Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests — Project Detail

This project will salvage log two tracts near Morton Mountain and Long Mountain. Trees were damaged by Hurricane Helene (2024). Salvage logging is needed to provide economic benefits, reduce wildfire risk from fuels loading, and encourage forest regeneration.

Fencing would be installed on a 5-acre portion of Long Creek Dove Field and a 5-acre portion of Ross Mountain Dove Field to address the damaging effects of feral hogs.

The project would commercially harvest approximately 2,970 acres of timber to improve forest health and lower the risk of a southern pine beetle outbreak.

This project has been cancelled because it is a duplicate project

Home Telephone Company Inc. is proposing to install approximately 16.32 miles of hardened high-speed fiber optic network cable by vibratory plow on the Francis Marion National Forest as part of the USDA Rural Utility Services SC ReConnect 4 fiber opt

The Forest Service is considering a project that would include a mix of commercial and non-commercial thinning silvicuture activities on approximately 2,000 acres of National Forest.

The Enoree District plans to relocate 6.3 miles of the Palmetto trail from forest service roads to the wooded area.

The Forest Service is proposing to pre-commercial thin approximately 511 acres of timber. No mechanized equipment would be used, only hand tools.

Federal Highway Bridge Replacement by SCDOT

Federal Highways Bridge Replacement over Padgetts Creek.

The project scope will include various engineering solutions such as widening and paving of shoulders, wider and brighter pavement markings, edgeline and centerline rumble stripes, RW clearing to improve roadway clearzone, flattening of roadside slop

Spectrum Southeast, LLC is requesting a Special Use Permit for placement of approximately 42,700 feet of fiber cable fiber optic cable to provide service to rural area in Greenwood, McCormick, Saluda and Abbeville Counties.

Dominion Energy SC in conjunction with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will construct a canoe launch at the Keitts Bridge on the Enoree River in Union County, SC.

Henry E Brown Jr. is requesting a 50-powerline right-of-way to install approximately 3,200 linear feet of 1.5-inch copper cable and 0.5-inch fiber optic cable.

Three bridges need to be replaced on the Francis Marion and Long Cane Ranger Districts. Prior to replacing the bridges, borings need to be drilled to ensure proper support of the bridge designs.

One tract of National Forest System land (approximately 54.29 acres) would be exchanged for two separate private tracts (approximately 59.84 and 27.52 acres).

The Enoree District plans to relocate 6.3 miles of the Palmetto trail from forest service roads to the wooded area.

The Enoree Ranger District is proposing to replace and/or repair 13 bridges and boardwalks along the Palmetto Trail.

We proposed prescribed burning activity on approximately 41,000 acres across the Andrew Pickens Ranger District.

Federal Highways Bridge Replacement S-52 Lanham Road or Horn Creek

New communication and associated facilities at Round Mountain Communications site.

Demolition of 2 administrative buildings on the Francis Marion Ranger District: the Witherbee Ranger Station Office (building 607) and Residence/Temp office (building 601).

Restore forest health,restoration of native species and improved wildlife habitat conditions

We are proposing to collect seeds from existing American chaffseed populations and seeding existing populations as well as areas without existing populations that may provide suitable habitat.

This project is being cancelled. There are major changes with the project's proposed action, a new project will be created further down the road.

Phase 3 will begin at the end of Phase 2 and continue for approximately 3.0 miles from the original trailhead constructed in Phase 1 to Awendaw Creek. It will include an at grade crossing on Doar Rd. and continue to Awendaw Creek.

A 4-foot-high woven fence would be installed on 6 acres of a dove field to prevent wild hogs from accessing the field.

The Enoree Ranger District would restore drained wetlands back to functioning wetlands.

Enoree Ranger District is proposing recreation site improvements at Collin's Creek Campground.

Pre-commercial Thin 26 loblolly pine sapling size stands on a 10 foot by 10 foot residual tree spacing. Stands range in size from 13 to 77 acres and total of 1,007 acres

Dominion Energy SC proposed to rebuild 8 miles of Transmission line replacing wooden poles with metal poles. The current poles have reached their life expectancy.

