Biking, hiking may be affected by budget cuts

COLUMBIA - Gov. Mark Sanford's plan to slash more than $2 million from the state Forestry Commission's budget could cost the agency a 10th of its jobs and diminish recreational activities, including biking and hiking, at state forests.

In his executive budget, Sanford proposes cutting the commission's spending as part of his plan to merge the agency with the Department of Natural Resources and a division of the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

The budget reductions could result in the loss of more than 50 jobs at the 500- employee commission, agency officials estimate.

Sanford's budget also proposes cutting as much as $200,000 for recreation services at S.C. forests. The cuts could mean the loss of as many as six employees who manage state forests and the possible closure of some trails used by hikers and bicyclists at some state forests, commission officials say.

Nearly 5,000 people bought permits last year to bike, ride horses and participate in other recreational activities at state forests.

That doesn't include hunters, who are governed by another state agency.

Sanford's spokesman Will Folks said the governor's budget does not de-emphasize recreation.

"But it does make some small reductions," Folks said. Sanford wants to cut services and programs that duplicate those provided by other state agencies, he said.

Sanford's budget plan was released two weeks before the governor urged residents to exercise more. In his annual State of the State speech Wednesday, Sanford challenged residents to bicycle, walk or canoe this year to stay in shape and see the state.

The governor's budget proposes cutting $177,000 for salaries that fund six full-time jobs at Harbison and Manchester state forests.

The 24,000-acre Manchester forest near Sumter features trails for horses and off-road vehicles and paths for hikers.

Harbison State Forest, a 2,200-acre woodland in Columbia, is used by the public largely for hiking, biking and education.

Full-time workers at both sites handle an array of duties, including the sale of permits.

Without paid staff, "trail maintenance and the upkeep of facilities is going to deteriorate," deputy forester Bill Boykin said. "We'd have to close off some areas to the public because we would not be able to maintain them."

State forests are part of protected natural areas in South Carolina open to the public, including state parks and heritage preserves, the Congaree National Park, national forests and national wildlife refuges.

Jim McCaulley, who leads Richland County's We The People organization, said Sanford is right to look at new ways to cut the state budget. "Different agencies have sacred cows that have never been looked at," McCaulley said.

Verida Marchette, a horse enthusiast and a member of a Forestry Commission recreational advisory committee, said Sanford's plan could hurt the Cooper Black field trial area.

"This is going to cause a lot of anger," said Marchette. "I'm just heartsick."