Economic Impact of S.C.'s Natural Resources & the SCDNR
The 2009 study, "Underappreciated Assets: The Economic Impact of South Carolina's Natural Resources" by the University of South Carolina Moore School of Business, found that well-managed natural resources are essential for economic development. Blessed with incredible natural bounty and beauty, South Carolina's natural resources are essential for economic development and contribute nearly $30 billion and 230,000 jobs to the state's economy, according to the 2009 study.
Overall Economic Impact of Natural Resources on South Carolina.
| 2008 | Total |
|---|---|
| Labor Income | $7.8 billion |
| Employment | 236,110 |
| Total Impact | $29.1 billion |
Outdoor Recreational Impacts: Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife Viewing
In South Carolina, a major part of outdoor recreation centers on fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The Department of Natural Resources supports, maintains, and enhances these activities as a primary mission.
Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife Viewing: Economic Impact
| 2008 | Direct | Indirect ** | Induced** | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value Added* | $1,341,344,566 | $324,191,903 | $525,872,930 | $2,191,408,400 |
| Labor Income | $897,822,911 | $187,818,817 | $270,028,932 | $1,355,670,661 |
| Employment | 44,672 | 5,205 | 8,660 | 58,537 |
| Output | $2,310,822,440 | $590,567,967 | $892,762,984 | $3,794,151,390 |
Outdoor Recreational Activities
Natural resources are the basis for most recreational activities in South Carolina. Recreation resources must be managed and maintained. Recreational activities in South Carolina are diverse, as indicated in the tables below, which identify the participation of South Carolinians (age 12 or older) in outdoor recreation. The data are derived from South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism’s periodic survey of the South Carolina public.
| South Carolina Recreation Participation Trends: Percentage Participating in Recreational Activity (Six Highest Participation Rates) | Total Participation in Recreational Activities (Number of Times) by South Carolinians Age 12 and Older: Six Highest Estimated Participation (Trips) 2005 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach swimming/ sunbathing | 62.5 | Bird wildlife | 46,093,331 |
| Freshwater fishing | 37.2 | Watching wildlife | 46,093,331 |
| Visiting an unusual natural feature | 34.7 | Beach swimming/ sunbathing | 24,547,789 |
| Motor boating | 34.1 | Motor boating | 19,850,155 |
| Watching wildlife | 33.4 | Freshwater fishing | 16,247,458 |
| Lake/river swimming | 28.0 | Lake/river swimming | 11,726,426 |
| Source: South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism 2005 Recreation Participation and Preference Study. Columbia, SC, 2005. | |||
Outdoor Recreational Impacts: Coastal Tourism
In addition to fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing, many visitors and local residents take advantage of South Carolina’s most famous recreational asset—its miles of sandy beach and ocean surf, stretching from the Grand Strand to the Low Country. The tourism impacts shown in the table below do not include historic tourism (Charleston, for example). The state value added (gross domestic product) from coastal tourism amounts to approximately $3.5 billion, supporting 81,000 jobs. Total output and value added impacts are given as well.
Coastal Tourism: Economic Impact
| 2008 | Direct | Indirect ** | Induced** | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value Added* | $2,175,917,712 | $525,611,037 | $800,411,667.80 | $3,501,940,417 |
| Labor Income | $1,357,208,542 | $295,208,228 | $411,000,802 | $2,063,417,573 |
| Employment | 60,399 | 8,119 | 12,466 | 80,984 |
| Output | $4,684,866,174 | $1,002,277,617 | $1,358,850,668 | $7,045,994,459 |