Representative Campsen Honored for Legislative Leadership in Conservation

Oconee State Park, SC—April 28, 2001—The Nature Conservancy of South Carolina presented its Public Service Award to Representative George E. "Chip" Campsen, III (R-Charleston County) at its 2001 Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 28 at Oconee State Park.

"The Nature Conservancy is very pleased to be able to recognize Representative Campsen’s remarkable contributions to conservation through his work as a state legislator," said Mark Robertson, the executive director of The Nature Conservancy of South Carolina. "During the 1999-2000 General Assembly, Representative Campsen was the principal sponsor and architect of the South Carolina Conservation Incentives Act. This innovative legislation combines respect for private property with conservation of natural resources, by establishing a state income tax credit for private landowners who donate land or conservation easements for conservation purposes."

"Furthermore," noted Robertson, "Representative Campsen, not to be satisfied with his notable achievement last year, has been the chief sponsor and proponent of the South Carolina Conservation Bank Act this year. The SC Conservation Bank would establish a dedicated fund to protect South Carolina’s special places through the purchase of land or conservation easements from willing sellers."

"The South Carolina Conservation Incentives Act which I passed last year, and the South Carolina Conservation Bank Act which I hope to pass this year, have struck a crucial balance between conservation and property rights. I am honored by the breadth of support for both of these pieces of legislation and by The Nature Conservancy's recognition of my efforts in the area of conservation," remarked Representative Campsen.

The South Carolina Conservation Bank Act (S. 297) is currently being considered by the General Assembly. It would dedicate $0.25 of the existing state deed recording fee for the purpose of acquiring land or conservation easements for sites which represent South Carolina’s outstanding natural areas, wildlife habitats, historical/archaeological sites, or critical open spaces for outdoor recreation. The legislation establishes no new taxes and relies on voluntary participation from landowners.

"A hallmark of Representative Campsen’s legislative achievements is that he has been able to forge a broad consensus to support his initiatives," said Robertson. "Realtors, farmers, forestry companies, chambers of commerce and environmental groups have all supported his legislation. This is a clear indication of his ability to identify conservation measures that will succeed in South Carolina."

Representative Campsen, an attorney in Charleston, has served in the General Assembly for five years.