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Message
From the Executive Director
It should come as no surprise that the Conservation Bank is off to a great start. In just its first two rounds of funding, 15 applications were approved, protecting over 28,000 acres of significant lands and resources across South Carolina. But it would be a serious mistake to assume that the Conservation Bank can by itself meet the conservation needs of our state. South Carolina is one of smallest states in the country (40th in size), yet only nine states have more land developed each year than our state. This single, staggering fact shows the immense challenge that faces us. The Conservation Bank receives $15-18 million per year in funding. As nice as it is to have this, it doesn’t come close to providing what we truly need. The time has come for counties to step up and play a significant role. Here are just a few examples of what counties in other fast-growing Southeastern states have done in funding conservation initiatives:
The Conservation Bank model would work well at the local level. The State Bank is funded by a portion of the state’s share of the deed recording fee. The counties also receive a share of this fee so they could fund their banks the same way. Of course, there are other sources of funding – bonds and taxes – that can be considered. The County Council could appoint a well-balanced board of volunteers to administer and manage the program, just like South Carolina does. County conservation banks could easily be established in the Upstate (and the rest of the state) in less than six months. The only thing keeping that from happening is political leadership and courage. You can help. Contact your County Council representative today and say that it is time to make conservation a priority at the local level. Your voice was heard in Columbia – it will be heard in your county as well.
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The
South Carolina Conservation Bank is one of the most important
conservation programs ever established in our state.
For several years, Upstate Forever worked with business leaders,
elected officials, environmental groups, agency directors and concerned
citizens throughout the state in advocating for the program. The
legislature finally approved it in 2002, and the funding began
two years later.