COLUMBIA, S.C. - The state of South Carolina has secured 50 million dollars to conserve 62,000 acres of the Pee Dee River basin. Governor Henry McMaster says the goal is to protect the resources on that land from being stripped for production. The governor also says this is by far the largest conservation project in the history of South Carolina.

According to a release from the governor's office, the money comes from the Forest Legacy Program.

South Carolina is heavily impacted by forestry products such as timber which is the state's most harvested crop. In addition to saving the land and trees, these preservation efforts will give public access to more than 7,000 acres of land.

“Today marks an unprecedented victory for conservation and commerce,” said Scott Phillips, South Carolina Forestry Commission’s State Forester. “Coined the nation’s ‘wood basket’, this region’s timberlands are one of the state’s most important assets. Not only do forested landscapes provide clean water, scenic beauty, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation, they also represent a renewable resource with a major economic impact. The funding announced for this initiative is a win on every level—for our state’s economy, for our workforce, for residents, and for wildlife.”