South Carolina Native Plant Society news and information of interest to all chapters.

Statewide News

SCNPS Newsletters (PDF format)

January 2008: Journal of the South Carolina Native Plant Society
November, 2007: Journal of the South Carolina Native Plant Society
April, 2007: Journal of the South Carolina Native Plant Society
January, 2007: Journal of the South Carolina Native Plant Society
October, 2006: Journal of the South Carolina Native Plant Society

SCNPS Board of Directors meeting minutes (PDF format)

January 13, 2008: Minutes of the State Board Meeting
January 7, 2007: Minutes of the State Board Meeting
October 8, 2006: Minutes of the State Board Meeting.
June 10-11, 2006: Minutes of the State Board Meeting

Results of Statewide Cogongrass Survey

Cogongrass has been spotted for the first time in Greenville County. This brings the number of infected South Carolina counties to nine. Master Naturalist Jane Kramer discovered the infestation on the edge of busy Wade Hampton Blvd in Greer, while participating in the the multiagency Cogongrass Survey in May. The sample was identified by the Clemson University Plant Problem Lab as wild cogongrass. A new infestation was also found in Pickens County during the survey, which brings the Pickens total to three. All Pickens County sites are instances where the ornamental Japanese Bloodgrass has reverted back to the invasive strain — in one case spreading throughout the yard and under the house! (They say it can grow in sun or shade, and this would seem to confirm that.) All forms of Cogongrass, Imperata cylindrica, including the ornamental varieties, are illegal in South Carolina.

For several years a single infestation in Hampton County received the close attention of Clemson’s Department of Plant Industry (DPI). Two more sites were identified in landscapes; then in late 2006, a sizeable infestation was spotted in the Francis Marion National Forest in Berkeley County. This led to the formation of a Cogongrass Task Force in SC, a coalition of state agencies, universities, companies and environmental organizations, with the purpose of implementing a broad strategy to detect and treat cogongrass infestations. The SC Native Plant Society is a member of this coalition.

Cogongrass is estimated to occupy over a million acres in Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida panhandle. Numerous sites in Georgia have folks there scrambling to keep their state from following suit. Cogongrass is a terribly invasive exotic grass, rated by some as one of the ten worst weeds on the planet. All known cogongrass infestations in SC are under attack by Clemson’s Department of Plant Industry. This requires repeated applications of herbicides and regular monitoring. It is difficult to control, especially if we don’t find new infested sites early in their development. Because of the light fluffy nature of the seed, it doesn’t take much wind to move seeds some distance. In addition, hunters, hikers, timber harvesters and others can easily transport seeds in their clothes and equipment, unknowingly “planting” new infestations. This means that we need to do regular and thorough surveys of our forests, fields, roadsides and neighborhoods, and to do that we need a large group of vigilant, trained and motivated observers — people who care about nature in this state.

Cogongrass will continue to be in the bloom stage into July. Be on the lookout for this plant whenever you are traveling! Arm yourself with information by visiting websites such as:

www.cofc.edu/~everettj/cogongrass.html

www.clemson.edu/for/cogon.html

www.cogongrass.org

SCNPS president Bill Stringer issues comments to DHEC and the Corps of Engineers concerning a permit request to fill a portion of Langston Creek in Greenville County

DHEC and the Corps of Engineers are considering a permit application to fill part of a stream for a development on a property on Poinsett Highway near Furman University. It contains a population of the federally listed endangered bunched arrowhead (sagittaria fasciculata). This plant is critically imperiled species (G1). It exists primarily in South Carolina in and near Greenville County in the Reedy and Enoree watersheds. We understand this property contains an important population of the Reedy population. The proposed development would fill a stream and disrupt the hydrology of the site, threatening this population of the endangered species. Copy of letter (.pdf)

SCNPS issues comments to USDA Forest Service concerning proposed "daylighting permanent wildlife openings" in the Francis Marion National Forest

Issues Committee member Jeff Glitzenstein issues comments concerning a proposal to establish permanent wildlife openings in the Francis Marion National Forest. Please read the letter sent to Ranger Sutton.

SCNPS issues comments to USDA Forest Service concerning proposed actions in the Enoree Ranger District, Sumter National Forest

John Brubaker issued comments on behalf of the SCNPS concerning the proposed maintenance and repair of the Epps spillway and proposed roadwork on newly acquired tracts in the Enoree District of the Sumter National Forest.

