A report reveals Hurricane Helene devastated South Carolina’s forests, causing an estimated $200 million in damages.
McCormick County: Hurricane Helene really did a number on the forests in South Carolina. It’s estimated that the storm caused around $200 million in damage. That’s a huge hit for the state.
Rep. Bill Hixon, who farms in Aiken County, shared that over half of his 130-acre farm was wrecked. He’s never seen trees fall like that before. It’s heartbreaking for many landowners.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission reported that about 234,000 acres suffered some timber damage. Edgefield County was hit the hardest, with over 56,000 acres affected. The damage there alone is estimated at $24 million.
Hixon mentioned that he’s never had so many insurance claims at once. After Helene, he had 300 claims, which is just wild. It’s clear this storm was unlike anything they’ve seen before.
To help with recovery, a team of foresters is working with landowners to assess the damage. They’re also partnering with the USDA to assist those who need it most. Some landowners have already signed up for programs to help replant trees.
There’s also a push for more funding to support recovery efforts. The commission is looking for nearly $13 million this year, which will help with firefighting equipment and urban tree planting.
Overall, there’s a lot of support for the forest landowners in South Carolina, and they’re hoping to bounce back from this disaster.
