Hands Off Beidler Forest!

Santee Cooper wants to cut down hundreds of trees in the Francis Beidler Forest, including sections of original and old growth, to make way for a new transmission line.

Beidler is the world’s largest old-growth cypress-tupelo swamp forest, featuring thousand-year-old trees, a vibrant ecosystem, and flowing blackwater that attracts photographers and nature lovers from all over the world.

To proceed with their plan, Santee Cooper must obtain approval from the S.C. Public Service Commission (PSC). You can do your part and tell them to steer clear of Beidler Forest.

Submitting comments in your own words is the most impactful approach, especially if you can explain your concerns and describe how you would personally be affected by the project. Be sure to cite Docket No. 2025-177-E.

Santee Cooper’s plan would permanently alter this special place and could adversely impact endangered and threatened species, including the spotted turtle.

Santee Cooper has proposed clear-cutting a 25-foot-wide strip over a 7,000-foot span, which would result in the removal of 632 identified trees. In addition, Santee Cooper plans to go an additional 100 feet into the swamp, outside of its 125-foot right-of-way in both directions, to remove additional trees they deem to be a “danger” to the transmission line. This would bring the work right up to the sanctuary’s driveway and would be visible from the scenic boardwalk. It is also well-documented in scientific literature that cypress and tupelo trees rarely fall in storms, and even dead trees stay standing for hundreds of years.

While plans like this usually include an evaluation of several alternatives, Santee Cooper has only included one alternative in its application and quickly dismissed it as unsuitable, citing that it would be four miles longer.

An evidentiary hearing is scheduled to be held in Columbia on August 26, and it will be open to the public. The address for the hearing room is listed below. You can learn more about the PSC review proceeding here.

The Beidler Forest sanctuary was designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2008 and as an Important Bird Area in 2001. Beidler is also home to many other beloved species, including the prothonotary warbler and the otter.

This is one of the few places where South Carolinians can go to see synchronous fireflies, which have been declining due to environmental pressures, including the use of harmful pesticides. Audubon’s Firefly Nights events are extremely popular and tend to sell out quickly. Unfortunately, the tree clearing and construction could negatively impact events like these.

Have you had the opportunity to explore the Beidler Forest? Reply to this email to let us know what it means to you. Better yet, let the PSC know through our form letter. Tell the PSC that we do not want this to happen.

Inform your friends about this threat to Beidler and consider taking additional action, such as writing a letter to the editor in your local newspaper. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.