What Guides Us
History of the Department
The agency as organized on July 1, 1994, under the S.C. Restructuring Act is composed of the former Wildlife and Marine Resources Department, Water Resources Commission (non-regulatory programs), Land Resources Commission (non-regulatory programs), State Geological Survey (State Geologist), and S.C. Migratory Waterfowl Committee. These have been combined into the present division structure. The Department has developed a vision for the future to guide the agency in its mission and provide the public with a clear understanding of its plan to preserve South Carolina's natural wealth. Thomas S. Mullikin, PhD, JD is the current Director of the agency.
The SCDNR is governed by the seven-member S.C. Natural Resources Board, with one member representing each of the state's seven Congressional Districts. The board meets monthly. Citizen advisory committees meet periodically.
The public is invited to attend all meetings, and comment is encouraged. Upcoming meetings are announced through news releases, local newspapers, or the DNR News and Video Section at 803-734-3952. Also, SCDNR Board Meeting minutes are available as they are approved by the Board.
Our Misson
To serve as the principal advocate for and steward of South Carolina’s natural resources.
Our Personality
The SCDNR personality is what allows our brand to resonate with our customers. It is described by a series of adjectives tied to our core values and mission that guide how decisions are made and how users emotionally connect to our agency.
Our Vision
Our vision for South Carolina is an enhanced quality of life for present and future generations through improved understanding, wise use and safe enjoyment of healthy, diverse, sustainable and accessible natural resources.
Our vision for SCDNR is to be a trusted and respected leader in natural resources protection and management, by consistently making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s natural resources and its people.
Our Core Values
Teamwork
We will accomplish our mission and achieve our vision through goal focused agency efforts that rely on effective internal and external communication and partnerships.
Integrity
We will lead by example, ensuring that our standards are high, and our actions are fair, accountable and above reproach.
Dedication
We will maintain a steadfast commitment to the state’s natural resources and our agency’s mission.
Exellence
We will always do our best and continuously strive to improve our processes, activities, policies, operations and products.
Service
We will provide quality service that meets the needs and exceeds The expectations of the public and our own employees.
Collectively, these core values shape our voice — the voice that tells the story of how we deliver on the promises made by our mission and vision. To capture the essence of the work we do and the impact SCDNR has on our state’s natural resources, we focus on what differentiates us as an agency from our natural resource conservation partners.