Salvage and sanitation treatments to control pine beetle infestations

We propose removing the Presbyterian lake dam located in the Cedar Creek drainage of the Andrew Pickens Ranger District because an engineering assessment indicates that the dam is in danger of failure.

The blueline bridge on Jericho trail was damaged during the 2019 flood event. The trail bridge needs to be replaced for user safety and to prevent resource damage.

The Forest Service proposed prescribed burns on approximately 8,151 acres.

Placement of fiber optic cable to provide service to FAA tower at 199 Pine Mountain Tower Rd, Westminster, SC 29693. This is a needed upgrade from copper facilities over to fiber. Approximately 2550' of fiber optic cable with an outside

The installation of approximately 1425 feet of aerial distribution lines in South Tibwin Compartment 217 in Charleston County, South Carolina to provide power to pumps that will be used to decrease the depth of current marshland.

We propose a mix of commercial and non-commercial thinning along with selection cutting silviculture activities on approximately 64 acres in portions of 6 stands in Compartment 54. No even-aged regeneration treatments are proposed.

This project would implement management direction for campsites along the Upper Chattooga River Trail. Of 34 existing user created campsites, 12 sites would be designated for overnight camping and the remaining 22 sites would be closed and restored.

Fencing would be installed at the Ross Mountain Dove field to protect habitat at the site from impacts from feral hog activity.

Placement of fiber optic cable along State Hwy 107 to provide service to cell tower located at 871 Hwy 107. This is needed due to weak cellular services in the area.

We propose mechanical and chemical treatments to reduce woody encroachment into Carolina bays and depressional wetlands across the Francis Marion.

The installation of 7,700 feet of .075 inch diameter fiber optic cable, buried 36 inches in depth within the northern road shoulder of US Hwy 76 to upgrade stability and reliability of cellular towers in the area, in Oconee County, South Carolina.

Light Source Communications, LLC would install approximately 30 miles of hardened fiber optic network cable in Berkeley County and 8 miles of hardened fiber optic network cable in Charleston County by vibratory plow 36-48 inches in depth.

Aerial treatments of an exotic moth known as Lymantria dispar using mating disruption, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, Nucleopolyhedrosis virus, or their combination.

Approximately 7,000 acres of timber would be thinned and regenerated in the Middle Enoree Analysis Area along with gully restoration and stream and lake habitat improvements.

Removal of man-made dam and restoration of unnamed tributary to Pig Pen Branch to facilitate restoration of native brook trout population.

The Forest Service proposes prescribed burns on approximately 4,825 acres.

Installation of approximately 4000 feet of hardened high-speed fiber optic network cable by vibratory plow from Eccles Church Road along South Hampton Road to the Seed Orchard Helibase and Seed Orchard Headquarters.

2012 Planning Rule Compliance

Proposal to improve the existing Enoree Ranger District, Francis Marion and Sumter NF administrative facility (known as Indian Creek Office), located in Whitmire in Newberry County, South Carolina

The Enoree ranger district acquired National Forest System land to include to the prescribed burn rotations.

Three bridges on the Enoree Ranger District would be replaced.

We propose removing the Back 90 dam which is located in the Long Creek drainage. An engineering assessment indicates that the dam is in danger of failure.

Pre-commercial thinning of twenty-six overstocked stands of sapling size trees that are predominanatly loblolly pine using handtools.

Central Electric Cooperative will rebuild approximately a 1 mile section of transmission line on the Andrew Pickens Ranger District replacing the wooden poles with metal poles.

Three bridges on the Francis Marion need to be replaced due to deterioration and they are unable to support the traffic on the roads. The bridges would be replaced with similar materials, location, and size.

Special Use Permits renewals to include combining, reauthorization and name changing of South Carolina Electric and Gas permits on the Sumter National Forest to Dominion Energy South Carolina, INC.

