Southern Coastal Forests are perhaps most notable for their diversity of type and richness of species, from bottomland hardwood forests to rare longleaf pine. These coastal forests are the source of water for the highly productive estuaries throughout the Southeast and integrally connected to the well being of coastal ecosystems.

• Stunning biodiversity, particularly of bird species, thanks to an overwhelming array of different habitats
• Abundant pure water supplies that feed communities and protect coastal water quality
• Outstanding recreational opportunities, particularly for hunting, fishing, and paddling
• Productive areas for timber harvest and other important economic activities

Southern Coastal Forests are some of the nation’s fastest growing areas thanks to strong demand from the swelling ranks of retirees and others drawn by the mild climate. Since 1980 sixteen coastal counties across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia have seen more than 100 percent growth. Future projections show that this density and the associated effects on water quality and other coastal resources will only increase further.  According to the Forest Service, the top fifteen watersheds for projected future development include Southern Coastal Forests such as the Pawmunkey watershed in Virginia, and the Lower Pee Dee watershed in South Carolina.

Southern Coastal Forests have also seen some great conservation victories in recent years, including landmark conservation in South Carolina’s ACE Basin and protection of the Altamaha River watershed through the Forest Legacy Program. Southern Coastal Forests can and have already tapped the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program as an additional federal funding tool to for conservation of key areas.

For more information, please visit our member groups the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League, Southern Environmental Law Center, and Environmental Defense.