The Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests consider teamwork and partnerships two of the most important priorities on the forests. Members of our staff continue to play active roles in their communities, serving in local organizations and participating in local events by giving civic club speeches, making Smokey Bear appearances, attending career fairs and sponsoring fishing rodeos. Currently, Forest Service employees in South Carolina participate in the SC Biomass Council, SC Ag Council, SC Nature Tourism Board, Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council, the Cogon Grass Task Force, Southeast Partners in Flight, the South Carolina Outreach Council and Partnership for the Blue Ridge, just to name a few. Many of these organizations also involve federal, state and local partners such as the National Park Service, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Nature Conservancy, Cornell Lab, Clemson University, SC Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR), College of Charleston, the Native Plant Society, NRCS, APHIS, the Foothills Trail Conference and others.

The Forests work especially closely with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), Quail Forever, and several other organizations, including SCDNR, to sponsor/host many events on the districts throughout the year for individuals with disabilities including several Wheelin’ Sportsmen events and fishing rodeos each year. We also work with NWTF on JAKES Field Day Events that educate children and young adults on sustainable forestry, property hunting etiquette and safety and wildlife management. We also co-sponsor Wood Magic Forest Fair with Clemson University, the SC Forestry Association and the SC Forestry Commission. This program for 4th graders teaches students how important forests and forest products are in their everyday lives.