Watershed protection in the PEE DEE river basin

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service awarded a $102,285 Cooperative Agreement to the South Carolina Rural Water Association (SCRWA) under the Inflation Reduction Act Landscape Scale Restoration program (CFDA 10.731). This five-year project, with an end date of December 17, 2029, focuses on watershed protection in the Pee Dee River Basin in South Carolina.

The key products and services to be delivered through this funding include providing technical assistance, supporting climate mitigation practices, and helping underserved private forest landowners access environmental markets. The project aims to increase climate change adaptation, support forest health, and facilitate market access for underserved and historically marginalized landowners in the region. SCRWA, a non-profit organization with expertise in water resource management and environmental protection, will be the primary awardee responsible for implementing this initiative.