Advocacy Archives - Page 2 of 4 - South Carolina Wildlife Federation

Legislative Update

Posted on April 3, 2025December 1, 2025 by admin

The South Carolina Legislature convened on January 14, 2025 for the first session of the two-year session of the 126th General Assembly. The General Assembly will adjourn sine die on Thursday, May 8 at 5:00 pm.

The House has passed a budget, and sent it over to the Senate for review. SCWF is strongly supporting more funding for land protection and acquisition in the Conservation Bank’s and the Department of Natural Resources’ budget requests. Additionally, SCWF is supporting the Forestry Commission budget request for more personnel and equipment.

Outside of state budget issues, most of our efforts this early in the session pick up familiar issues that we have supported in the past as well as some new areas of focus. A few of those issues are listed below – check the links for detailed descriptions and current status of the bills.

Our website HERE has a complete list of wildlife-related bills, updated daily.

Current Legislation:

S.0363 Joint Resolution on Shorebird Habitat Protection – PASSED!!
The SC Department of Natural Resources submitted these regulations that would close Deveaux Bank to all human traffic from March 15 through October 15. The closure timeframe is significant for successful seabird nesting as disturbances from human interaction has proven to be detrimental to this important resting and nesting period.
S.0339/H.3991 SC Lights Out Program – PASSED!! This resolution declares the nights of March through May and August through October as “Lights Out Nights in South Carolina Season” and urges South Carolina residents to turn out non-essential lights at night during these critical periods in the spring and fall for the protection of birds in South Carolina.
H.3872 Hunting Heritage Protect Act – ensures that there is no net loss of Department-managed land for hunting and fishing (excludes leased land). This bill has passed the House and now in the Senate.
H.4211 SC Native Plants – encourages State agencies, local governments, and private landowners to use native plants for landscaping, erosion control, and vegetation management whenever possible to promote the viability of migratory and nonmigratory pollinators and to help to preserve South Carolina’s unique flora and fauna. This bill passed the House unanimously and is now in the Senate.
H.3409/S.0252 Conservation Tax Credit – amends South Carolina’s tax code to increase the tax credit available for qualified conservation contributions of real property. The per-acre tax credit cap remains at $251,000 per acre, which applies to various types of land including uplands, wetlands, ponds, hardwood bottomlands, and Carolina Bays, but would exclude property within the intertidal zone. The bill also increases the total credit a taxpayer may use in a single tax year from $52,500 to $105,000.
S.0288 Transfer of Development Rights – these tools for local governments can be customized to local needs — protecting areas that are of local value and promoting development where local governments see the best prospects for smart and efficient growth. This promotes efficient land use, which protects natural resources and can lead to savings on public expenditures like infrastructure.
H.4050/S.0227 Concurrency bills – Concurrency is a policy tool that empowers local governments to synchronize development and population growth. Concurrency can promote more efficient land use by optimizing the use of existing infrastructure and preventing sprawl.
S.0165 Conservation Education Act – establishes the South Carolina Conservation Education Fund to support youth environmental and natural resource education programs.
S.0383 State Migratory Bird – This bill would designate the Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) as the official state migratory bird of South Carolina, recognizing the species’ significant ecological and cultural importance.

Stay tuned to our website HERE for updates on these bills and others!

Photo credits: SC State House by Sara Green, Brown Pelican by Jennifer Plunket, and Native Plants by Savannah Jordan.

Environmental Groups Denied

Posted on March 19, 2025December 1, 2025 by admin

03/05/2025 – Posted by Daniel Island News

Attempt to halt Point Hope construction stalls
BY: ELIZABETH BUSH, BETH@THEDANIELISLANDNEWS.COM

A panel of federal judges has denied an appeal from environmental groups to temporarily halt development in the new Point Hope community off Clements Ferry Road while their primary lawsuit is pending.

The environmental groups – the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League, Charleston Waterkeeper, and the South Carolina Wildlife Federation – were appealing a ruling issued by U.S. District Court Judge Richard Gergel in September 2024.

The plaintiffs asked the district court to temporarily stop construction in Point Hope while their primary lawsuit contesting a wetlands permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers played out, arguing that not stopping land disturbance activities would result in “irreparable” environmental harm.

The groups also contended that the USACE and other defendants acted in an “arbitrary and capricious manner” by failing to publish an Environmental Impact Statement on the project and failing to comply with the Endangered Species Act, relating to two endangered species with suitable habitats on the property.

Judge Gergel denied the motion, noting in part that the plaintiffs did not “carry their burden to demonstrate an imminent threat” and that stopping development “would not serve the public interest.”

