South Carolina agency coordinates law enforcement efforts with NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement By W. Thomas Smith Jr. AS SPRING TURNS TO SUMMER and South Carolina vacationers’ thoughts turn to the Palmetto State’s 187 miles of pristine coastline, so too does the S.C. Department of Natural Resources’ (SCDNR’s) law-enforcement armContinue Reading
The state’s new SCDNR Director is leading the way in galvanizing enthusiasm and partnering-participation in cleanup efforts around South Carolina By W. Thomas Smith Jr. In the near-seven weeks since Dr. Thomas Stowe “Tom” Mullikin assumed the reigns as director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR),Continue Reading
Columbia Green and the City of Columbia’s Forestry and Beautification Division have planted 1,290 trees through their Beat the Heat partnership in just six months— a goal originally projected to take five years. Initially funded by a USDA grant administered through the Arbor Day Foundation with support from the InflationContinue Reading
Richland County is now accepting applications for grants aimed at preserving the county’s natural resources and historic sites. Nonprofits, neighborhood organizations, government agencies, commercial entities, and other groups are eligible to apply for the Historic Preservation and Natural Resource Grants, provided by the Richland County Conservation Commission. These grants, whichContinue Reading
Construction is underway at Congaree National Park to replace aging sections of the park’s iconic boardwalk. Contractors from McGary Construction began work on January 6, focusing on sections B, D, and F, which have surpassed their intended service life. The project is expected to take approximately 18 months, with completionContinue Reading
Why Dr. Tom Mullikin is the perfect choice to lead SCDNR into the future By W. Thomas Smith Jr. More than two years ago, I wrote a piece, UNASSAILABLE GREATNESS, about a man whose remarkably exceptional career has not only been one for the books, but has only beenContinue Reading
Recently, volunteers from Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community and the University of South Carolina’s Student Nurses Association packed more than 3,000 seed packets for the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District’s (RSWCD) Seed Sanctuary program.RSWCD provides free vegetable, herb and wildflower seeds to Richland County residents to promote home gardening,Continue Reading
The City of Columbia recently shared an update on the ongoing repair and recovery of the Columbia Canal. The announcement was made at a press conference on October 4 at Edventure Children’s Museum, with a view of the Canal and the City’s Hydroelectric Generating Station. Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann expressedContinue Reading
In response to a request from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper due to a water shortage, the City of Columbia, South Carolina, has stepped up to assist Asheville. South Carolina Governor’s office quickly coordinated with the City of Columbia to mobilize the relief effort. “In times of crisis, it’s criticalContinue Reading
The Columbia Forestry and Beautification Department is inviting nominations for its 2024 Treasured Tree Program through November 1. This program aims to highlight and recognize trees of special significance in the Midlands area, while promoting the importance and benefits of trees to the local community. Trees located on both publicContinue Reading
The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD) has reopened its popular Seed Sanctuary just in time for the fall planting season. County residents can now pick up to four free packets of vegetable, herb, and wildflower seeds to grow at home. Seeds are available at the following locations: RichlandContinue Reading