 |
 |
|
|
Land Use Planning
Across the state there is a growing focus on the many benefits provided by forest land. Benefits like clean air, clean water, scenic beauty, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and rural character all add immensely to our quality of life. Yet the same natural resource that provides these benefits is also our most valued agricultural crop and supports the third largest manufacturing segment in the state.
South Carolina's Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Enabling Act of 1994 requires local governments with any kind of zoning or land use ordinances to develop a Comprehensive Plan by May 3, 1999. County governments, in particular, are poised to develop and enact new ordinances on natural resources and land use.
Land use planning is the process of envisioning the desired future landscape, and enacting local policies to encourage or discourage land use practices to meet that goal. Good planning should recognize forestry as a desired land use, and restrict abuse of forest land. Active management of forests and related resources can keep land healthy for present and future generations and increase the economic and environmental benefits of those lands. However, ordinances intended to protect forest resources can sometimes have the opposite effect.
Local ordinances effecting forest management can have wide-ranging consequences. Impacts on tourism, long-term forest health, urban and residential sprawl, conversion of forest land to other uses, wildfire risk, and investment in desirable land-management practices must be considered. The South Carolina Forestry Association can provide expert assistance on forestry issues, resource assessment, and policy decisions that effect forest resources and private landowners.
Based on the experience of working with numerous local governments, these guidelines have been used in developing policies to promote the stewardship of forest resources:
1. Provide incentives to maintain land in forest use
2. Distinguish between forest management, and land clearing/tree removal for conversion to non-forest use
3. Infrastructure planning and development standards may have significant impacts on forest resources
4. Consider forestry, water quality, and aesthetic conservation easements
5. Target unique sites and sensitive areas for acquisition
6. Encourage voluntary compliance with SC Best Management Practices for Forestry
7. Use publicly available expert assistance to resolve forestry issues
8. Encourage prompt reforestation
Successful Comprehensive Planning requires public input. It is essential that the forestry community be involved as a vision for the future and policies for forest management are created. Landowners, foresters, industry, sportsmen, and conservationists must all work to keep decision makers informed about forest resources. Contact us for an update on land use planning in your area, and how you can get involved.