Governor McMaster Honored with Inaugural Palmetto Conservation Leadership Award

jen • April 28, 2026

South Carolina Land Trust Network recognizes decades of leadership protecting the state’s natural and historic resources



Columbia, S.C. (April 27, 2026)— The South Carolina Land Trust Network (SCLTN) presented Governor Henry McMaster with the inaugural Palmetto Conservation Leadership Award, recognizing his commitment to protecting South Carolina’s farms, forests, waterways, and historic landscapes.

The award was presented by Lyles Cooper, Board Chair of the Network and Executive Director of the Pee Dee Land Trust, and Jen Howard, executive director, SCLTN, on behalf of the state’s 24 land trusts, their boards, staff, and conservation easement donors.


“South Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, and more than three-quarters of our land is privately owned,” said Jen Howard, executive director, SCLTN. “That growth brings increasing pressure on landowners to sell their property for development. Conservation easements and strategic land protection are essential to maintaining the balance between livability and economic strength that defines our state.”


Land trusts across South Carolina work directly with landowners to permanently protect working farms, forests, and scenic landscapes—ensuring clean water, wildlife habitat, and preservation of the state’s unique sense of place. From historic battlefields to river corridors and family-owned farms, these lands represent both South Carolina’s heritage and its future.


While acknowledging the increasing pace of land protection, Governor McMaster issued a challenge to the fifty landowners and land trust staff in attendance. “South Carolina has been discovered, and that brings increased use of natural resources across our state,” said Governor McMaster. “In order to support our economic prosperity and quality of life, we must continue to protect more land at a faster pace before it’s too late.”


Under Governor McMaster’s leadership, South Carolina has emerged as a national model for collaborative, bipartisan conservation efforts. Through public advocacy, policy support, and partnerships with state agencies and land trusts, his administration has helped advance large-scale conservation initiatives across the state.


Key accomplishments during his tenure include:

  • Significant increases in funding for the South Carolina Conservation Bank, a critical program that helps landowners protect their property while keeping it in productive use
  • Establishment of the South Carolina Office of Resilience to better coordinate conservation and resource management efforts
  • Support for the 2024 Working Agricultural Lands Preservation Act, expanding tools and funding to protect family farms
  • Facilitation of major conservation projects, including new state parks, forests, and large-scale easements across the state

Since Governor McMaster took office in 2017, more than 385,000 acres have been permanently protected in South Carolina. This includes over 273,000 acres conserved through easements, 58,000 acres acquired for public access, and an additional 54,000 acres secured by land trusts for future transfer to state ownership.

“These achievements reflect a vision that conservation and economic growth are not competing priorities, but complementary ones,” Cooper said. “By protecting working lands and natural resources, we are strengthening South Carolina’s economy and preserving what makes it such a special place to live, work, and visit.”


The Palmetto Conservation Leadership Award honors extraordinary contributions to the permanent protection of South Carolina’s natural and cultural resources. In lieu of a traditional plaque, Governor McMaster was presented with a handcrafted longleaf pine needle basket, symbolizing the resilience and ecological importance of one of the state’s most iconic ecosystems.


“We hope this serves as a lasting reminder of the importance of protecting our special places,” Cooper added. “And as encouragement to continue championing conservation for generations to come.”


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Director, South Carolina Conservation Bank

April 15, 2026
State of SC Position Number: 61123185 (Agency Head) Job Description Position Overview The Director of the South Carolina Conservation Bank, an appointee who must be confirmed by the South Carolina Senate prior to hire, provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for the agency, and serves as the primary liaison between the Conservation Bank Board and the state’s conservation community. Working under the direction of the 17-member Board of Directors, the Director is responsible for implementing the Conservation Bank Act and advancing the agency’s mission to protect South Carolina’s natural resources, working lands, historic landscapes, and significant open spaces. The Director oversees the agency’s grant programs, manages staff and agency operations, and builds partnerships with federal, state, and local governments, nonprofit organizations, land trusts, and private stakeholders to advance land conservation across South Carolina. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership The Director works closely with and reports to the Board to develop and implement the agency’s long-term strategic plan. This includes identifying statewide conservation priorities, maintaining a Conservation Priority Map, and ensuring the agency’s programs align with statutory goals and evolving conservation needs. Grants Program Administration The Director oversees the Conservation Bank’s grant program, which provides funding to qualified entities for land conservation projects throughout South Carolina. Responsibilities include: • Reviewing grant applications and supporting documentation • Conducting site visits and evaluating conservation values of proposed projects • Coordinating due diligence review, including appraisals and other technical analyses • Working directly with applicants to refine proposals and ensure program compliance • Presenting project recommendations and findings to the Board and its Grants Review Committee. Policy and Program Management The Director ensures that the Conservation Bank operates in full compliance with the Conservation Bank Act and applicable state regulations. This includes maintaining and updating the agency’s policies and procedures, supporting Board governance, and ensuring transparency and consistency in all program operations. Budget and Fiscal Oversight The Director prepares annual budget requests to the General Assembly, manages the agency’s annual operating budget and oversees the administration of grant funds, personnel resources, and operating expenditures. The Director ensures all financial activities comply with state requirements and that agency funds are administered responsibly and effectively. External Relations and Partnerships The Director represents the Conservation Bank in communications with the public, state and local governments, conservation organizations, and other partners. Responsibilities include: • Communicating the agency’s accomplishments and conservation impact • Maintaining productive relationships with conservation partners and state agencies • Identifying opportunities to leverage Conservation Bank funds with federal, state, local, and private funding sources • Supporting collaborative conservation initiatives across the state • Maintaining productive relationships with the General Assembly and legislative staff Staff Leadership and Administration The Director supervises agency staff and provides overall leadership for the organization’s operations. Responsibilities include hiring staff, assigning responsibilities, and ensuring the effective coordination of the agency’s administrative and programmatic functions. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university Executive-level leadership or management experience in administration, public service, conservation, real estate, land management, or a related field. Strong public communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of public and private partners are essential. Preferred qualifications include knowledge of South Carolina state government, public finance, grant administration, and natural resource or land conservation issues. To read more or apply, click here.

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