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South Carolina contains pristine mountain streams such as the Chauga River and the better known Chatooga River; beautiful lakes, such as Jocassee, Keowee, and Murray; diverse freshwater wetlands; pristine coastal marshes and estuaries; and great beaches like the Grand Strand and those on Hilton Head and Isle of Palms.

In the Upstate, visitors can enjoy mountain scenery in the Sumter National Forest. In the Lowcountry, hiking and wildlife watching are favorite activities in the Francis Marion National Forest, named after the Revolutionary War "Swamp Fox." Congaree National Park is a spectacular example of bottomland hardwood forest, including stately bald cypress and tupelo trees.

South Carolina's natural beauty is at risk from the rapid urbanization that is sprawling into farms, forests, open spaces, wildlife habitat, and historic sites. We must act now to protect the natural and historical heritage we treasure, in order to pass this legacy on to our grandchildren and future generations.

South Carolina is 14th in the nation for natural diversity, but only about 1.6 million acres—or 8 percent of our state's 20 million acres—have been protected, including all public lands such as military bases.

Working together, we can protect South Carolina's beautiful natural heritage for the pleasure and benefit of future generations.

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