[ South Carolina ] Longleaf pine, the centuries-old native of the coastal forest, is getting new life. As many as 21,000 new acres could be planted in South Carolina with a new rounds of federal grants. The Conservation Reserve Program grants provide a $100 sign-up bonus, 90 percent of planting costs and an annual payment, generally about $40 per acre, said Ken Rentiers, Farm Service Agency executive director for South Carolina . The agency administers the grants. Property owners sign 10- or 15-year contracts. Interested property owners must sign up by December. The new round of grants will pay to restore 250,000 acres in nine Southern coastal states, including the South Carolina acreage.

News notes are courtesy of Southern Forests Network News Notes
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