The state's population density is 116 people per square mile. The overall risk to ecosystems is extreme. Population density has increased 12 percent since 1982. The amount of developed land increased 28 percent between 1982 and 1992. There has been a 27 percent loss of wetlands in the state since 1780. The state has 38 federally listed threatened and endangered species.
Biological Diversity Policy
South Carolina does not have a formal biodiversity policy, but it has statutory policies that acknowledge the importance of wildlife and habitat. The legislature has stated that it is state policy to preserve wildlife and natural resources, the coastal zone and the state's river areas. (S.C. Code Ann. 48-9-20, 48-39-20, 48-39-250, 49-29-30) A variety of programs exist to implement these policies such as coastal zone and beach management plans.
Status of Biodiversity Science
South Carolina does not have a coordinated assessment system in place. Instead, the state relies primarily on its Natural Heritage database. South Carolina was the first state to establish a Natural Heritage Program in 1976. There is presently no GAP in the state, although implementation was planned for 1995.
Endangered Species
South Carolina has an endangered species law that covers animals, but not plants. (S.C. Code Ann. 50-15-10 et seq.) Under the Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act, listings are based on scientific and commercial data. The law does not require recovery actions, critical habitat designation or agency consultation. Penalties for violation include fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 and/or imprisonment from six months to one year.
State Agency Management for Biodiversity
State-owned Lands
Some planning for biologically sustainable management exists in the state. For example, the coastal management program, which oversees state coastal lands, includes game and nongame habitat protection projects in its plans. (S.C. Code Ann. 48-39-80) The beach management plan considers impacts on flora and fauna in its planning. (S.C. Code Ann. 48-39-320)
Cooperative Efforts
Cooperative efforts include a Forest Stewardship Program that helps landowners integrate their goals into a land management plan. The coastal zone management program involves the cooperation of affected local governments within the coastal zone.
State Agency Training
Biodiversity training for state agency personnel is primarily in-house with no formal structure.
Impact Assessment
South Carolina does not have a "little NEPA." However, specific projects are required to be assessed by the Department of Natural Resources for adverse environmental impacts that cannot be avoided by reasonable safeguards. (S.C. Code Regs. 19-450.9) South Carolina also has general policies to assess the potential environmental impacts of projects on habitats. (S.C. Code Regs. 19.450.9, 30-11) In addition, the beach management plan includes impact assessment on flora and fauna.
Habitat Acquisition
South Carolina has a statutory program designed to acquire land in part for biodiversity conservation purposes. The program is based on biodiversity conservation, wildlife, threatened and endangered species, rare and unique ecosystems, and archaeological sites. (S.C. Code Ann. 95117-10 et seq.) The purpose of the program is to protect lands and make them available to state agencies, educational institutions, and public and private groups. The Heritage Trust Program receives monies from state and federal appropriations, bond revenues, securities, and other sources. Funding currently stands at approximately $2 million, although there is a $20 million backlog of acquisitions. The Wildlife Endowment Fund supports wildlife habitat acquisitions with money from a license program. (S.C. Code Ann. 50-3-710) The Nongame Wlldlife and Natural Areas Fund uses money from income tax designations and license plate sales, and has annual revenues of $180,000. (S.C. Code Ann. 12-7-2415) Finally, the South Carolina Recreational Fisheries Conservation and Management Act of 1991 utilizes a special fund from the sale of stamps, permits, and prints to purchase habitat, in part. (S.C. Code Ann. 50-20-100)
Private Land Conservation
South Carolina has only two identified private land conservation programs. For example, conservation easements are authorized by statute. (S.C. Code Ann. 27-8-20 et seq.) In addition, taxpayers receive a credit up to $2,500 for the construction or restoration of ponds and lakes for wildlife management. (S.C. Code Ann. 12-7-1225)
Exotic Species
South Carolina has provisions related to animal exotic species introductions. Permits are required for some animal importations and those animals listed as potentially dangerous to the state's natural resources are prohibited. (S.C. Code Ann. 50-16-20) Violations include fees of up to $1,000 and/or six months imprisonment. (S.C. Code Ann. 50-16-70) The importation of specific fish species is also regulated, and open seasons may be established for the taking of exotic game birds. (S.C. Code Ann. 50-11 -810, 50- 13- 1630) The importation of specified plants is prohibited. (S.C. Code Ann. 46- 9-40, 50-13-1415)
Predator or Animal Damage Control Activities
South Carolina's animal damage control program is operated cooperatively with the federal government. In addition, the Department of Natural Resources issues permits to kill animals, although bobcats may be killed without a permit at any time. The state has a variety of other statutes that deal with the destruction of animals that have become a nuisance to private property. (S.C. Code Ann. 50-l l-1050 et seq; 50-112570 et seq.)
Additional Legal Protections for Biodiversity
The state constitution has declared that the conservation of the state's natural resources is a matter of public concern. (S.C. Const. art XII. 1)
Related Issues
The state participates in Project WILD, and published a wildlife viewing guide, though not part of the Watchable Wildlife series.
Although South Carolina currently has no takings law, three bills introduced into the 1995 legislative session will carry over to the 1996 session without having to be reintroduced.
Contacts:
Department of Agriculture
Wade Hampton Office Bldg.
P.O. Box 11280
Columbia. SC 29211
803-734-2210
Department of Natural Resources
Rembert C. Dennis Bldg.
P.O. Box 167
Columbia, SC 29202
803-734-3888
Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Edgar A. Brown Bldg.
1205 Pendleton St.
Columbia, SC 29201
803-734-0122
Forestry Commission
Box 21707
Columbia, SC 29221
803-896-8800
State Extension Services
Clemson University
Clemson, SC 29634-0310
803-656-3382
South Carolina State ADC
400 Northeast Drive
Suite C
Columbia, SC 29203-5182
803-786-9455
New Mexico Center for Wildlife Law
University of New Mexico School of Law
1117 Stanford NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 277-5006
lprovenc@unm.edu