Bill > H3872

This bill, titled the "Hunting Heritage Protection Act," mandates that the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) implement policies and procedures to prevent any overall reduction in the amount of land managed by the department that is available for hunting and fishing. Specifically, it requires that any department-managed land, defined as state-owned lands under the DNR's management and part of its Wildlife Management Area program, must remain open for hunting unless closed for specific fish or wildlife management reasons or by other laws. Crucially, any decisions that lead to a decrease in the total acreage of these lands available for hunting must be compensated by the DNR finding equivalent replacement acreage for hunting opportunities, ensuring there is "no net loss" of hunting land. The DNR's director must also provide an annual report to legislative committees detailing any land closures and the acreage acquired to replace it. This act will become effective upon the Governor's approval.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3872&session=126&summary=B