Despite already roughly 3 million acres of South Carolina land protected from development, state Sen. Chip Campsen proposed a conservation bill last month that would make it 6 million acres by 2050.
Campsen said rapid land development in the state has led to the loss of forests, farms, wildlife and recreational habitats, The Post and Courier reported last month.
The Conservation and Antiquities Act not only sets a goal to double the total acreage of protected land by 2050, but it 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, The Post and Courier reported.
“Today I was thrilled to show my support for the South Carolina Conservation and Antiquities Act, a bill that will help keep SC beautiful for generations to come,” Gov. Henry McMaster tweeted Aug. 3. “When future generations look back, conservation will be part of our legacy and I’m proud to say we are doing our part.”
According to CountOn2.com, it’s a result of a 400-page report published by the South Carolina Floodwater Commission in 2019, that looks into severe weather and flooding the state continues to experience each year. The report provides recommendations for how to address these issues.
