SC Forestry Commission Offers Landowner Guidance Following Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene recently swept through South Carolina and other southern states, leaving significant damage in its wake. After addressing immediate needs for safety and well-being, many landowners are left wondering how to handle the impact on their storm-damaged woodlands. In response, the South Carolina Forestry Commission has developed a hurricane-specific guide designed to help forest landowners navigate recovery efforts.

The hurricane’s destructive force resulted in varying degrees of damage to forests across the state. Some areas experienced light damage, with treetop branches broken, while others sustained heavier losses, including trees snapping, being uprooted, or losing a significant number of branches. The extent of damage was highly variable and depended on factors such as tree species, stand age, and whether the area had been thinned recently.

The SC Forestry Commission’s guide provides practical advice on assessing damage and determining the best course of action based on individual landowners’ goals and the condition of their forests. The guide is a valuable tool for restoring the health and productivity of storm-impacted woodlands.

For more information and to access the guide, click HERE.