We propose removing the Back 90 dam which is located in the Long Creek drainage. An engineering assessment indicates that the dam is in danger of failure.

Install a telecommunications fiber optic cable in a 1.25" conduit for a distance of 3.23 miles on the Francis Marion National Forest Bethera Road and terminate on Farewell Corner Road.

Access to private property using approximately 200 feet of an existing unimproved road at the end of French Quarter Creek Road to access family property

We propose installing biodegradable tubes in the ground within one kilometer of three separate ephemeral wetlands on the Francis Marion. The tubes would serve as refugia for gopher frogs.

Demolition of dispatch house due to safety concerns of rotting floors, lead paint and asbestos on the house.

Broadband installation along SC Hwy 34 and SC Hwy 12.

Management of non-native invasive plants on the Francis Marion National forest using herbicide and manual methods.

Pre-commercially thin eighteen stands of sapling size trees that are predominantly loblolly pine using hand tools.

The Forest Service proposes prescribed burns on approximately 8,662 acres.

This project proposes renovations to the Buck Hall Recreation Area, including the day-use area, RV parking, restrooms, campsites, and more.

Approximately 145 acres of trees would be commercially thinned to prevent the spread of Southern Pine Beetle.

The project would commercially harvest approximately 2,720 acres of timber to lower the risk of a southern pine beetle outbreak.

Project proposes maintenance and remediation measures for the existing Cedar Creek Rifle Range and proposes to relocate the rifle range to a new site.

Intermediate and first thinning of 702 acres of loblolly pine immature saw/ pole timber.

Six (6) ephemeral wetlands would be restored. Work would consist of: creating shallow depressions; installing ground-water dams as necessary; filling-in ditches that are currently draining the wetlands; and, re-vegetating disturbed areas.

Temporary Recreation Event to include use of all open systems roads and trails.

Temporary Recreation Events to include use of all open systems roads and trails.

Renewal of the Federal Aviation, SC Department of Health & Environment, Mildred Powell, and Mary Hihn Special Use Permits.

Temporary recreation and outfitter guide special use permits to include use of all open system roads, trails, and public river access locations.

Temporary Recreation Event to include use of all open systems roads and trails.

Vegetation control to improve habitat for two federally listed plants - smooth coneflower and small whorled pogonia and two sensitive plants - sun-facing coneflower and fraser's loosestrife. Supplement plant populations as needed.

Relocating approximately 2.5 miles of the Palmetto trail to a more sustainable safe area.

Reducing soil erosion on actively eroding sites and maintaining gullies that have been previously restored.

Maintenance and minor relocation of approximately 6.55 miles of Skinny and Connector Trails of the Forks Area Trail System.

Thin approximately 2,766 acres of loblolly pine and loblolly pine removal on approximately 44 acres for hardwood conversion. Herbicide would be used to control early pioneering species in both the thin and pine removal stands.

Clearcut approximately 2,370 acres of predominantly loblolly pine. Seed tree regeneration approximately 863 acres. Woodland establishment on approximately 157 acres and intermediate and first thinning on approximately 5,358 acres of loblolly pine.

Would add large wood to approximately 33 miles of stream segments in the Horn Creek and Cheves Creek sub-watersheds on the Long Cane Ranger District.

The project would treat approximately 1,952 acres in 76 stands of white pine plantations scattered across the Andrew Pickens Ranger District.

150' extension of a distribution line on Bethera Road, Bethera, SC and a 75' extension of a distribution line on Gaskins Lane in Huger, SC.

Installation of a single pole and associated electrical lines to enhance microwave communications with Neil Shoals Power Plant.

The project would create two depressional wetlands within existing abandoned borrow pits to provide ephemeral wetland habitat for wildlife species.

Reissuance of a existing SUP to reflect administrative name changes.

