Public Asked to Provide Feedback on SC’s New Wildlife Conservation Plan

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is calling on the public to review and provide feedback on its draft 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). This document serves as the state’s blueprint for conserving native wildlife and their habitats over the next decade.

The draft plan is available for public review and comment until September 8, 2025. All comments received will be considered before the final version is submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for approval. The SCDNR has made a short online survey available to make the process of providing feedback easier for the public.

What the Plan Covers

The SWAP outlines the state’s strategy to proactively conserve species and prevent them from becoming endangered. The 2025 plan identifies key landscapes and habitats, details the challenges faced by Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), and recommends actions to ensure their long-term survival.

The SCDNR’s draft plan includes a companion document, the Supplemental Volume: Species and Guild Accounts, which offers detailed profiles of specific species and groups of species. These accounts cover the species’ status, habitat requirements, population trends, threats, and conservation recommendations. The development of this plan is a crucial step for the state to remain eligible for federal funding through the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program.

How to Get Involved

To access the draft plan and provide feedback, residents can click here to visit the SCDNR website. Public input is an essential part of the process, ensuring that the final conservation strategies are comprehensive and reflect the priorities of the entire community.