Oral arguments on the appeal were heard in December 2024 at the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, by Judges G. Steven Agee, Stephanie D. Thacker, and Nicole Berner.

The panel issued its decision on January 31, siding with the lower court’s ruling.

“Because we conclude that appellants do not have a sufficient likelihood of success on the merits of their claims, we affirm the district court,” wrote Judge Thacker in the ruling.

Court documents stated that “though Cainhoy totals over 9,000 acres, including over 2,500 acres of wetlands, the proposed Cainhoy development will develop only 3,906 acres, including 181.5 acres of wetlands. The remaining acres are to be placed in conservation easements and/or restrictive covenants to permanently protect the property.”

A final decision on the main legal case, filed by the environmental groups in 2022 against the USACE, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is expected later this year.

Turn Out the Lights for the Birds at Night!

Posted on March 12, 2025December 1, 2025 by admin

A recent resolution was passed by the S.C. General Assembly that officially declared the nights of March through May and August through October as “Lights Out Nights in South Carolina Season” and urges South Carolina residents to turn out non-essential lights at night during these critical periods in the spring and fall for the protection of birds in South Carolina.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology uses BirdCast to track and forecast bird migration across the U.S., and has reported during peak migration periods, over a billion birds can migrate across the country in a single night! Every year, billions of birds migrate north in the spring and south in the fall, the majority of them flying at night, navigating the night sky.

The dark skies allow the migrating birds to avoid predators, take advantage of calmer air, and utilize the moon and stars for navigation. However, as birds pass over communities and cities on their way, they can become disoriented by bright artificial lights and skyglow. Some birds become casualties of nighttime collisions with windows and walls. Others circle in confusion until dawn, when they land exhausted and are subject to other urban threats. This issue impacts hundreds of species, including priority species such as the wood thrush and the seaside sparrow.

Thanks to the work of Audubon South Carolina, in collaboration with SCWF, the passing of this resolution is an important step towards a binding lights out ordinance that will require certain buildings in cities and towns across South Carolina to adopt bird-friendly lighting practices. The Charleston City Council passed a similar “Lights Out” proclamation on March 11^th , which will hopefully lead to other cities and towns in South Carolina to follow suit. It was great to see the City of Charleston recognize lights out as a way to protect migratory birds passing through our skies. Special thanks to council member Ross Appel for working on this important initiative for our birds!

Jennifer Tyrrell with Audubon South Carolina stated, “It was great to see the City of Charleston recognize lights out as a way to protect migratory birds passing through our skies. Special thanks to council member Ross Appel for working on this important initiative for our birds!”

Join individuals and businesses across South Carolina to help our feathered friends on their long journeys with Lights Out South Carolina! Through taking collective action, we can help ensure that South Carolina skies provide safe passage.

See the full Senate Resolution at the link below:

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/339.htm

Check out this webinar on the dangers that birds face during migration, issues of light pollution for wildlife, and the steps we can all take to protect birds and wildlife.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsS2n9yY1DU

Want to monitor bird migration for South Carolina or your city? Check out Cornell’s BirdCast Migration Dashboard.

Conservation Lobby Day

Posted on March 5, 2025May 14, 2025 by admin

Conservation Lobby Day was a huge success last week, and SCWF staff were proud to be joined by several high school students and their parents at the State House. The students were members of the Salt Marsh Pony Club, Aiken County Pony Club, Palmetto Pony Club, Aiken Hounds and Camden Hunt, all of whom place a strong emphasis on land conservation.

After SCWF prepared them to speak with state lawmakers regarding several conservation-related bills, the students were eager to show up and meet their senators and representatives. Students were from all around the state, and all of them were able to speak with lawmakers from their districts to express their support of conservation in our state.

This was a great way to introduce them to the lawmaking process and they were able to observe activity in both the Senate and the House chambers. They even had the opportunity to visit Senator Campsen’s office to hear about the Conservation Education Bill (S.165). SCWF was happy to help train and encourage these future wildlife advocates!

Image Caption: SC Conservation Lobby Day Group by CrushRush Photography LLC.

How Hurricanes Affect Wildlife and How We Can Help

Posted on October 21, 2024December 1, 2025 by admin

Hurricane Helene showed us that whether we live on the coast or in the mountains, anywhere can be vulnerable to the devastating effects of major storms. To a degree, humans can prepare for these types of storms that continue to become stronger and more frequent, but what about wildlife? How do they respond to extreme weather events and what we can do to help them? Read the article below, adapted from the National Wildlife Federation’s blog post Seven Things to Know About How Hurricanes Affect Wildlife.

