By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer
South Carolina’s long-term conservation goals took a significant step forward this week as Henry McMaster signed an executive order creating a new statewide commission focused on protecting natural resources, working lands, historical sites, and cultural heritage.
The move comes as South Carolina has already protected approximately 3.4 million acres of land, including about 400,000 acres added since 2017.
State lawmakers earlier this year established a long-range goal of conserving 7 million acres by 2050 through the South Carolina Protected Lands and Conservation Coordination Act of 2026. However, McMaster is advocating for an even larger vision, calling for the preservation of 10 million acres for future generations.
On October 22, McMaster signed Executive Order 2026-24, establishing the Governor’s Conservation Commission.
According to the governor’s office, the commission will advise state leaders on conservation and preservation strategies, encourage coordination among agencies, assist local governments with conservation planning, and help identify public and private funding opportunities.
The executive order highlights the role that forests, wetlands, marshes, farmland, parks, and conservation easements can play in protecting South Carolina’s natural resources while accommodating continued population growth. It also notes the importance of preserving historic and cultural assets throughout the state.
The commission will include state officials serving in ex officio roles, along with up to 26 members appointed by the governor from private and academic sectors. The group will operate in an advisory capacity and does not have authority to enact policy on its own.
The announcement comes as South Carolina continues to experience rapid growth, particularly in coastal regions where questions surrounding development, farmland preservation, environmental protection, and infrastructure remain at the center of public discussion.
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