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| Birdwatching, like on this DNR tour, is a good example of nature-based tourism |
An
array of leaders keen on rural economic development were on hand to participate
in the audience discussion portion of the meeting that followed several
speakers. One audience member from Bamberg County asked for help to develop
their Cathedral Bay Heritage Preserve as a tourist destination.
Creating a destination for visitors
was a common idea. Colleton County already has the Great Swamp preserve, but
somehow the urgent need for a public education and outreach center to accompany
it has not been realized. Far more grandiose plans are lined up for County
Council to consider, while the Great Swamp project still needs guidance to
become a first-class destination with an education building.
Charles Lane is chairman of the ACE
Basin Task Force and he spoke about the need for agricultural income to rise in
our region. The meeting encompassed Allendale, Hampton, Barnwell, Bamberg,
Colleton and Orangeburg counties which all have a significant agricultural
heritage. “A lot of ag practices have left our state, and the East Coast, but
now there is more demand for locally grown food,” said Lane. “We want to create
jobs that are tied to the rural community.” Lane cited much higher ag income
per acre in the neighboring states of North Carolina and Georgia.
Tim Adams with the S.C. Forestry
Commission spoke about the pulp and paper industry that is a large part of our
regional economy. “Ag lands have decreased while forest lands have increased,
and we have more wood volume now than ever,” said Adams. After showing a map of
wood mills across the Lowcountry region, Adams cited the need for more
‘secondary’ mills.
Colleton County Clemson Extension
Agent Bob Franklin added that Colletonians should push for such mills. “Every
County wants more industry but the focus seems to be only on high-tech jobs,
when these secondary wood products industries might make more sense,” said
Franklin. A secondary mill is a workplace that takes wood products and builds
something of greater value. Taking boards and then making tables or furniture
for sale would be a good example.
Each speaker seemed to agree that
outdoor recreation is the strong suit of these rural counties. The S.C. Wildlife Federation is heading up the Rural Resource Coalition and is looking
for leaders in each county to speak up. One such party represented the Savannah
Riverkeeper group, which provides tours and oversight along and in the Savannah
River.
Whether it’s fishing in the
Salkehatchie swamp or hunting in the ACE Basin, Colleton County should continue
to let our quality of life contribute towards drawing in new businesses.
Historical and cultural tourism are other outlets to consider. But for people
to come they will require improved rural roads, safe lodging and good
restaurants.
The Rural Resource Coalition was
formed with input from affordable housing, community development, conservation,
forestry, and tourism when they all recognized their overlapping goals. This
coalition wants to capitalize on the human and natural resources of this region
to produce income from local food markets, the conservation of working farms
and forests, renewable energy, and by placing a high value on wildlife habitat.
One audience member expressed
concern about the rate of hardwood cutting he had witnessed recently. This
rural county leader wanted to make sure that hardwoods get planted back in
these areas for future markets, and not to convert them to pine stands. At some
point, hardwoods stands are most valuable as a natural catalyst for water
quality, which is another concern for rural populations in the future.
To view past blog entries about the camo coalition click here.
