The South Carolina Forestry Commission announced the industry has $21 Billion dollar impact on the state’s economy. Speaking during a press conference on the State House grounds, agency director Gene Kodama said the figure exceeds the "20-by-15 Project" goals set by the Commission, the Forestry Association of SC and other partners of the project.
"It was designed to help the forestry industry recover as quickly as possible from a recession that was just getting started," Kodama said.
In 2009 the Commission, Forestry Association of SC and other partners set the project goal.
"We wanted to see if we could get out of it quickly and then grow from a $17 billion dollar industry, at that time, to a $20 billion dollar industry by 2015. We are proud to say that a team from Clemson just finished a study of that impact and the goal was accomplished."
The announcement was the highlight of Forestry Day, but officials were also there to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Forestry Commission. Officials celebrated the occasion by planting a Loblolly pine tree on the eastern grounds of the state house. The new tree was provided by a company in Dorchester County and planted close to a pine tree planted in 2010 to commemorate the five billionth tree planted in the state. Kodama said, since 2010, $368 Million trees have been planted in the state.
The Forestry Commission was founded in 1927 to protect, promote, enhance and nurture the forest lands of the state in a manner "consistent with achieving the greatest good for its citizens."
In 2016, the Pinnacle Mountain fire in Pickens County burned over 10,000 acres. During the Forestry Day press conference, Representative David Hiott, (R.- Pickens County) spoke about how the fire was eight miles from his home and how the forestry commission worked to contain the blaze.
LISTEN: Rep. David Hiott talks about 2016 Pinnacle Mountain Fire
Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt talks with SC Public Radio about how the forestry industry has financially helped the state in the past and present, as well as how diversification in the industry will continue to be a financial benefit.