Ben Kendall graduates PLEAF program
Congratulations to SCFC Assistant Fire Chief Ben Kendall on graduating from the Palmetto Leadership Program for the Environment, Agriculture and Forestry (PLEAF) program March 10.
The two-year intensive academic, experiential learning and networking curriculum facilitates personal and professional growth and success while sharpening character and leadership skills. PLEAF is housed and directed by Clemson University’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences (CAFLS) and the Cooperative Extension Service, along with key program-related cooperating partners.
Kendall is the fifth SCFC employee to complete the program.
Photos courtesy of Katie Black, Clemson University.
SC Timber Producers Assoc. Annual Meeting
State Forester Scott Phillips and Environmental Program Manager Holly Welch presented at the SC Timber Producers Association Annual Meeting in Myrtle Beach Feb. 21.
Phillips discussed the state of forestry in South Carolina, and Welch spoke about the logging bridge purchase assistance program that the SCFC and SCTPA are administering jointly. The Forestry Commission is grateful for everything that the SCTPA members contribute to the forest industry and for the strong partnership between SCFC and SCTPA.
Barlow hosts international guests
Monday and Tuesday, March 23 and 24, John Barlow hosted a trade mission consisting of six companies. Two companies were from India, and four were from Vietnam. Representatives from the companies traveled to South Carolina to learn more about the forest products and natural resources produced in our state and to meet SC companies that can sell these products to them.
While here, they visited two export log yards and two pine sawmills. All stops included discussions with representatives who are fluent in exports and could have pricing discussions with them. The two teams told me these visits were beneficial to them because they were able to see the quality of the products and discuss possible purchases from the mill/yard.
To end their time in South Carolina, we set up B2B (business to business) meetings with three more companies. These companies met with all six international companies in the SCFC conference room to discuss possible purchases. In total, these six international companies met with seven South Carolina companies. We expect that some of these meetings will produce sales of products from our state in the future.
FFA Forestry Camp
The Forestry Commission was proud to partner with FNR | Clemson Extension, SC FFA Camp, Francis Marion University Forestry, HGTC Forestry & Wildlife Management and the Forestry Association of South Carolina for the 2026 FFA Forestry Camp March 19-22.
This camp offers hands-on experience in tree identification, forester tools and logging equipment, chainsaw parts, troubleshooting and safety, forest measurements and management. Students engage in exciting events like timber cruising, land navigation and environmental analysis, insect and disease identification, all under the guidance of expert forestry professionals. This allows participants to not only develop vital forestry skills but also to ignite a lifelong passion for the stewardship of our forestland.
Special thanks to Ann Mayfield and Abigail Nettles from SCFFA for all their hard work and partnership, along with all who came out to support this camp!
Fun with First Responders
Cherokee/Chester/York Sector Wildland Firefighters Jamie Norman and Lamar Batchelor brought a dozer and our big Smokey to the 3rd Annual Fun with First Responders in Fort Mill March 7.
