History Timeline of years 1962 - 1975

Year	Information
1962	The Wildlife Department acquired its first airplane, which was a 180 Cessna.
1963	The Hunter Safety Program was started and still continues today.
1966	The Information and Education Section was created under Eddie Finlay. Information and education was formerly handled under the Administrative Division.
1967	The first artificial reef, with state involvement, was established 10 miles off of Kiawah Island.
1967	The South Carolina Water Resources Planning and Coordination Act of 1967 established the South Carolina Water Resources Committee. The act was amended in 1969 to change the Committee to the South Carolina Water Resources Commission.
1969	Wildlife Resources Commission approved a final report titled "A Plan for Marine Resources Research and Development in South Carolina," which noted the essential need to establish a comprehensive research and development program for marine resources. A directive to proceed with implementation of the plan was issued by the Commission..
1970	In March, James A. Timmerman, Jr. was named the first director of the newly established Marine Resources Division (MRD). Construction started on the Marine Center (at Fort Johnson in Charleston, South Carolina), to provide a facility for marine research and management.
1971	The Game Management Area (GMA) now Wildlife Management Area (WMA) program began with department-owned tracts and leases. Fees were required for a permit.
1972	The South Carolina Wildlife Resources Department was renamed the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department to emphasize the importance of the Marine Resources Division.
1974	The Scenic Rivers Act was passed establishing the Scenic Rivers Program. The legislation was amended in 1989. The purpose of this program is to protect "unique or outstanding scenic, recreational, geologic, botanical, fish, wildlife, historic or cultural values" of selected rivers or river segments in the state.