Atlantic Contributes to the Largest Conservation Easement Project in South Carolina History

Oct 30, 2024

We are proudly supporting the largest conservation easement project in South Carolina history, dedicating over 62,000 acres of the Pee Dee Basin to permanent protection.

The $50 million grant, administered by the U.S. Forest Legacy Program and supported by Atlantic Packaging, the Open Space Institute, the South Carolina Forestry Commission, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and the South Carolina Office of Resilience, aims to balance sustainable forestry, recreation, and environmental resilience for generations to come.

Why It Matters

This historic project addresses the urgent need for conservation amid South Carolina’s rapid population growth. Protecting these vast lands, equivalent to three times the size of Hilton Head Island, ensures clean water, flood mitigation, wildlife habitat preservation, and a boost to South Carolina’s timber economy.

Atlantic provided the funding for the newly created Pee Dee Initiative Stewardship Fund, which will ensure that South Carolina Forestry Commission has the financial resources necessary to uphold its duties under the perpetual easement.

Forests in Marion, Williamsburg, and Georgetown counties will remain active timberlands under conservation easements, preserving their economic role while opening 7,500 acres for public recreation. Visitors can look forward to new Wildlife Management Areas and expanded access to Wee Tee State Forest, where hiking, hunting, and fishing will be available.

Atlantic Packaging President Wes Carter’s Thoughts

“At Atlantic Packaging we are deeply committed to supporting sustainability and conservation in all of our areas of influence,” says Wes Carter. “As a major provider of fiber-based packaging, much derived from timber products, we understand the critical role of protecting working forests not only for the national economy, but moreover, for the paramount environmental benefits healthy forests provide all life. Investing in this project was a natural fit for our company, and we congratulate everyone involved in this tremendously important work.”

Economic & Environmental Impact

South Carolina’s forestry industry contributes $23 billion to the state economy, supporting over 100,000 jobs. This initiative fortifies the Pee Dee region’s “wood basket” by preserving essential timber resources that supply $116 million in annual timber value and sustain more than 900 local jobs. The protected lands will also serve as flood buffers and provide habitats for 115 plant and animal species, including the Atlantic and Shortnose sturgeon, rare mussels, and crayfish.

A Lasting Legacy

With the efforts of our collaborators on this project, Atlantic is proud to help ensure a vibrant, resilient landscape that honors South Carolina’s natural beauty while advancing responsible land stewardship.

This conservation milestone exemplifies Atlantic’s commitment to sustainability, reinforcing our mission to protect the landscapes that support our communities and future generations.