Regulations
for Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area at Jocassee Gorges
Camping
Backcountry camping by permit will be allowed at any time during the year that the main roads allowing access to the Jocassee Gorges are not opened in connection with big game hunting. Backcountry camping is allowed by permit only at any location within the Jocassee Gorges, except for any area closed for camping by the Department.
Backcountry camping is defined as minimal impact camping. No fires are allowed and each permitted camper is responsible for camping in a manner that results in no trace of the camping activity being left after breaking camp. The DNR may require permits to protect, preserve, or maintain the property. No camping is permitted within 50 feet of a stream, lake, or as posted by the Department. The Foothills Trail passes through portions of the Jocassee Gorges. Use of the Foothills Trail shall be limited to hiking and primitive camping. Camping is allowed at any point along the trail and within one hundred feet of either side of the trail. Camping along the Foothills Trail is restricted to hikers while engaged in backpacking.
Motorized and non-motorized
vehicle access to the Jocassee Gorges is limited. US Highway 178 and Cleo
Chapman Road (county road 143) are the only paved roads that access the
property. Access by the general public
to the Jocassee Gorges by motorized vehicles will follow a seasonal
schedule. Road opening and closing
schedules written below are given as general information. The DNR may open and
close any roads at any time and for such duration as deemed necessary by the
DNR to manage the property.
Dates for
Seasonally Open Roads
Green gates are open:
Sept. 15 through Jan. 1 and March 20 through May 10
Green gates are closed:
Jan. 2 through March 19 and May 11 through Sept. 14
(A) The operation of a motorized vehicle behind any closed gate is prohibited.
(B) Roads open to year-round public access include a section of Horsepasture Road to Laurel Fork Gap (from US Highway 178 only).
(C) All roads with Green gates are seasonally open. All roads with red gates are closed to vehicular traffic. Gate color may be changed at discretion of DNR.
(D) Motorized vehicles, all terrain vehicles, and off road vehicles may be operated only on open maintained roads and parking areas except as otherwise established by posted notice or as approved by the DNR.
(E) Motorized vehicles, all terrain vehicles, and off road vehicles shall not exceed speed limits posted on DNR signs. On any land where no speed limit signs are posted the speed limit shall be 15 miles per hour.
(F) Subject to the authority in subsection (d) above, the operation of all terrain vehicles is restricted as follows: Operation of all-terrain vehicles is restricted to one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset each day beginning on Monday and continuing through the following Friday. A person may use an all-terrain vehicle while actually engaged in hunting at any time hunting is allowed; provided, however, the operation of an all terrain vehicle is restricted to one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset with the exception of game retrieval, and an all-terrain vehicle may be used only on open roads.
(G) All-terrain vehicles having three (3) wheels and motorcycles constructed or intended primarily for off road use, such as dirt bikes and motocross bikes, are prohibited within the Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area at all times.
(H) Bicycles may be ridden on any road or area that is not posted as closed to bicycles.
Horses may be ridden on any road that is not posted as closed to horse riding. Horses or pack animals may not be used in connection with overnight camping.
The use of hang gliders, parachutes, or similar devices is not allowed
and may be deemed abuse
of DNR land.
The regulations above refer specifically to the
approximate 32,000-acre Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area at Jocassee
Gorges. Users are advised to review the complete DNR Rules and Regulations
brochure for general regulations related to DNR-administered lands. Brochures
are available at nearby stores and big game check stations.
Check special regulations
related to the Eastatoee Creek and Laurel Fork Heritage Preserves.
**Access through the Musterground WMA is administered by Duke Energy.
Road opening dates for the Musterground area are:
Green gates are open:
Sept. 15 through Jan. 1 and March 31 through May 1
Green gates are closed:
Jan. 2 through March 30 and May 2 through Sept. 14
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ARTICLE 10.
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS
SECTION 50-11-2200. Establishment of wildlife management
areas; regulations; prohibited conduct; penalties.
(A) Subject to available funding, the
department shall acquire sufficient wildlife habitat through lease or purchase
or otherwise to establish wildlife management areas for the protection,
propagation, and promotion of fish and wildlife and for public hunting and
fishing. The department may not have under lease at any one time more than one
million six hundred thousand acres in the wildlife management area program. The
department may not pay more than fair market value for the lease of lands in
the area. The department may not lease land for the program, which, during the
preceding twenty-four months, was held under a private hunting lease. However,
this restriction does not apply:
(1) If the former lessee
executes a voluntary consent to the proposed wildlife management area lease;
(2) If the lessor cancels the
lease; or
(3) to any lands which, during
the twenty-four months before June 5, 1986, were in the game management area
program. The department may establish open and closed seasons, bag limits, and
methods for hunting and taking wildlife on all wildlife management areas.
(B) The department may promulgate
regulations for the protection, preservation, operation, maintenance, and use
of land owned by the department.