SCNPS and USDA Forest Service working to control the spread of Cogongrass in the Francis Marion National Forest

Cogongrass was first found in the Francis Marion National Forest in November 2006. This very aggressive Asian grass has the potential to eliminate plant and animal diversity throughout the Forest. Cogongrass forms extremely dense stands, and it may secrete allelopathic chemicals that are toxic to other plants. No other plants can compete with established cogongrass. It has very low value for wildlife because of its rough leaf edges and high silica content. Stands of cogongrass are nearly impenetrable. It is quite fire-tolerant, and disrupts both natural and prescribed fire regimes. Statewide detection and control of invasive pests like cogongrass are being coordinated by the Department of Plant Industry (DPI) at Clemson University. They and the US Forest Service are actively working at controlling this infestation in the Francis Marion National Forest. The South Carolina Native Plant Society strongly supports these control efforts. SCNPS members can be of great assistance by keeping our eyes open and reporting any suspicious-looking plants anywhere in the state, and reporting sightings to DPI at 864-646-2130. Areas in the National Forests should also be reported to the US Forest Service at 803-561-4000. To familiarize yourself with the appearance of cogongrass, go to http://www.cogongrass.org/ for numerous photos.

In the Charleston area, Dr. Jean Everett at College of Charleston can be contacted for help on identifying cogongrass and other species (everettj@cofc.edu or 843-953-7843).

SCNPS issues comments to USDA Forest Service concerning the September 18, 2006, environmental assessment (EA) for the Restoration an Enhancement of Native Ecosystems for Wildlife (RENEW) project proposal, Long Cane Ranger District, Sumter National Forest

SCNPS Issues Committee members John Brubaker and Jeff Glitzenstein traveled to the Long Cane District for a site review and analysis in preparing these comments. A copy of the comments sent to the Forest Service along with a partial species listing are available in PDF format:

Letter to Ms. Anne Kiser, District Ranger, Long Cane Ranger District, Sumter National Forest
Partial species list

SCNPS Board of Directors officially designates our Carolina Bay property near Bamberg the "Lisa Matthews Memorial Bay"

The SCNPS Board of Directors voted at their June 22, 2006, meeting to name our bay property the "Lisa Mathews Memorial Bay" in memory of Lisa Mathews, a valued member who died in an automobile accident. Lisa’s husband Terry donated $7,500 to the Society in her memory for use in the bay project. That donation serves as the foundation for the Lisa Mathews Memorial Fund which we will draw on to finance restoration and maintenance. Your contributions to this fund will be appreciated. Our goal is that this cache will grow into an endowment that will assure that, once restored, the rare quality of this property is maintained in perpetuity. Complete story (.pdf)

Carolinas Beach Vitex Task Force Announces Eradication Grant

The Carolinas Beach Vitex Task Force (of which SCNPS is a member) announced Thursday, August 03, 2006, that they have received a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to eradicate the invasive shrub beach vitex from at least 50 beachfront locations in Charleston, Georgetown and Horry Counties. This grant will greatly advance the goals of the Task Force by providing the resources to remove the plant from the frontbeach and to re-establish native dune vegetation.

Complete Beach Vitex Task Force Press Release (.pdf)

SCNPS Publishes Botanical Survey of Tyger River Basin and Issues Comments Regarding Proposed Dam

Union County Economic Development officials have proposed the creation of a lake in the heart of the Sumter National Forest by damming one of South Carolina’s last free flowing rivers – the Tyger River. Officials propose to flood over 6,400-acres of our national forest land to create a reservoir, the so-called "Patriot Lake," and also turn an additional 1,200 acres of public land over to private interests for development. The South Carolina Native Plant Society strongly opposes this proposal and believes that the area that would be destroyed includes some of the best remaining remnants of Piedmont slopes and bottomlands on protected, public, property in South Carolina. SCNPS has completed a botanical survey of the watershed area for consideration by the Army Corps of Engineers in their preliminary study.

Letter to Corps of Engineers from Issues Chairman John Brubaker (.pdf)

Cover letter to Corps of Engineers from Upstate Chapter President Rick Huffman (.pdf)

Botanical Survey (.pdf)

Species List (.pdf)

9th Annual SCNPS Native Plant Symposium

	SCNPS Annual Symposium April 21 - 23, 2006

SCNPS issues letter to legislators regarding proposed legislation to sell national forest lands

SCNPS opposes the sale of national forest lands for the purpose of short term fund raising. Our position is outlined in this letter to our legislators (.pdf).

