South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 55 - STATE COMMISSION OF FORESTRY
The South Carolina Code of Regulations (SCCR) Chapter 55 is specifically dedicated to the State Commission of Forestry. This chapter contains the regulations that govern the operations, policies, and responsibilities of the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC).
The SCFC is the state agency responsible for protecting, promoting, enhancing, and nurturing all forest lands in South Carolina, encompassing both rural and urban areas. Its mission extends to various forest values and amenities, including timber, wildlife, water quality, air quality, soil protection, recreation, and aesthetics.
Based on typical structures of administrative regulations and common functions of state forestry commissions, here's a breakdown of the likely content of SCCR Chapter 55, along with specific examples found in search results:
Key Areas Covered in SCCR Chapter 55:
§ 55-1 - General Regulations on South Carolina Forestry Commission Lands:
This is a fundamental section outlining rules of conduct and permissible activities on lands owned or managed by the SCFC (e.g., state forests).
It typically includes prohibitions against removing trees or shrubs, defacing property, dumping rubbish, or consuming/displaying alcoholic beverages in public, unless specifically authorized. These rules are crucial for managing state forests for multiple uses (timber production, recreation, conservation) and protecting their resources.
§ 55-11 - Price Changes for Forest Tree Seedlings:
This regulation directly addresses the pricing mechanism for forest tree seedlings produced and sold by the SCFC.
It states that the price for seedlings is established annually by the Commission, not to exceed the average direct cost of production.
It also mandates that the price list be made available in print at SCFC offices and electronically online. This reflects the SCFC's role in supporting reforestation efforts by providing affordable seedlings to landowners.
Repealed Sections (e.g., § 55-6, § 55-10):
It's common for administrative codes to have sections marked as "Repealed." This indicates that these regulations are no longer in effect, likely due to updates in state law, changes in agency policy, or consolidation of rules into other sections or chapters.
Broader Functions of the South Carolina Forestry Commission (and implied regulatory areas):
While SCCR Chapter 55 appears relatively brief based on the provided search results, the SCFC's overall responsibilities encompass a much wider range of forestry activities, which are often codified in other parts of the South Carolina Code of Laws (statutes) and supported by internal agency policies. These include:
Forest Protection (Wildfire): The SCFC is a primary agency for wildfire prevention, detection, and suppression across South Carolina's 12.9 million acres of commercial forestland. This involves:
Issuing and enforcing burn bans.
Requiring burn notifications before outdoor burning.
Managing fire breaks and prescribed burns.
Operating fire control equipment and personnel.
Forest Management Assistance: Providing technical assistance to private landowners on sustainable forest management practices, including timber harvesting, tree planting, pest and disease control, and forest health.
Tree Seedling Production: Operating nurseries to produce and distribute high-quality tree seedlings to support reforestation and afforestation efforts.
State Forests Management: Managing five state forests for timber production, recreation, wildlife habitat, and other public benefits.
Best Management Practices (BMPs): Developing and promoting voluntary Best Management Practices for forestry operations to protect water quality, soil, and other natural resources. While often non-regulatory, their guidance is critical.
Forest Industry Support: Promoting and supporting South Carolina's forest products industry, which is a significant economic contributor to the state.
Forest Health: Monitoring and addressing threats to forest health from insects, diseases, and invasive species.
Urban Forestry: Assisting communities in managing and improving their urban forests.
Forest Law Enforcement: Enforcing forestry-related laws, often in coordination with other law enforcement agencies.
Importance of SCCR Chapter 55:
Even with few explicit current regulations, Chapter 55 remains important because it:
Establishes the legal framework for the South Carolina Forestry Commission's existence and fundamental operations.
Provides specific rules for managing state lands and other core activities like seedling sales.
Serves as the regulatory basis for the SCFC's mandated duties under state law.
Accessing the Regulations:
For the most current and official version of the South Carolina Code of Regulations, including Chapter 55, always refer to:
The South Carolina Legislature's website (specifically the coderegs section).
The South Carolina Forestry Commission's official website (trees.sc.gov), which may also provide links to relevant regulations and related statutes.
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