SC gets $1.7 million grant to restore tree species

Posted: 09.02.2009 at 4:16 PM

Longleaf pines once covered tens of millions of acres across the Southeast.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Stimulus funds continue to pour into South Carolina, and now even the trees are getting some government green.

State officials said Wednesday that South Carolina will get more than $1.7 million in stimulus funds to help restore the state's longleaf pine population.

The South Carolina Forestry Commission says the grant will also help create jobs and support timber businesses.

Forest conservationists have said that the longleaf pine once covered tens of millions of acres across the Southeast. Today it's in danger of disappearing in parts of South Carolina and other states.

Longleaf pine is resistant to disease and insects and is highly valued as timber.