Gov. Henry McMaster appointed 25 private- and academic-sector members to the newly created Governor’s Conservation Commission, which will advise the state on conservation and preservation strategy.
Gov. Henry McMaster on Tuesday announced 25 appointments to the Governor’s Conservation Commission, according to the Office of the Governor.
The appointees, drawn from the private and academic sectors, will serve alongside several ex officio members: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Director Tom Mullikin, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Director Duane Parrish, Chief Resilience Officer Ben Duncan and State Forester Scott Phillips, the Governor’s Office said.
“The Commission is uniquely talented and organized to bring broad insight and valuable guidance to matters of growth, conservation, and preservation,” McMaster said.
The commission was created by Executive Order 2026-24, according to the Governor’s Office. It is tasked with advising the governor and the executive branch on conservation and preservation strategies, promoting coordination among state and local agencies, and helping local governments set conservation goals.
The Governor’s Office said the commission will also work to raise public awareness of South Carolina’s history and culture, identify potential funding sources, and encourage partnerships among public, private, academic and nonprofit organizations.
Based on a release from Office of the Governor.