GOES-16 GeoColor satellite loop from September 26 to 27, 2024 showing Helene moving through the Southeast U.S. NOAA National Weather Service

Wind Dislocation

Powerful winds from hurricanes and tropical storms can blow birds off course and push them hundreds of miles away from their home habitat. Last year, a North Carolina brown pelican was found on the roof of a night club in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The news often covers the appearance of rare species after a major storm. Sometimes younger or weaker birds become separated from their flock and many can take weeks to return home — if they can find the right foods on their way back.

During major storms, sea birds and waterfowl are most exposed. Songbirds and woodland birds, however, are specially adapted to hold on and ride things out. Their toes automatically tighten around their perch. This holds them in place during high winds or when they sleep. Woodpeckers and other cavity nesters will, barring the destruction of the tree itself, ride out storms in tree holes. Shorebirds often move to inland areas. In a unique effect of cyclonic hurricanes, the eye of the storm with its fast-moving walls of intense wind can form a massive “bird cage” holding birds inside the eye until the storm dissipates. It is often the eye of the storm that displaces birds, more than its strong winds.

Birds are not the only species affected by the winds. Sea mammals can be harmed too. While many can seek shelter in open water or in near shore shelter, some dolphins and manatees have actually been blown ashore during major storms.

Tree Loss

In 1992, Hurricane Andrew brought incredible wind velocities onshore and knocked down as many as 80% of the trees on several coastal Louisiana basins, such as the Atchafalaya. Tree loss during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 caused even more extensive damage. Loss of coastal forests and trees can be devastating to dependent wildlife species and migratory species. Many wildlife species have very specialized niches in these forests that are lost to heavy winds. Specific foods can be taken away too. High winds will often strip fruits, seeds and berries from bushes and trees.

Dune and Beach Loss

Storm surges, wave action, and winds can cause beach and dune erosion and that can have severe effects of species. Many wildlife species live in ecological niches in the sandy areas and dunes of coastal barrier island. In some cases the storm can cause a beach area to disappear. Sea turtle nests, for example, can be washed out, or a water surge, called a “wash over” can submerge these nests or tern and plover nesting areas.

Saltwater Intrusion

The sustained and powerful winds of a hurricane will cause salty ocean water to pile up and surge onshore. These “storm surges” can be huge. Hurricane Irene’s surges brought water levels that were as much as 8 feet above normal high tide and Katrina pushed a 30 foot high surge onto the coast. In addition to the physical damage this causes, the salt contained in sea water dramatically shifts the delicate balance of freshwater and brackish wetland areas. Creatures and vegetation that are less salt-tolerant will be harmed and many will not survive this influx of sea water. Marsh grasses, crabs, minnows, fish hatchlings, insects, and myriad creatures of freshwater and estuarine environments are harmed. The salt water intrusion in these some of these areas does not drain off very quickly and can even harm or kill off bottomland forests and other coastal trees.

Freshwater Flooding

The reverse is true too. The heavy rains generated by hurricanes will dump water in coastal area river basins (called watersheds) and this, in turn, can send vast amounts of fresh water surging downstream into coastal bays and estuaries. This upsets the delicate and finely tuned freshwater/salt water balance that can be so vital for the health of these ecosystems. In 1972, Hurricane Agnes sent such massive amounts of freshwater into the Chesapeake Bay. The normally brackish (partially salty) water was fresh for months placing great pressure on the species living there.

Turbidity

Heavy rainfall in upstream areas also washes soil, sediment and many pollutants into coastal and marine environments. After Hurricane Agnes, the turbidly or cloudiness of the water became so severe in the Chesapeake Bay that the native grasses growing on the bottom of Bay died off in huge quantities. These grasses provided critical habitat from crabs, fish spawning and many species. It took the Bay years to recover. Similarly, sediment can wash over coral reefs, blocking needed sunlight and even causing algae to grow.

Marine and Aquatic Species

Hurricane Irene, like other hurricanes, generated massive waves and violent action on the surface. When hurricane Andrew hit Louisiana the government estimated that more than 9 million fish were killed offshore. Similarly, an assessment of the effect of that same storm on the Everglades Basin in Florida showed that 182 million fish were killed. Hurricane Katrina also had a huge effect on dolphin species. Many dolphins were hurt during the storm and were rescued and underwent rehabilitation.

What Can You Do?

The forces of hurricanes, such as Helene, are so immense that they deserve tremendous respect. So the first thing you can do is to stay safe yourself. Heed public safety warmings, prepare your property by collecting and storing lose items outside, be prepared for power outages and use common sense. Following a storm, birders and wildlife enthusiasts can help by keeping their eyes peeled for unusual or rare species that turn up. It is useful for wildlife agencies to hear about rare appearances. Wildlife rescue organizations should be contacted if someone sees a creature that was injured in a storm. It always recommended to avoid trying to handle and injured animal on your own unless you have had specific training. If you usually feed birds at your home, the post storm calm is a good time to fill up those feeders. Your pals will probably be hungry and tired after waiting out the storm.

