighting units are receiving final preparations to move onto the frontlines. This means that as we move into the beginning of fire season, 93% of our frontline units will be enclosed-cab units, each of which is within the agency’s 15-year safe service life, and by the end of 2025 we will reach our goal of 100%!
This progress was bolstered by the success of our FY24-25 budget, which addressed critical needs across the agency. The budget included significant investments in compensation for firefighters, law enforcement officers, dispatchers and pilots. These changes have made our salaries competitive, aiding in recruitment and retention efforts that are already making a difference. Additionally, funding for three new full-time employees (FTEs) is helping the Commission further
strengthen its capacity to retain, recruit and train staff.
Another major advancement from the FY24-25 budget was the funding received for the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program. FIA provides the sole source of statewide forest resource data, a critical asset for recruiting and retaining forest industry. With forestry contributing more than $23 billion in annual economic impact and employing over 100,000 South Carolinians, this investment ensures our state remains competitive in supporting this vital sector.
On the conservation front, securing a $50 million Forest Legacy Grant to protect 62,000 acres in the Pee Dee region was a monumental achievement. This project will add 2% to South Carolina’s conserved land area, safeguarding valuable working timberlands and ensuring a sustainable future for our forests.
Celebrating Milestones and Looking Ahead
Wood Magic is jointly sponsored by the Forestry Association of South Carolina, the USDA Forest Service and the SC Forestry Commission. The goal of the program is to teach kids how important forests and forest products are in their everyday lives.
Amid the challenges, we also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Wood Magic Forest Fair, a program that has educated over 42,000 participants about the importance of forestry. This milestone reflects the enduring commitment of our forestry community to outreach and education of South Carolina’s future generations.
Looking ahead to 2025, our focus remains on protecting forests, rebuilding markets, conserving timber resources and enhancing services. Our FY25- 26 budget priorities reflect these goals, including $11.16 million to address critical needs such as retaining wildfire prevention staff, investing in information technology, expanding forest health capacity and strengthening forestland conservation. Notably, the budget includes funding, as mentioned above, to create a new position dedicated to forest business recruitment, a pivotal step to stabilize and grow markets in the wake of recent mill closures. Please see our full budget request for the upcoming fiscal year on pages 13-14.
Additionally, we are prioritizing prescribed fire capacity and wildfire prevention, both essential for mitigating risks to our forests and communities. These investments ensure that South Carolina’s forestry sector remains resilient and positioned for growth in the coming years.
As we close this year, let us take pride in the challenges we’ve overcome and the progress we’ve made. On behalf of the South Carolina Forestry Commission, thank you for your dedication, resilience and hard work. May your holiday season be filled with joy, and may the new year bring growth, collaboration and prosperity for all.
Happy holidays and Merry Christmas!
– Scott