SCCB Conservation Priorities
Background
The South Carolina Conservation Bank (SCCB) has been tasked with developing statewide conservation priority maps that will be submitted to the South Carolina General Assembly as identified in South Carolina House Bill 4727 Section 48-59-50, B(5).
In June of 2019, the first statewide conservation priority maps were produced by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for the South Carolina Conservation Bank. They consisted of five sub-maps (public access, ecological conservation priorities, cultural resources, private working lands, and water resources), and a final conservation priority model. Each of these sub-maps included one or more data layer(s) representative of the conservation category.
The priority maps were updated again in May of 2022 to consist of six sub-maps (conservation corridors, ecological conservation priorities, sustainable forestry and agriculture, water resources, proximity to urban interface, and public benefit), and a final conservation priority model map. From May of 2022, the South Carolina Conservation Bank planned to update the maps annually. Reports documenting the June 2019, May 2022, and July 2023 maps are available by request to the South Carolina Conservation Bank.
This StoryMap displays the July 2024 final statewide conservation priority map and sub-maps. For more information about how the maps were developed, please visit the final report located on the South Carolina Conservation Bank's webpage .
A Statewide Conservation Priority Model
South Carolina’s land area is about 20 million acres. Currently, approximately 3 million acres of South Carolina’s land area is under some form of protection. Approximately 2.5 million acres are developed. Both of these numbers increase annually.
This project has identified 10.9 million acres of South Carolina’s landscape as medium priority (8.1 million acres) and high priority (2.8 million acres) for conservation, which will help guide the South Carolina Conservation Bank’s conservation funding activities.
Sub-Map 1: Conservation Corridors
Habitat fragmentation is a major threat to biodiversity. Connectivity facilitates animal movement, seed dispersal, and other ecological processes. Creating corridors of protected land is critical to conservation.
Sub-Map 2: Ecological Conservation Priorities
South Carolina faces various ecological challenges. Many species are being driven out from their natural habit due to invasive species, deforestation, or urbanization. By identifying lands that can support wildlife populations, South Carolina can conserve these lands for natural wildlife. Areas that have existing endangered species also have priority for conservation.
Sub-Map 3: Sustainable Forestry and Agriculture
With the population of South Carolina growing, the demand for forest products also continues to grow. The conservation of forest resources needs to be identified to meet future demands.
Sub-Map 4: Water Resources
With the population of South Carolina growing, the demand for food also continues to grow. The conservation of agricultural resources needs to be identified to meet future demands.
Sub-Map 5: Proximity to Urban Interface
As the population of South Carolina continues to grow, the state needs to plan for future water needs. Water is a critical resource, both for the ecosystem and the developed landscape. By identifying areas of the state that have water resources impact, South Carolina conservation efforts can contribute to protection of and smart use of water resources.
Sub-Map 6: Public Benefit
The public can benefit from conservation through public access opportunities. Likewise, areas within the viewshed of main roads, waterways, and public trails provide scenic viewing opportunities.