July/August 2019SCDNR Divisions
Land, Water and Conservation
Hydrology/Geology
The Earth Science Group of LWC consists of the Hydrology Section and the Geological Survey. Both programs are involved with the acquisition of earth science information ranging from monitoring of both surface and groundwater; recognizing physical change along the coast, such as the effects of coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion into the aquifers; and mapping of both the Piedmont and Coastal Plain for land-use planning, earthquake hazards, and critical minerals. The Hydrology Section also is actively involved in the updating of the State Water Plan, with the help of stakeholders.
Archaeology
Within the Southeastern United States, more than 19,000 recorded archaeological sites will be submerged by the end of the 21st century with a one-meter rise in sea level. Pockoy Island Shell Rings (38CH2533) is a 4,300-year-old site located on Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve, a South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) managed area on Edisto Island. Pockoy is experiencing a rapid rate of erosion — about nine meters per year. It is because of this threat that Pockoy and other sites are considered examples of Heritage at Risk — a global term used to define cultural resources threatened by natural and human impacts. More information about how you can join the SCDNR Archaeology team and this global movement to excavate, document and analyze Heritage at Risk sites before they are lost can be found at heritagetrust.dnr.sc.gov.
Climatology
Since 1979, the State Climatology Office (SCO) has provided data on weather and climate to the citizens, local and state agencies of South Carolina. The office offers data services, facilitates effective communication of climate information, conducts research and product development, and promotes outreach and education to increase climate literacy. Learn more at https://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/. The SCO also coordinates the Community Collaborative, Rain, Hail and Snow (CoCoRaHS) program across the state. CoCoRaHS is a unique network of citizen scientists who measure and track precipitation in their backyard, providing vital information to emergency managers, the National Weather Service and more. To become an observer, visit www.cocorahs.org.
Law Enforcement
The Law Enforcement Division enforces recreational and commercial hunting, fishing and boating regulations; provides education opportunities to the public in the areas of hunter and boater safety; and administers outreach programs to youth encouraging participation in outdoor activities such as hunting, boating, fishing and shooting sports.
Report wildlife and boating violations to the Law Enforcement Division by calling the Operation Game Thief hotline at 1 (800) 922-5431 or texting through SCDNR Tips. SCDNR Tips is an anonymous tip line designed to allow the public to report non-emergency criminal activity directly to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. You may submit a tip in several ways: by using your mobile phone to text tips to keyword SCDNR along with your tip to 847411(tip411), by sharing information through our integrated web form, or by downloading our free smartphone app from iTunes or Google Play. Visit www.dnr.sc.gov/law/OGT to learn more.
Marine Resources
From a campus overlooking Charleston Harbor, the SCDNR Marine Resources Division serves as the advocate for and steward of the state's marine resources. Studying everything from algae to tiger sharks, our staff of biologists, fisheries managers and educators work to protect and conserve South Carolina's coastal waters and wildlife for future generations. Staff and volunteers now offer monthly tours of MRD's headquarters at historic Fort Johnson, where the first shot of the Civil War was fired. Visitors can learn more about MRD's fleet of research vessels and the exciting work that goes on in its laboratory facilities by signing up on the SCDNR Facebook page.
Another new public offering trains saltwater angling enthusiasts to organize and lead family fishing clinics. These free clinics are designed to introduce first-time anglers to the skills needed to tie fishing knots, rig a rod and reel and successfully cast. Find the next clinic near you at https://www.dnr.sc.gov/aquaticed/fishingclinic. MRD general information: (843) 953-9300.
Division of Administration
If you hunt, fish or own a boat, then you have most likely visited or called the SCDNR Division of Administration. This section of the agency manages the sale of hunting and fishing licenses throughout the year and handles all of your boat titling and registration needs. For more information, visit https://www.dnr.sc.gov/licensing.html.
Support Services also provides a team of SCDNR engineers and staff to survey, maintain and construct boat landings and other structures on lands that are managed by the agency. For more information, visit https://www2.dnr.sc.gov/ManagedLands/boatramp/boatrampsearch.
Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
The core mission of the SCDNR's Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division is to protect, manage and sustain the public enjoyment of natural resources through programs that support hunting, fishing, wildlife watching and other forms of outdoor recreation. The Division develops and implements programs that manage and conserve wildlife species and inland aquatic species and their habitats.
South Carolina's scenic lakes and waterways are stocked annually with more than 11 million fish that have been raised in SCDNR hatcheries. Staff maintain and enhance Wildlife Management Areas and Heritage Trust lands with plantings, prescribed burning and regular maintenance to support a diverse array of native flora and fauna. The main office of the WFF Division is located at 1000 Assembly Street in Columbia, with regional offices in Clemson, Florence and Charleston. For more information, visit dnr.sc.gov/divisions/wildlife or call 803-734-3886.
