S.C. Public Lands Must Remain Protected, Productive

S.C. Rep. Blake Sanders

South Carolina’s public lands are more than scenic backdrops — they are essential assets that underpin our economy, sustain key industries, and shape the character of our rural and coastal communities. As a Landscape Architect and former Mayor of West Pelzer, I’ve seen firsthand how access to well-managed public lands drives economic opportunity and enhances quality of life in towns large and small across our state.

Public lands play an outsized role in South Carolina’s economy. The outdoor recreation industry contributes billions of dollars annually, supporting thousands of jobs in sectors ranging from tourism and hospitality to equipment manufacturing and conservation services. These lands fuel local economies throughout the state and provide consistent income to rural communities that rely on natural resources for their livelihoods – from the woodlands of Sumter and Francis Marion National Forest to the corridors of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.

In recent years, demand for outdoor access has increased, placing even greater importance on ensuring that South Carolina’s lands remain open, healthy, and well-managed. Governor McMaster has laid out a bold vision to protect 10 million acres in the coming years—a goal that recognizes the environmental and economic significance of preserving these resources.

However, this vision is threatened by recent proposals to sell off federal lands and ramp up industrial logging across more than 100 million acres of national forest land. While forest management is essential for health and wildfire prevention, broad changes in federal policy must not come at the expense of our local communities, recreational access, or long-term sustainability. Decisions made in Washington must reflect the voices and values of the people who live, work, and recreate in these landscapes.

Protecting public lands is a matter of economic common sense and intergenerational responsibility. At the state level, we are committed to keeping these lands in public hands, ensuring they continue to provide jobs, generate revenue, and anchor our outdoor traditions.

That’s why we’re calling on South Carolina’s congressional delegation to oppose any effort to privatize or sell off our federal public lands. These proposals pose long-term risks to our economy, culture, and ability to preserve access for future generations. Privatization would undermine the systems that allow South Carolinians, regardless of income or background, to enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, and boating.

Our public lands are not excess inventory. They are shared infrastructure, vital to our way of life, and central to South Carolina’s identity. They must remain public, protected, and productive — not parceled off and lost to private interests.

S.C. Rep. Blake Sanders is a Republican and represents District 9 (Anderson County)