Accomplishments of Carolina's Beach Vitex task force March 2005 through March 2006

Please find attach the list of accomplishments (.pdf) of the Beach Vitex Task Force over the past year. SCNPS was an active partner in the Task Force during that period. We can be proud of those considerable accomplishments!

-John Brubaker, Issues Chairman

SCNPS volunteers help SC Department of Natural Resources eradicate privet and japanese honeysuckle at Stevens Creek Heritage Preserve

	SCNPS President Bill Stringer and Wes Burnett construct a new footbridge at Stevens Creek Heritage Preserve

Stevens Creek Heritage Preserve, in McCormick County, is one of only two places in the world that's home to the rare Miccosukee Gooseberry, Ribes echinellum. Indeed, Stevens Creek is one of the premier wildflower sites in the eastern US, but even this precious place is threatened by exotic invasive plants. This past Saturday Jan. 28, 2006, Mary Bunch of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources organized a workday utilizing volunteers from the South Carolina Native Plant Society. The primary objective was to pull up as much honeysuckle and privet as possible in the rich riparian area. "We got about 25% of the privet from the gooseberry zone," said Ms. Bunch.

Volunteers also worked on a new footbridge on the lower trail. In fact, hikers were enjoying the new bridge before the end of the day!

Future workdays will be scheduled in November, December, and/or January, and will be posted on the SC Native Plant Society's website.

SCNPS issues comments to USDA Forest Service opposing a special use permit for motorcycle endurance racing in Sumter National Forest

January 24, 2006 - On behalf of SCNPS, Issues Committee Chairman John Brubaker issues comments opposing a request by the Greenville Endurance Riders Association for a special use permit. SCNPS feels this is an inappropriate use of the resource and is joined in this opposition by the Southern Appalachian Biodiversity Project, by the South Carolina Forest Watch, by the Southern Appalachian Forest Coalation, and by Wild South. Supporting document issued by WildLaw (a non-profit environmental law firm) can be read here.

SCNPS and US Forest Service receive the 2005 Regional Foresters Award

November 16, 2005 - A team of Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service employees and the SC Native Plant Society has been awarded the 2005 Regional Forester's Award for Excellence in Technology Transfer.

Dennis Law, Bill Hansen, Steve Dix, and Donald Surrency of the US Forest Service and Bill Stringer of the SC Native Plant Society and Clemson University, received the award at ceremonies at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Atlanta on November 16th.

These individuals and their colleagues are responsible for a ground-breaking five-year program that has allowed US Forest Service in South Carolina to replace exotic (some invasive) species with local source native grass and wildflower seeds in their restoration of disturbed land in the National Forests.

>> News release (pdf file) and photograph of the award recipients

Congratulations to Bill Stringer for his outstanding work on this project and many thanks to all of the volunteers who make it happen each year!

UPDATE November 23, 2005: The South Carolina Wildlife Federation has awarded Bill Stringer the 2005 South Carolina Wildlife Federation Conservation Award for Land. In a letter to Dr. Stringer from SCWF Executive Director Angela Viney, she states "The Federation has recognized outstanding contributions to conservation at it's annual Conservation Banquet for the past 40 years and is extremely proud to have the opportunity to recognize you for your work on behalf of South Carolina's natural resources". Way to go Bill!!

SCNPS issues comments regarding proposed legislation to severely weaken the Endangered Species Act

September 24, 2005 - This week, the House Resources Committee will move forward efforts to severely weaken the Endangered Species Act - one of our country's most successful and valued environmental laws. For over thirty years, the Endangered Species Act has served as a safety net for plants, fish and wildlife that are on the brink of extinction. In that time, the Act has saved nearly 99 percent of protected species from extinction - only 9 of the 1800 plants and animals protected by the Act have been declared extinct. Unfortunately, certain members of Congress are working to eliminate protections that have allowed us to save the bald eagle, grizzly bear, Florida manatee and several other species from extinction. Earlier this week, Congressman Richard Pombo (R-CA), introduced new legislation that will fundamentally alter and weaken the Endangered Species Act and our ability to protect out natural heritage for future generations. Simply put, this legislation seeks to remove protections for our nation's endangered species in order to open loopholes that benefit big developers and other special interests.
President John Brubaker's letter is available here (PDF file)

SCNPS issues comments regarding proposal to apply fertilizer on 7000 acres of loblolly plantation in the Enoree District, Sumter NF

August 20, 2005 - President John Brubaker's letter is available here (PDF file).

