South Carolina Tree Farmers Lobby State Legislators
Nearly 50 Tree Farmers, forest landowners and Tree Farm inspectors journeyed to Columbia to promote forests to state legislators. Priority issues included the importance of forestry to the state economy, the SC Forestry Commission budget, the Clemson Public Service Activities budget, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources budget. Additionally, participants expressed the importance of garnering legislator’s commitment to pass the Prescribed Fire Act.
The Legislative Day was a success—participants enthusiastically educated state legislators on the critical role of forestry as the state’s number one manufacturer. The forest industry provides more than 90,000 jobs with an overall economic impact of $17.3 billion annually.
In addition, state House and Senate members received SC Tree Farm Committee information positively, proving that the event was a tremendous success. Impressively, participants were able to display the National Tree Farm exhibit in the capital’s rotunda.
Furthermore, resolutions were prepared by the General Assembly highlighting the Tree Farm’s 65th anniversary, while recognizing event participants in the chamber balconies. In particular, Bob Scott was recognized for 41 years of service as the South Carolina Fire Academy president, and Jeff Dennis was recognized as a recipient of the Master Tree Farmer of the Year Award.
Events like this, combined with continuous communication with state leaders, are critical to ensuring that forestry is properly recognized for its extreme importance to the state’s economy, environment, and quality of life.
Many thanks to Denise Bonnette, the Tree Farm State Committee chair, who coordinated the event. The American Forest Foundation provided funding. Tree Farm Committee members Tom Patton and Scott Phillips also played leading roles in event planning and execution, and George Kessler served as media spokesman.
Author Walt McPhail is a South Carolina Tree Farmer was the 2003 Regional Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year for the southern region.
Editor and contributor Christine Cadigan is a Public Affairs and Conservation Coordinator for the American Forest Foundation.
Learn more about the American Tree Farm System on its Facebook page.
