Atlantic Packaging is proud to be part of a historic conservation milestone in South Carolina. The Pee Dee Basin Initiative, announced today, permanently protects over 62,000 acres of forested land along the Pee Dee, Santee, and Black Rivers—making it the largest conservation easement in the state’s history. This achievement reflects the power of collaboration and the importance of preserving our natural resources for future generations.
Protecting Forests, Wildlife, and Communities
Forests are more than trees. They are ecosystems, economic engines, and climate stabilizers.
Learn more about Why Sustainable Forestry Matters for Business and the Planet and What Is a Working Forest in our Field Notes series from A New Earth Project.
The Pee Dee Basin Initiative ensures that these lands will remain undeveloped and sustainably managed, safeguarding biodiversity, supporting rural economies, and enhancing community resilience against flooding and extreme weather. With over 115 plant and animal species of conservation concern protected, this project is a model for large-scale environmental stewardship.
A Vision for Sustainable Forestry
“I had the rare opportunity to fly the entire 62,000-acre project area, where forests stretch endlessly beyond the horizon. The sheer magnitude of what is protected is overwhelming,” said Wes Carter, President of Atlantic Packaging.
“Working forests are the backbone of the industrial supply chain, and as brands accelerate their sustainable transitions, the demand for forest-based products continues to grow. Protecting these forests means protecting entire ecosystems, safeguarding biodiversity, wildlife habitats, and healthy watersheds. We are deeply proud to play a role in this extraordinary conservation effort.”
How Forest Protection Fuels Jobs, Recreation, and Resilience
The initiative supports sustainable forestry while precluding development and mining. It opens over 7,500 acres to public access, including an expansion of Wee Tee State Forest, and contributes to South Carolina’s $23.2 billion forestry economy. Outdoor recreation, which generates $2.74 billion annually, will also benefit from new opportunities for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Environmentally, the project enhances water quality, floodwater retention, and carbon sequestration. It employs bird-friendly forestry techniques and protects bottomland hardwoods critical to aquatic species and forest-dependent wildlife.
Stewardship That Will Shape Generations
Atlantic Packaging’s contribution to the Pee Dee Initiative Stewardship Fund ensures the South Carolina Forestry Commission can uphold its perpetual monitoring responsibilities. This project sets a precedent for future conservation efforts, demonstrating how private enterprise, government, and nonprofits can unite to protect landscapes at scale.
We are honored to stand alongside our partners in this transformative effort and remain committed to advancing sustainability through responsible packaging and environmental leadership.