Use and maintenance of Sieb Creek Trail

The Sumter National Forest is proposing to replace 59 road-stream crossings on the Andrew Pickens, Enoree, and Long Cane Ranger Districts. These crossings were found to be barriers to aquatic organism passage during their life stages.

The purpose of this project is to repair the floating dock, stabilize the bank, and relocate sections of the Awendaw Passage of the Palmetto Trail that were damaged during the 2015 & 2016 flood events

Reconstruction of the damaged boardwalk at the Sewee Shell Ring Interpretive Trail. The boardwalk was damaged during storms in 2016.

Use and maintenance of Sieb Creek Trail

Pre-commercial thinning of 13 predominantly loblolly pine stands across the Long Cane Ranger District.

Additional loblolly pine stands have been located and would be treated. Other loblolly units would be changed to commercial treatments. Site prep prescribed burning and 2 additional herbicides would be added. There would be some changes to woodlands.

We are proposing to amend the Sumter Forest Plan to convert approximately 5,600 acres to the Woodland and Grassland/Savanna Habitats management prescription

Approximately 736 acres in Compartment 60 would have a prescribed burn during the Spring growing season or dormant season.

Prescribed burning on approximately 4,983 acres scattered across the Andrew Pickens Ranger District.

Accidental duplicate project created by system.

Project would consist of a land-for-land exchange of two isolated federal tracts for two non-federal tracts that would consolidate National Forest System Lands on the Sumter National Forest.

Approximately 12 miles of the 310F trail section would be relocated from highly impacted, non-sustainable locations to a side hill location that overlooks some of the most scenic mixed hardwood drains.

Home Telephone Company, Inc. ReConnect Program project will extend broadband services to rural areas of the Charleston County and Berkeley County in South Carolina.

Construct a sustainable hiking trail to Brasstown Falls and address dispersed camping in the vicinity of the trail.

Control of non-native invasive plants on the Sumter National Forest using herbicide applications. The proposal includes treatment of non-native invasive private and state lands under a Wyden agreement.

In conjunction with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, we propose installing a beaver pond leveler at an existing beaver pond dam at Fury's Ferry to reduce flooding impacts to adjacent private property.

We propose removing the man-made dam which created Burson's Lake and restoring the stream channel.

The Forest Service proposes paving 1 mile of Forest Road 708 (Burrell's Ford Road) to reduce sediment. A conventional culvert where this road crosses King's Creek would also be replaced with a culvert to allow for aquatic organism passage.

This project would consist of vegetation, wildlife habitat, wetland, recreation, and transportation improvements in an effort to move the project area toward desired conditions outlined in the forest plan.

This proposed action includes the following activities that are needed to meet recommendations from the USFWS to manage RCW in the RENEW project area. These efforts are needed to enhance the population and monitor the results of these efforts.

Installation of underground fiber optic lines in Abbeville County

This project will align the Sumter National forests outdoor recreation offerings with forest strengths/niche, changes in user demand/preferences, and reduced budgets in order to provide a more sustainable and beneficial program to the public.

The proposed project would thin or remove 166 acres of beetle infested trees.

Renewal of Meansville Riley Road Water Company and Laurens Electric Cooperative, Inc special use permits

The Francis Marion Ranger District is proposing to create a new green tree reservoir (GTR). A GTR is a seasonally flooded wetland managed for waterfowl.

The proposed action describes an adaptive management strategy to manage prescribed fire on approximately 262,000 acres of national forest lands and nearby tracts of state and private lands covered in a Wyden agreement.

The Town of Awendaw proposes construction and maintenance of approximately 2.4 miles of trail as part of the East Coast Greenway Trail System.

The Andrew Pickens Ranger District proposes prescribed burns on approximately 7,004 acres across 13 burn units. Some mechanical and manual vegetation management is also proposed.

Pre-commercial thinning of approximately 1,054 acres across 26 of loblolly pine-dominated stands to improve stand conditions.

We are proposing to thin or remove timber infested with pine beetle. Entire stand removal would be determined on a case by case basis, this is commonly referred to as the salvage or cut-and-removal of trees with commercial value.