SCNPS June 2005 Newsletter

June, 2005 - Our state newsletter can be read online in PDF format.

SCNPS appeals proposed timber sale and ensuing site prep methods on the Long Cane Ranger District compartments 262, 263, 265.

September 19, 2004 - South Carolina Native Plant Society appeals the finding of no significant impact for proposed Rocky Timber Sale issued by District Ranger Elizabeth LeMaster on August 9 2004. Appeal (.pdf)

Update (June 2004): Comments from SCNPS President John Brubaker concerning isolated wetlands bill

The SC Isolated Wetlands Act of 2004, a bill that would have rolled back protection for 350,000 acres of the state's most valuable wetlands, was considered by the SC Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee in the final days of the SC Legislature’s last session. Senators Bradly Hutto, Phil Levintis, Yancy McGill, and Arthur Ravenel opposed the bill. Their objections were not enough to keep the majority of that seventeen member committee from passing the bill to the full Senate. They were, however, able to keep the bill, one of South Carolina’s worst environmental bills in recent history, from being taken-up by the full Senate, and perhaps becoming part of South Carolina law.

This bill, or another much like it, will likely be considered by the SC Legislature in its next session, and again members of the South Carolina Native Plant Society will join others knowledgeable about our State’s precious Natural Heritage will attempt to educate those elected officials about the value of seasonal wetlands. In the Committee hearing just passed a number of Senators expressed difficulty at understanding the value of these wetlands. Their comments included:

• “Why, there are entire courses devoted to the study of isolated wetlands. Will we be able to bring about a better political decision through input from another study group?”
• “How many of these pock marks do we need.”
• “I too offer a prayer for guidance in this matter.”

We are reminded that education is the principal method by which SCNPS seeks to promote the welfare of native plants and native plant communities. Perhaps you will have the opportunity this summer to contact SC House and Senate members who represent you; help those dedicated public servants understand the function and value of seasonal wetlands.

Seasonal wetlands provide important benefits, including wildlife habitat, storm-water retention, and groundwater recharge. South Carolina should employ a methodology for evaluating wetland quality and protecting those wetlands, regardless of size, which provide the most important wetland functions. For example, isolated wetlands with unaltered drainage, intact native vegetation, and existing populations of rare and endangered species would be high on our protection list. Major human disturbances generally lead to irreversible impacts. Bulldozing a site and planting a couple of wetland species is never adequate replacement for destruction of high quality habitat. Instructing DHEC to consider a mitigation requirement satisfied if activities are "carried out in accordance with an approved reclamation plan or permit that requires recontouring and revegetation." Alternatively, the proverbial "farm ponds" or "drainage ditch" frequently cited by opponents of wetlands regulation would not be high candidates for protection.

For years, wetlands protection has occurred alongside flourishing growth in South Carolina. Pristine isolated wetlands with intact soils, undisturbed native vegetation, and unaltered hydrology especially deserve protection. 197 species, or over a third of all rare plant species in the southeastern USA as recognized by state heritage programs, inhabit isolated depressional wetlands¹. Sites with populations of rare plants and animals should be the highest priority. Since very few such sites remain their protection would not constitute a great drain on South Carolina's economy or a great burden to its landowners. In SC over 90% of Carolina Bays over 3 acres in size have been ditched and destroyed².

1. Edwards, A. and A.S. Weakley. 2001. Population biology and management of rare plants in depression wetlands of the southeastern Coastal Plain, USA. Natural Areas Journal 21: 12-35.

2. Bennet, S.H. and J.B. Nelson. 1991. Distribution and status of Carolina Bays in South Carolina. Nongame Heritage Trust Publication No. 1, South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department, Columbia, SC.

Much of the text of the above was copied from correspondence from Christie Renkin and Scott Winburn of the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League, and Dr. Jeff Glitzenstein, Issues Chairman, SCNPS.

SCNPS issues comments regarding draft Jocassee Gorges forest management plan
We have reviewed the proposed Jocassee Forest Management Plan and are pleased to be able to support most of it. In particular, we approve of the proposed increases in fire usage in ridge top and upper slope habitats, particularly on acid soils. We also believe the arguments for thinning, burning and other habitat manipulations in young dense yellow poplar and planted pine stands are justifiable. Finally, we approve the decisions to leave undisturbed mature hardwood stands in gorge habitats or on basic substrates.

