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What role will conservation play in 2010 and beyond under the leadership of a new governor? Assuming economic recovery empowers developers to renew various building projects, how would the SC governor guide future growth? Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by what this Democrat from a mostly rural district (Chesterfield, Kershaw and Lancaster Counties) has to offer on the subject of conservation. Senator Sheheen is 38 years old and is a graduate of Clemson University, where he met Amy, his wife of 18 years. After graduating from the University of South Carolina Law School, he began to practice law in his hometown of Camden — a place where sportsmen are plentiful and opportunities abound. He has three children, twins Austin and Joseph and youngest son Anthony, and they attend the same Kershaw County public schools that their father attended.
Sheheen began his service in the SC General Assembly in 2001 as a state representative before becoming a state senator in 2004. He has faced issues such as government accountability and education funding disputes, but it his love for the outdoors that called him to be the chairman of the senate sportsman’s caucus — a group that strives to demonstrate to fellow legislators the inherent good in South Carolina’s outdoor traditions.
Question: Charleston Mercury readers want to know if you would support the conservation land bank in the future?
Sheheen: Yes, I would support the conservation bank, and I am also in favor to increase its funding. I have a long history of support for the land bank, and as the Democratic Floor Leader for the House of Representatives I worked with Republican Chip Campsen to create the bank. Fast forward to 2009, and I was one of the strongest supporters for the $2 million budget. We have a narrow window of opportunity in South Carolina, maybe over the next five to ten years, where we can preserve special places, and I’ll push to increase funding if elected governor. In my home district the state purchased land for what is now the Cooper-Black Field Trial Facility, an example where conservation has led to economic stimulus when people come from other areas to use this facility. Another example from my district is the Battle of Camden site, where a few hundred acres were protected by the land bank to honor the Revolutionary War soldiers who are buried there.
Question: The SC Department of Natural Resources has a budget that is reported to be one-third of one percent of the state’s budget. What would you change about this if elected governor?
Sheheen: The bulk of state funding goes to public education for K-12 schools, and it always will. The question is how we could change the format of future funding for SCDNR — and I would like to start with a salary study committee for SCDNR officers. They are underpaid when compared to highway patrolmen or wildlife officers from other states. When we shine the light on this disparity, I think legislators will be more inclined to increase SCDNR funding. I also would put more focus on funding public hunting on Wildlife Management Areas in the same manner that has occurred under the tenure of SCDNR Director John Frampton.
Question: What aggressive measures would you envision as governor to stop rampant development in the Palmetto State that may damage the $30 billion in yearly revenue that is derived from the use of our natural resources?
Sheheen: The state has to be assertive about land conservation, whether it be fee simple acquisitions or easement purchases. Representing several small towns, I can tell you that we need to empower our existing cities to foster growth in their central areas and to shun outward sprawl. State government and city government often butt heads about what is best, and this is an area where I see the need for improved communications. Economic potential exists for rural areas when you marry the idea of conservation of the “countryside” with the small town serving as the hub for that area.
Question: State Representative Umphlette addressed the SCDNR board at a recent meeting and mentioned that some legislators may support top-sowing for doves in the future. As a current senator, do you favor a return to the practice of top-sowing for dove hunts?
Sheheen: I honestly have not heard of that initiative in the General Assembly, so I am not prepared to answer that question. I am a dove hunter, and I believe that bird hunting is a great way to introduce a youth to hunting — I took all of my sons on a dove hunt last year. To take a stance on this issue as a senator, I would first consult with SCDNR about dove habitat and dove populations and then take their recommendations back to the appropriate legislator committee.
Question: The SC Forestry Commission provides prescribed fire services for landowners, and they are also responsible to control wildfires when they occur. Since prescribed fire both reduces the threat of wildfire and improves wildlife habitat, would you support budget increases for new equipment and manpower? Also, would you institute a preference system concerning prescribed fires assistance for landowners that participate in conservation programs of the SC Forestry Commission?
Sheheen: My Senate district is home to the Sandhills State Forest, and I work with the SC Forestry Commission a lot. They get their revenue from the raking of pine straw, timber cutting and fees for prescribed fire assistance. The General Assembly needs to find money for new equipment from the state’s general fund, especially so since wildfire prevention is the policy of the state. And, yes, it makes an imminent amount of sense to set up a preference system for those who are enrolled in the SC Forestry Commission’s programs like their Stewardship Forest initiative — because we need to reward landowner’s in non-financial ways for practicing conservation.
Question: Mullins McLeod is a fellow Democratic candidate for governor. Which of you would be top gun in a skeet shooting contest?
Sheheen: Jeff, that question might be tricky to answer. I grew up pond fishing, so I might be more comfortable in a bream fishing contest. My shooting skills are not as honed these days, because when I get in the field I prefer to let my sons do the shooting.
Question: Secretary of Education Dr. Jim Rex supports expansion of a pilot program already in schools that teaches kids about the outdoors. Are you aware of this program?
Sheheen: Yes, this program is at North Central High School in my district, and I believe that exposing students to the outdoors gives them a healthy outlook on life. Budget woes simply won’t allow for this program to expand right now, but we can hope that an economic recovery will one day allow for additional funding of this worthy program.
Question: Anything else you would like to share with our readers today?
Sheheen: People need to understand that the biggest priority in my life is my family, and I spend a lot of time with my kids and with my wife. It may be indicative of who I am, but thankfully we spend a lot of time in the outdoors. We like to hike, go to the mountains, canoe down a river or go camping and fishing.
Jeff Dennis can be reached at www.Lowcountryoutdoors.com