Repair of flood damaged roads. Periodic road repair and maintenance activities on Forest Service jurisdiction roads and State and County roads with road maintenance agreements. Replacement of 24 culverts with aquatic passable culverts.

The Enoree Ranger District is proposing to install and maintain wooden nesting and roosting boxes throughout the district.

Construction of 3.1 miles of new trail for mountain biking and hiking from Stumphouse Passage to Oconee State Park.

Mechanical treatment of approximately 2,873 acres by mowing or mastication of understory and mid-story woody vegetation to improve vegetation conditions for wildlife, including protection of red-cockaded woodpecker clusters.

Lower the risk of a southern pine beetle outbreak and restore native ecosystems on approximately 2,346 acres of the Francis Marion National Forest.

Introduce prescribed fire on approximately 798 acres in compartment 217 (Tibwin Tract) on the Francis Marion National Forest

Control beetle outbreaks and improve overall forest health by using sanitation harvests in conjunction with normal beetle suppression techniques on over 60 current and future beetle outbreaks.

The Forest Service is proposing to establish access points for boaters on the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River within the boundaries of three National Forests (Chattahoochee, Nantahala and Sumter).

Pre-commercial thinning of 635 acres of predominantly loblolly pine sapling size trees withi Abbeville , Greenwood, McCormick and Saluda counties, South Carolina.

Silvicultural Treatments consisting of commercial thinning on 6,361 acres, regeneration harvest (clearcut with reserves) on 2,146 acres and regeneration harvest ( shelterwood with reserves) on 256 acres.

Environmental Assessment for ecosystem restoration activities in the Macedonia analysis area of the Francis Marion National Forest in Berkeley county South Carolina.

Initiate prescription burning on a periodic basis on 312 acres in compartment 63, stands 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15 and 20 in Union County, South Carolina. In addition, the district proposes to conduct thinning on 26 acres in compartment 63, Stand 11.

Relocate seven tenths of a mile of the Buncomb Horse Trail in Newberry County.

Updates to the Sumter forest plan are needed to clarify how the risk of pesticide use is evaluated.

The proposed project would replace aging and obsolete water control structures and rehabilitate and restore ditches/canals to improve function and efficiency.

The forest Service proposes to use proven cut-and-leave and salavage suppression methods to control Ips engraver and southern pine beetle infestations on the Long Cane Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest.

Restoration of a wetland area which is approximately 950 acres along the Broad River within the Enoree Ranger District, Sumter National Forest.

This project would restore seven acres of tidal salt marsh that was furrowed to grow a loblolly pine plantation. The project would remove the loblolly pine trees and return the land to its original elevation below the mean high water for the area.

Prescribed burning for the purpose of restoring and maintaining natural forest communities, and to decrease threat of wildfire by managing fuels.

Controlling non-desirable trees with herbicide to promote the growth of planted and naturally growing loblolly pine trees.

Charter Communications is proposing to move existing fiber optic lines from Berkeley Electric poles and place then underground along SCDOT Hwy 17A Right-of-Way in Macedonia, SC.

Vegetation treatments for suppression of southern pine beetle on the Andrew Pickens Ranger District.

Project will include repair and maintenance of existing trail and a small portion of the trail will be rerouted to avoid impacts to existing resources in the area.

Restoring 252 acres of riparian wetlands and upland depressions on the Enoree Ranger District

The US Forest Service is proposing to grant outfitting and guiding special use permits to businesses on the Andrew Pickens Ranger District, Sumter National Forest in South Carolina.

The Francis Marion National Forest is proposing activities to add improvements to the Wambaw Cycle Trail that include: Adding one mile of a 36" wide single track dirt bike trail, developing a north loop trailhead, and 1 mile trail connector.

Insecticide suppression treatments of non-native woolly adelgid.

To address management of nesting and foraging habitat for red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW), an amendment to the land and resource management plan for the Sumter National Forest is needed.