SOUTH CAROLINA CONSERVATION PROGRAMS ANNUAL REPORT
Fiscal Year 2004
In South Carolina, Ducks Unlimiteds wetland conservation program continues to grow and gain popularity, especially land protection. We are finding and responding to excellent opportunities for wetland conservation on both private and public lands. Our habitat conservation priorities continue to be the protection, restoration, and enhancement of coastal, forested and riverine wetlands. Collectively, these programs have benefited in the conservation of over 101,000 acres of various wetland habitats since conservation activities began for South Carolina in1989.
The following is a summary of the activities and accomplishments of the DU South Carolina Conservation Program for the period July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004.
Conservation Easements
South Carolina is where DU accepted its first easement in 1989. Since then, 80 easements perpetually protect over 75,000 acres of wildlife habitat in the Lowcountry. In FY04, we accepted donation of 11 properties that totaled over 5,800acres. Easement opportunities will continue to expand as landowners become more aware of how to use this program as a means to protect the conservation value of their property. Contacts concerning the Conservation Easement Program should be forwarded to Edwin Cooper, Director of Land Protection, at (843) 722-2642 or ecooper@ducks.org.
Public Lands
To date there are 17 completed projects that have conserved over 15,600 wetland acres on public lands throughout the state. Projects completed in FY04 include the Francis Marion National Forest Little Hellhole Reserve Project. This project enhanced a 17-acre wetland by replacing the existing water control structure and spillway. These improvements will allow the U.S. Forest Service to better manage this wetland and improve conditions for waterfowl. In addition, DU contributed $28,500 to a wood duck box project organized by the SC DNR and the Historic Ricefields Association. This will be coordinated with the Governors office as the Governors Wood Duck Box Program. DU was the first organization to contribute funds to the project. Our funding will translate into 800 wood duck boxes being distributed throughout the state next year. All will be branded with the DU logo. Finally, DU was a partner on a North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant that purchased 909 acres that were added to the Audubon Societys Beidler Forest in Berkeley County. DU Regional Biologist Kenny Williams completed inspections on 4 pubic lands projects. Annual project inspections provide technical assistance to the managing agency and ensure that the project is being managed in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Individual sites are monitored once every three years. Informational requests on public land projects should be referred to Kenny Williams, Regional Biologist or Craig LeSchack, Director of Conservation Programs, in Charleston, SC at (843) 745-9110.
Wetland acres protected, restored, and enhanced in FY04
Public Lands 926
Conservation Easements 5,825
Total 6,751
In addition, DU staff provided technical assistance on 7,781 acres.
South Carolina Habitat Projects
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