Directors of nine federal and state agencies came together today to sign a Shared Stewardship agreement at a ceremony held on Harbison State Forest. Shared stewardship agreements between federal and state agencies establish a framework to improve collaboration, accomplish mutual goals, further common interests and effectively respond to the increasing ecological challenges and natural resource concerns.
The agreement will use the best available science to manage and enhance private and public lands within the Palmetto State. South Carolina’s forests will benefit from strengthened partnerships between these agencies following today’s signing.
“This memorandum of understanding reminds us of our shared responsibilities to care for South Carolina’s lands across all boundaries,” said Southern Regional Forester Ken Arney with the USDA Forest Service. “This shared stewardship agreement builds on a long history of collaboration between the USDA and the state of South Carolina in improving air and water quality and ensuring our forestlands are sustainable for future generations.”
This was the largest group of agency partners (nine) ever to convene to sign a shared stewardship memorandum of understanding within a state.
"The diversity of the signatories here today shows that conservation truly is a team sport here in South Carolina. We have a great group of partners engaged in conserving the forests of our state and the full suite of benefits they produce," said State Forester Scott Phillips. "Our forests provide clean air, clean water, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities and beautiful scenery. At the same time they provide sustainable raw materials that are a pillar of our state’s economy, supporting more than 100,000 high-paying jobs and generating an annual economic impact of $23.2 billion"
Signatories included:
- Ken Arney, Southern Regional Forester, USDA Forest Service Scott Phillips, State Forester, SC Forestry Commission
- Robert Boyles, Director, SC Department of Natural Resources
- Paul McCormack, State Parks Director, SC Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
- Ann English, State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Laurie Funderburk, State Executive Director, USDA Farm Service Agency
- Leo Miranda, Southeast Regional Director, US Fish & Wildlife Service
- George Askew, VP, Public Service & Agriculture
- Major General R. Van McCarty, The Adjutant General, SC National Guard
Original source can be found here
