Santee Cooper's Proposed Transmission Line Threatens World's Largest Original-Growth Cypress-Tupelo Swamp Forest

Strategic Insights -

A potentially destructive transmission line project has been proposed by Santee Cooper, the state-owned electric and water utility in South Carolina, to run partially through the Beidler Forest, one of the last original-growth forests in the state. The project has raised concerns among environmental groups, including the National Audubon Society and the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC). These groups have intervened in the proceedings at the South Carolina Public Service Commission, citing the irreversible impacts of the proposed project on the forest's ecological and cultural significance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Francis Beidler Forest, the world's largest original-growth cypress-tupelo swamp forest, would face irreversible impacts if Santee Cooper's proposed transmission line project is approved.
  • The project would involve clearing old-growth portions of the forest, which have remained intact for all of human history.
  • The National Audubon Society and the SELC have intervened in the proceedings at the South Carolina Public Service Commission to ensure the forest remains protected.
  • Beidler Forest is internationally recognized for its ecological and cultural significance, supporting various ecosystems and wildlife.
  • The project would be a devastating blow to the continued health of the forest, making any clearcutting of the ancient forest "unconscionable."
  • The SELC has stated that Santee Cooper must take every action possible to avoid damaging this "irreplaceable South Carolina treasure."

Statistics:

  • The Francis Beidler Forest is the world's largest original-growth cypress-tupelo swamp forest.
  • The forest has remained intact for all of human history, with old-growth portions yet to be disturbed.
  • The proposed transmission line project would run partially through the existing right-of-way in the forest.
  • The Beidler Forest is one of the last original-growth forests left in the state of South Carolina.
  • The estimated impacts of the proposed project on the forest's ecological and cultural significance are yet to be determined.

Sources:

  • Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), Press Release: "Santee Cooper Proposes Potentially Destructive Transmission Line Through Beidler Forest", https://www.selc.org/press-release/santee-cooper-proposes-potentially-destructive-transmission-line-through-beidler-forest/