S.C. Conservation Bank breathes new life

Catawba Sunrise

The S.C. Conservation Bank provides funding to land trusts, state agencies and other conservation organizations to protect and conserve properties in South Carolina. The bank has protected 288,066 acres of land in the state for an average cost of $526 per acre. The Katawba Valley Land Trust has received funding from the bank for four conservation projects protecting over 1,000 acres. The bank was re-authorized this year by the S.C. General Assembly but will undergo some changes in structure. A new Executive Director is expected to be named soon, and the membership of the Board will change. The level of funding will be established annually, and the 2018/19 FY appropriation is about $10 million. If you appreciate the great conservation work accomplished with funding from the S.C. Conservation Bank, call your House and Senate legislators and thank them for their support and tell them how important this program is to you.