The funds provide sustainable management of non-federal forests for the benefit of society, enabling non-industrial private forest landowners to manage, protect, and use natural resources

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Region 8 (Southern Region), awarded $250,000 to the South Carolina Forestry Commission on September 16, 2025, under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act Nursery Vegetation program (CFDA 10.736). This five-year project grant, which extends through September 15, 2030, funds modernization and capacity enhancements at state and tribal forestry nurseries and seed orchards. The South Carolina Forestry Commission will utilize these funds to strengthen nursery infrastructure and improve seed orchard operations, with a focus on expanding the supply of plant material for revegetation and reforestation initiatives across South Carolina.

The grant prioritizes sustainable forest management on non-federal lands by enabling the Commission to enhance the production and availability of seedlings and seeds suitable for current and future ecological conditions. Allowable uses of funds include capital improvements to nursery facilities, equipment upgrades, and staffing expenses directly tied to increasing seedling and seed production capacity. These investments will support post-harvest reforestation, post-wildfire recovery efforts, and the development of genetically diverse, climate-adapted plant stock necessary for resilient forest management across the state.

Funds will be prioritized to enhance state and tribal nursery capacity, improve seed orchards, regional coordination and collaboration to ensure resilient, ecologically appropriate supply of plant material for revegetation and reforestation efforts across all lands.