Staff Report
Published Sept. 3, 2009

The S.C. Forestry Commission has received a $1.74 million grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act program to restore longleaf pine in the state.

The Longleaf Pine Restoration Initiative will create or retain jobs that will include equipment operators, tree planters, herbicide applicators, GIS specialists, foresters and forest technicians, according to the Forestry Commission.

Through increased funding for prescribed burning, the initiative will reduce the risk of wildfires, the commission said. Properly conducted controlled burns remove much of the flammable material from forests, lessening the threat of wildfires, the commission said.

The grant provides funding for ecosystem restoration that will help improve the habitat for many species of wildlife, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Longleaf pine trees once covered a vast range from southeastern Virginia to eastern Texas, but they now occupy less than 3% of this area.

A partnership including environmental groups, industry, and government has established a 15-year goal of increasing longleaf pine by 5 million acres.

Combined forest products constitute the No. 1 manufacturing sector in South Carolina.

A limited amount of these grant funds are available as incentives for private landowners for prescribed burning and control of hardwoods. To apply, contact your local S.C. Forestry Commission office. The signup period ends Oct. 15.