South Carolina Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Cost-Share

A federally funded cost-share, run by SCFC, that reduces southern pine beetle risk by managing pine density. Prevention pays 60% of pre-commercial thinning costs (up to $127 per acre) in stands at least 4 years old. Restoration pays 50% of statewide-average cost to replant loblolly, longleaf or native hardwood at prescribed densities. Landowners must follow the practice guidelines or face reduced or withheld payments.

• Private, non-industrial landowners owning less than 1,000 acres of qualifying woodland may qualify for federal cost sharing (cost-share programs page)

• Prevention (pre-commercial thinning): planted or natural pine stand at least 4 years old; thinned to a residual density of 545 pine stems per acre (± 10%)

• Restoration (planting): at least 300 stems per acre after the first growing season; open-land planting and conversion of hardwood stands to pine are not allowed; natural pine regeneration must be controlled before planting

• Loblolly 484 stems per acre (± 10%, lowest 360); longleaf 545 stems per acre (± 10%); hardwood plantings must be native species

Compliance required: non-compliant PT stands may need additional stems removed or receive a reduced rate (40% up to $85/acre); non-compliant restoration plantings receive no funds until brought into compliance. SCFC notes SPB program payments are eligible for income exclusion.

Published amounts: Rates brochure 2026-27: SCFC will reimburse the landowner 50% of the actual cost of the practice not to exceed the maximum per-acre rate for SPB; for pre-commercial thinning, 60% of the actual cost not to exceed the maximum per-acre rate. SPB maximum rates per acre include: Solid Planting – Loblolly $75, Longleaf (container) $109, Hardwood $115; Site Prep: Light Mechanical $84, Medium/Heavy Mechanical $179, Chemical $60; Pre-commercial Thinning – Light 60% of cost, max $30/acre; Heavy 60% of cost, max $127/acre. Practice Guidelines: PT cost share rate will be 60% of costs up to $127/acre (reduced to 40% up to $85/acre if not in compliance).

Contact the SCFC Project Forester for your county or the SPB Forester; the Commission forester prepares or approves a management plan and advises which program to apply for.

Deadline text on the page: Practice Guidelines of the SPB Cost Share Program, Rev. 07/2026 and FRP/SPB Cost-Share Rates 2026-27 are current; applications through the county Project Forester, waiting list when funds are limited.