DNR News** Archived Article - please check for current information. **

SCDNR game wardens return homeSeptember 12, 2017

SCDNR Lance Cpl. Jason Smith secures his boat to the dock at Lake Murray.

The 50 game wardens will return to South Carolina Tuesday evening.

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- After a more thorough assessment of flooding and damage by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the decision has been made for S.C. Department of Natural Resources game wardens to return home.

While the request for South Carolina assistance was put in a few days ago, full damage assessments could not begin in Florida until Tuesday morning after Irma passed and assessments could be made safely. Those assessments revealed the flooding was not as severe as originally anticipated, and the FFWCC decided mobilizing SCDNR is not necessary.

"It's good news to hear that the flooding in Florida is not as bad as we thought it would be," SCDNR Director Alvin Taylor said. "We're always willing to help other states when the need arises and, in this case, FFWCC has adequate assets to meet their needs. So we're bringing our officers home."

The game wardens had just crossed into Georgia when they received word of the change in plans. They will be back this evening and will return to their normal duties on Wednesday.

DNR Media Contacts

Area Personnel Number
Coastal, Midlands David Lucas 843-610-0096
Marine Erin Weeks 843-953-9845
Upstate, Midlands Greg Lucas 864-380-5201

After Hours Radio Room - 803-955-4000

More News