McMaster launches South Carolina Conservation Commission

Gov. Henry McMaster has created the S.C. Conservation Commission, effective Oct. 22, to advise the governor on conservation and preservation strategy and coordinate across state and local agencies. The panel includes ex officio members from key state agencies and 25 appointees drawn from conservation, business, academia, and tribal leadership.

Why it matters: - The new commission gives South Carolina a formal advisory body focused on conservation, preservation, and land-use coordination. - The panel is designed to connect state agencies, local governments, and outside partners on priorities that can shape growth, natural resource protection, and cultural preservation. - The commission could also help identify funding sources and widen public awareness of South Carolina history and culture.

What happened: - Gov. Henry McMaster announced the S.C. Conservation Commission on Oct. 27. - The commission was created by Executive Order 2026-24 and became effective Oct. 22. - The governor named ex officio members from key state agencies, including Dr. Tom Mullikin of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, Duane Parrish of the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Ben Duncan, South Carolina’s chief resilience officer, and Scott Phillips of the S.C. Forestry Commission. - McMaster also named 25 additional appointees from across South Carolina and three from out of state.

The details: - The governor’s office said the commission will advise the governor and executive branch on conservation and preservation strategies. - The commission will promote coordination among state and local agencies and assist local governments in setting conservation goals. - The commission will work to increase public awareness of South Carolina’s history and culture. - The commission will identify potential funding sources and encourage partnerships among public, private, academic, and nonprofit organizations. - McMaster described the commission as “uniquely talented” and said it is organized to bring broad insight and valuable guidance on growth, conservation, and preservation. - Mullikin called the establishment of the commission evidence of McMaster’s conservation-minded leadership. - Mullikin said the governor is taking a forward-thinking approach to conserving and protecting South Carolina’s natural resources. - Thomas Mullikin Jr., president of Global Eco Adventures, Inc., is among the 25 appointees. - The full list of appointees includes leaders from conservation groups, universities, state and local government, business, real estate, forestry, historic preservation, and tribal nations. - The appointees include Dana Beach, Matthew Cabe, Chief Cheryl Cail, Fred Carter, Wes Carter, Tripp Chavis, Howard Coker, Halsey Cook Jr., Mayor Chris Crolley, Jason Crowley, Dr. Walter Edgar, Dr. Eric Emerson, Blake Goodman, Chief Brian Harris, Alex Hinson, Charles G. Lane, Mike McShane, Ben Navarro, Queen Quet, Henry Swink, Alex Taylor, Maria Whitehead, Rick Wise, and Jonathan Zucker. - The governor’s office said the commission includes leaders from multiple sectors and perspectives across the state. - Two links were provided for more information: Executive Order 2026-24 and the governor’s website.

Between the lines: - McMaster is building on a broader conservation record that includes the S.C. Floodwater Commission, which he established in 2018. - The mix of appointees suggests the administration wants the commission to bridge environmental policy, economic development, historic preservation, and community representation. - The inclusion of business executives, tribal leaders, historians, and land-conservation advocates signals an effort to make the panel influential beyond traditional environmental issues.

What's next: - The commission will begin advising the governor and executive branch on conservation and preservation priorities. - Local governments can expect support as they develop conservation goals. - The commission is likely to become a forum for collaboration on funding, partnerships, and state-level conservation strategy.

The bottom line: - McMaster has formalized a broad, high-profile conservation advisory body that could shape how South Carolina balances growth, preservation, and natural resource protection.