McMaster Creates Commission to Expand South Carolina Land Conservation

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has established a new commission to advance his goal of protecting 10 million acres of land statewide by 2050, approximately half of South Carolina’s total land area.

McMaster announced Thursday that he signed an executive order creating the Governor’s Conservation Commission to coordinate conservation efforts and help preserve the state’s natural resources, historic sites and cultural heritage.

Approximately 3.4 million acres in South Carolina are currently protected in some form, including about 400,000 acres added since 2017. The South Carolina Protected Lands and Conservation Coordination Act of 2026 established a long-term goal of protecting 7 million acres by 2050, while McMaster’s goal extends to 10 million acres.

The commission will include state agency leaders and up to 26 members appointed by the governor from private and academic sectors. Other invited participants include the agriculture commissioner and legislative committee chairmen overseeing agriculture, natural resources and wildlife.

The commission will promote cooperation among state agencies, help local governments establish conservation goals, raise public awareness of the state’s history and culture, and identify public and private funding opportunities.

Additional responsibilities include encouraging partnerships among government agencies, businesses, nonprofits and academic institutions, as well as promoting voluntary private conservation and state land purchases for parks, recreation, research and wildlife protection.

Commission members will serve without compensation, and administrative costs will be covered by the governor’s office, subject to available funding.

The initiative aims to strengthen coordination among conservation partners and establish a long-term strategy for protecting South Carolina’s land and natural heritage for future generations.