Priority Bills

S. 452 – Surface Water Permitting and Protection -  Senator Paul Campbell, SC currently has no laws that provide permits or regulation of the withdrawal and use of surface water from rivers, lake and streams. S.452 would regulate these withdrawals, however it is weaker than sportsmen would like. We are working to build support for amendments that will improve S.452 and make it more friendly to wildlife and boater interests. This is among the most important environmental and conservation bills of this decade and it is very important to sportsmen that a good bill pass next year. This bill is in by the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

H. 3723 -  Representative Jeff Duncan – Provides for an additional permit for “hunting deer with a dog”, provides for additional requirements and fines for violations. Assigned to the House Agriculture and Natural Resources-Wildlife Subcommittee. This bill will likely be considered. by the Committee in January 2010.

H. 3924 Rep. Jim Harrison - Prescribed Fire - The Camo Coalition supports the use of prescribed fire and supports legislation to protect and enhance this important management tool.

SC Conservation Bank- Support full formula funding and removal of the “death clause”.

Resource Agency Budgets Support funding for the SC Department of Natural Resources, SC Department of Parks Recreation and Tourism the SC Commission of Forestry and the SC Department of Agriculture. Budgets of these agencies have been reduced by a greater percentage than other state agencies and their ability to manage our state’s natural resources is greatly diminished. The Camo Coalition strongly supports funding for Natural Resource Management.

H.3541 - Bear Hunting Amendments  This bill by Representative David Hiott of Pickens amends bear hunting laws statewide and allows DNR to establish a bear hunting season outside of Game Zone 1. Bill has passed the House and been assigned to the Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee.

Resolution-Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights
D R A F T   Only – Not for publication

 Whereas, spending time outdoors in the woods, fields and streams is a healthy and emotionally satisfying experience for people of all ages, and is especially beneficial for our children, affording them an enjoyable way to get physical exercise, enhance mental and social development and gain an appreciation for South Carolina’s great array of natural areas and diverse wildlife; and

 Whereas, growing evidence suggests the trend in children’s declining mental and physical health and their separation from nature are linked; and

 Whereas, outdoor recreation results in tangible economic benefits to families and communities through reduction of health care costs, recruitment of families and businesses seeking active and aesthetic communities, and increased local spending; and

  Whereas, numerous studies document that children who participate in outdoor activities are healthier, do better in school, have better social skills and self-image and lead more fulfilled lives; and

 Whereas, the growing disconnect between children and nature is a concern that resonates across all demographic and cultural segments of our society; and

 Whereas,  by providing opportunities for children to connect with the out-of-doors, we enhance opportunities for greater public health, child welfare, community well-being, environmental education, increased tourism, fish and wildlife conservation and ongoing land management; and

 Whereas, the South Carolina Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights provides that every child has the right to

•Swim in a healthy lake or wade in an unpolluted stream
•Build a sandcastle
•Camp out under the stars
•Climb a tree
•Catch a fish or learn to hunt in a safe and sustainable way
•Hike a public trail
•Watch a bird in its natural habit
•Listen to a cricket, bird, or frog in a quiet and serene setting
•Smell a wildflower
•Explore nature
•Volunteer to help wildlife
•Celebrate South Carolina’s outdoor heritage