SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin praises officers as “the best in the world” as agency joins an exclusive group of nationally accredited conservation law-enforcement organizations The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Law Enforcement Division has earned national accreditation through the North American Wildlife Law Enforcement Accreditation (NAWLEA) program, becomingContinue Reading
Ex officio members named, including SCDNR director, along with 25 additional appointees representing various state and local agencies By W. Thomas Smith Jr. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced the establishment of the S.C. Conservation Commission Oct. 27, the Commission – created by Executive Order 2026-24 and effective Oct. 22.Continue Reading
With Labor Day behind us, we’re getting closer to cooler weather with every passing day – the kind of days that make a bike ride at Harbison State Forest, a hike at Congaree National Park, or a hunt in the Sumter National Forest not just tolerable but even inviting. SouthContinue Reading
SAVATREE ARBORISTS COMPLETE SURGICAL RESCUE OF 300-YEAR-OLD REVOLUTIONARY WAR “WITNESS TREE” A 300-year-old live oak that stood witness to one of the final major battles of the Revolutionary War’s Southern Campaign is receiving specialized care to ensure it survives for generations to come. Master arborists from SavATree recently began aContinue Reading
Global Expedition Leader now hosting South Carolina Public Radio program By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Dr. Tom Mullikin, director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), is now hosting INTO THE WILD, a fascinating public radio endeavor highlighting the people, places and conservation efforts that protect South Carolina’s naturalContinue Reading
Prayer delivered by retired Marine colonel and three-time Hall of Famer aboard USS Yorktown By Christopher David Carter Col. Steve Vitali, USMC (Ret.), delivered a stirring invocation before gathered dignitaries and SC7 Expedition leaders and participants aboard the decommissioned aircraft-carrier USS Yorktown anchored along the shores of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.Continue Reading
SCDNR fisheries biologists conduct research on the SC7 Expedition trail By Cheyenne Twilley S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) fisheries biologists conducted an electrofishing demonstration on the Middle Saluda River at Jones Gap State Park as part of the sixth-annual South Carolina 7 (SC7) Expedition, earlier this month: The demonstrationContinue Reading
SC7 Expedition enters S.C. Midlands enroute to the coast and Lowcountry Photo – SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin (center) with son Thomas Mullikin Jr., SCDNR Capt. Tommy Buckhannon and two SCDNR game wardens at Jones Gap, South Carolina, along the SC7 trail, July 9. By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Despite searing SouthContinue Reading
SCDNR Director shares thoughts from the SC7 trail about the connection of all things natural By SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” – John Muir Everything in nature is connected. What do mosses,Continue Reading
Governor McMaster praises attendees, says Palmetto State is a paradise By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Scores of lofty awards were presented, including an unexpected Order of the Palmetto, S.C.’S highest award, at Global Eco Adventures’ (GEA) 10th-annual ECO BALL, held April 22, Earth Day, at historic 701 Whaley in Columbia’sContinue Reading
A Collaborative Future for Our Natural Resources By Tom Mullikin Earth Day is a time to reflect on the state of our natural resources. Across the U.S., especially here in South Carolina, we are confronting a new environmental reality defined by intensifying storms, rising waters, and historic growth. These forcesContinue Reading
Willis Bowers is the Quiet Hero Beneath the Surface By Tom Mullikin In South Carolina, drowning is not a rare tragedy. It is unfortunately a persistent, but preventable one. Each year, lives are lost in our rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, often in silence and often in communities where accessContinue Reading
SCDNR’s Chief of Wildlife named to national hall of fame By Tom Mullikin In the world of wildlife conservation, few honors carry the weight of induction into the National Bobwhite and Grasslands Initiative Hall of Fame. Reserved for individuals and groups whose work has left a lasting mark on theContinue Reading
Mullikin honored aboard the oldest still-serving warship in the United States Navy By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Dr. Tom Mullikin, director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) received a rare honor during a break in meetings in Boston, Massachusetts, last week. While touring Boston’s historic Charlestown Navy Yard,Continue Reading
The award recognizes those who protect South Carolina’s lands, waters, and wildlife with exceptional dedication By Cheyenne Twilley Colonel Chisolm Frampton, S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), was presented the Palmetto Excellence in Stewardship Award — the first such award in SCDNR’s history: The Department announcing the presentation, Dec. 11,Continue Reading