Bipartisan Grasslands Conservation Effort Will Help Reverse Wildlife Crisis, Restore Endangered Landscapes

Posted on October 9, 2024December 12, 2024 by admin

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 9, 2024) — The bipartisan North American Grasslands Conservation Act will catalyze a concerted, collaborative effort to save one of the country’s most important and imperiled landscapes, which support wildlife, communities, livelihoods, and the outdoor recreation economy. The bill, introduced by U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.), and Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) will help counter and reverse the staggering and ongoing loss of grasslands from conversion to croplands and other drivers, which have exacerbated the wildlife and climate crises.

“Healthy grasslands and shrublands are essential to reducing flooding and wildfires, sustaining robust wildlife populations, and supporting local communities. Building upon the lessons learned over three decades from the highly effective North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the bipartisan North American Grasslands Conservation Act will leverage unprecedented investment to save some of our most imperiled ecosystem,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “This bipartisan proposal will bring long-overdue resources to restore iconic landscapes based upon priorities established through the first-ever North American Grasslands Conservation Strategy, while mobilizing a movement to conserve, restore, and revitalize our prairies for ranchers, hunters, and wildlife alike.”

Eastern meadowlark, by Teresa Kopec

“South Carolina’s grasslands are home to some of our state’s most important and iconic wildlife like Northern Bobwhites and the Eastern meadowlark,” said Sara Green, executive director of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. “The bipartisan North American Grasslands Conservation Act will help drive science-based, voluntary efforts to conserve this important landscape and ensure it endures for future generations. Thank you to Representative Nancy Mace and her colleagues for leading this important, bipartisan effort to restore one of South Carolina and the nation’s most threatened ecosystems.”

“As the Kansas Wildlife Federation approaches its 75th anniversary, we are committed to contributing to the conversation about grassland conservation in our state,” said Alfonso Leyva, president of the Kansas Wildlife Federation. “Protecting North America’s grasslands is essential for Kansas’ wildlife, ranchers, and environment. The North American Grasslands Conservation Act provides the tools and support needed to restore these vital ecosystems while empowering land stewards to lead the way.”

Northern bobwhite, by James Edwards

“We know that a huge barrier to protecting Native lands and resources is a lack of sustainable funding,” said Shaun Grassel, CEO of Buffalo Nations Grasslands Alliance and a member of the Tribal Advisory Council for the National Wildlife Federation. “The North American Grassland Conservation Act provides much-needed grants to Tribes and Tribal organizations to carry out Indigenous-led conservation of culturally and ecologically important wildlife species. Together, we can protect an ecosystem that not only mitigates the effects of climate change, but has significance to Native peoples.”

Grasslands and sagebrush shrub-steppe are some of the most threatened ecosystems in the world. According to recent research, the United States lost 1.1 million acres of grasslands every year from 2008 through 2016. An average of roughly 1.2 million acres of sagebrush burn each year due to invasive annual grasses, which contribute to and fuel catastrophic wildfires. This habitat loss has caused total grassland bird populations to decline by more than 40 percent since 1966. Some species, such as the Western meadowlark, are at heightened risk of extinction. Species like the bobwhite quail have seen declines of nearly 85 percent over the past several decades.

The North American Grasslands Conservation Act authorizes $60 million in grants to support voluntary grassland and sagebrush restoration and conservation projects, such as incentivizing prescribed burns, managing invasive species, grazing management training and grassland conservation easements. Additionally, the bill’s funding opportunities also will help Tribal nations to engage in grasslands conservation and include Tribal representation on the program’s governing council. The legislation also would promote the application of Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge in restoring and sustaining grasslands.

Longleaf pine savanna, by Steve Moore

Learn more about SC Grasslands

How Hurricanes Affect Wildlife and How We Can Help

Posted on October 4, 2024November 22, 2024 by admin

Last week, Hurricane Helene showed us that whether we live on the coast or in the mountains, anywhere can be vulnerable to the devastating effects of major storms. To a degree, humans can prepare for these types of storms that continue to become stronger and more frequent, but what about wildlife? How do they respond to extreme weather events and what we can do to help them? Read the article below, adapted from the National Wildlife Federation’s blog post Seven Things to Know About How Hurricanes Affect Wildlife.

GOES-16 GeoColor satellite loop from September 26 to 27, 2024 showing Helene moving through the Southeast U.S. NOAA National Weather Service