Conservationists, forest officials disagree over new plan

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Conservation groups and U.S. Forest officials disagree over whether a new plan to maintain the Sumter National Forest will do just that during the next 10 to 15 years.

The new plan increases the amount of acreage where timber may not be harvested, but the amount of timber cutting allowed in certain areas under the plan is much greater than has been in recent years.

"This plan not only does not protect but could actually harm the irreplaceable natural treasures of the Sumter National Forest," said Butch Clay, a board member of South Carolina Forest Watch.

Conservation groups said the plan, released Thursday, has been several years in the making, and emphasizes logging and commercial development over forest protection.

But the U.S. Forest Service disagrees.

"The revised plan gives us more tools to provide habitat for plants and animals and establishes goals and objectives for restoring natural communities that (the previous working plan) does not," said Tony White, planning staff officer for the forest.

Sumter National Forest includes 362,000 acres that stretch over 11 counties.

Information from: The State