Following are a relatively few areas of concern:

1. Best Management Practices: “The project leader for proposed actions will describe the project and solicit comments from staff. Adjustments will be made as needed to protect all resources.” –Our position is that all major projects should be open for public comment.
2. Exotics: We approve of the decision not to plant additional stands of perennial exotic species. However, we disapprove of the relatively passive approach to dealing with established populations of these species, including plantings. Our position is that all populations of known invasive aliens should be aggressively fought unless such actions endanger known populations of rare natives.
3. Fire: We approve of the general philosophy but would like to see some specifics as to the burn regimes prescribed for different types of habitats.
4. Monitoring: The Plan calls for monitoring by SCDNR staff of numerous activities including fire and thinning effects, exotic impacts, tracked species, etc. However, there is no section on monitoring techniques. We would like to see some specific methods discussed as appropriate to the different objectives. For rare plant species we would like to see population based methods employed involving re-surveys of tagged or mapped individuals.
5. Sassafras Mountain Management Unit (Wildlife Management): This section calls for harvesting of “older, off-site hardwood stands”. How are such stands to be recognized and distinguished from appropriate mature timber?

Comments Respectfully submitted by Jeff Glitzenstein, Issues Chair

SCNPS opposes proposed expansion of food plots / dove fields in Sumter National Forest
April 26, 2004 - Proposals to expand food plots in the Sumter National Forest Long Cane and Enoree Districts are opposed by SCNPS. Please read our letter to the rangers at Sumter National Forest for complete details.

SCNPS submits "letter to the editor" concerning isolated wetlands bill
April 20, 2004 - On Behalf of the SCNPS, Issues Committee Chariman Jeff Glitzenstein has submitted a letter to the editors of all major state newspapers stating our position on the isolated wetlands bill now before the state legislature. SCNPS opposes House Bill 4934 concerning regulation of isolated freshwater wetlands in South Carolina. Please read the letter in its entirety and contact your legislators about this important issue. Many thanks to Jeff for his efforts!

SCNPS participates in 1st Annual Conservation Lobby Day and Legislative Breakfast
February 5, 2004 - Members of SCNPS along with people from other conservation organizations across the state met with legislators to bring attention to important issues such as isolated wetlands, funding for the Conservation Land Bank, and land use planning. The event was a big success but follow-up is important. Let your representatives know where you stand on these and other important issues affecting the quality of life in South Carolina.

State's "Plant Citizens" featured on updated Plant Atlas website
January 7, 2004 - Nature and gardening enthusiasts on the Internet can now learn about South Carolina's native and introduced plant "citizens" through county distribution maps and photos posted on a regularly-updated plant atlas web site at http://cricket.biol.sc.edu/herb/. Nearly 3,000 species of trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals - some illustrated by color photographs - from the wilds of South Carolina and their county distributions can be found inside the South Carolina Plant Atlas on the Internet.
More information >>

SCNPS issues final report on Pondberry Restoration Project
January 7, 2004 - In May, 2002 SCNPS was awarded a prestigious grant by the National Wildlife Federation's "Keep the Wild Alive" program to restore endangered Pondberry (Lindera melissifolia) in the Francis Marion National Forest. This report summarizes actions taken and results achieved to date. Complete report (.pdf)>>

SCNPS issues comments to SC DHEC about proposed wetland regulations
December 5, 2003 - On behalf of the SCNPS, Issues Committee Chairman Jeff Glitzenstein sent a letter to SC DHEC expressing our views about the proposed wetland regulations. Please read this important letter in either Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format or MS Word (.doc) format. The proposed amendment (R.61-101, Water Quality Certification), can also be viewed in its entirety in either Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format or MS Word (.doc) format.

SCNPS joins task force formed to control Beach Vitex Vitex rotundifolia on South Carolina Beaches
November 22, 2003 - The South Carolina Native Plant Society is pleased to be included as a member of the Task Force formed by SC EPPC (exotic pest plant council) to control Beach Vitex, Vitex rotundifolia, on the beaches of South Carolina .  We endorse the Task Force’s initiative to stop further invasion of the species by removing seedlings from the beaches and dunes as a holding measure while data are collected to determine the impact of this exotic plant.  In addition to removing seedlings, our members are prepared to contribute to that effort through surveys, training of selected volunteer groups in the identification of V. rotundifolia and other plant species, and to increasing public awareness of the problems and effects of this species as those facts come to us. More information (.pdf document) >>

Back to top of Page