(C) The following acts or conduct are
prohibited and shall be unlawful on all land owned by the department; provided,
however, the department may promulgate regulations allowing any of the acts or
conduct by prescribing acceptable times, locations, means, and other
appropriate restrictions not inconsistent with the protection, preservation,
operation, maintenance, and use of such lands:
(1) hunting or taking wildlife
or fish during closed season;
(2) exceeding bag or creel
limits;
(3) hunting or taking wildlife;
(4) hiking;
(5) rock climbing;
(6) operation of motorized and
nonmotorized vehicles;
(7) swimming;
(8) camping;
(9) horse riding;
(10) operation of boats;
(11) possession of pets;
(12) gathering plants;
(13) use of fire, except by the
department for management purposes;
(14) polluting or contaminating
any water;
(15) acting in a disorderly manner
or creating any noise which would result in annoyance to others;
(16) operating or using audio
device, including radio, television, musical instruments, or any other noise
producing devices, such as electrical generators, and equipment driven by motor
engines, in such a manner and at such times as to disturb other persons and no
person shall operate or use any public address system.
(D) A person violating this section is
guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five
dollars nor more than two hundred dollars or be imprisoned for not more than
thirty days, or both.
Section 50-11-2210.
The abuse, misuse, damage, or destruction of wildlife management area land or
improvements on wildlife management area land is unlawful. A person who abuses,
misuses, damages, or destroys wildlife management area land or improvements on
them including, but not limited to, roads, vegetation, buildings, structures,
or fences or leaves refuse, trash, or other debris on the property or sets,
makes, or builds a fire except in an area specially designated by the
landowner, operates a motor conveyance in an area or on a road closed to
operation, conducts target practice except in a designated target practice
area, camps in an area not designated as a campsite, disregards a safety or
restrictive posting by the landowner, or who otherwise abuses, damages,
destroys, or misuses a wildlife management area is guilty of a misdemeanor and,
upon conviction, must be fined two hundred dollars and be required to make
restitution to the landowner in an amount determined by the court to be
necessary to repair, rebuild, clean up, or restore the property to its
condition before the abuse occurred. A person failing to make restitution
within the time limit set by the court must serve a mandatory ten-day sentence
in the county jail which may not be suspended in whole or in part. The
provisions of this section are in addition to other criminal penalties.
Section 50-11-2220.
A person convicted of violating Section 50-11-2210
twice within a three-year period, in addition to the penalties incurred for
violating Section 50-11-2210,
must lose the privilege of entering onto wildlife management area land for one
year. A person who enters a wildlife management area after losing the privilege
to enter wildlife management areas is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon
conviction, must be fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than five
hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days and must have the
privilege to hunt or fish suspended for one year. The provisions of this
section are in addition to other criminal penalties.
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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Statutory Authority: S.C. Code Sections
50-11-2200 and 50-11-2210
Synopsis:
These regulations govern the conduct and
activities of visitors to all lands owned by the Department of Natural resources
in order to protect and preserve natural resources while providing maximum
public benefit through regulated outdoor recreation opportunities. The repeal of current regulations, which
apply to specific properties, will consolidate and simplify regulations for
Department-owned properties.123-70.
Instructions:
Repeal
Regulations 123-70, 123-82, 123-90, 123-91, 123-92, 123-93, 123-94, 123-95,
123-152.
Establish
Regulations 123-200 through 123-211.
The following current regulations should be repealed:
123-70. Dennis Wildlife Center
123-82.
Parr Hydroelectric Project Fish and Game management Area
123-90. Capers Island
123-91. Turtle Island
123-92. Stevens Creek Natural
Area
123-93. Victoria Bluff Natural
Area
123-94. Protection and management of the Eastatoe Creek Wildlife management Area in Pickens County, South Carolina
123-95. Protection and management of the Flat Creek/Forty Acre Rock Natural area in Lancaster County, South Carolina
123-152. Application of Rules to Heritage Preserves
Text:
Reg.
123-200. Regulations
Applicable to Real Property Owned by the Department of Natural Resources.
123-201. Definitions.
123-202. Hazard
of outdoor activities and liability.
123-203. General
Regulation.
123-204. Regulations
Applicable to Heritage Preserves Generally
123-205. Regulations
Applicable to Specific Properties.
123-206. Special
events permit requirements and procedures, and exceptions.
123-207. Special
Events, Permit Requirements and Procedures, and Exceptions
123-208. Permits
to Collect Plants, animals, or Minerals or to Undertake
Archeological Activities
123-209. Exception
for Non-Public Use Properties.
123-210. Management
Activities of Department Personnel.
123-211. Law
Enforcement, Fire Fighting, and Emergency Activities.
123-200.
Regulations Applicable to Real Property Owned by the Department of
Natural Resources.
Applicability
and Scope.
A. The purpose of this regulation is to govern the conduct and
activities of visitors to all lands owned by the Department of Natural
Resources. This regulation applies to
all lands, structures, and property owned by the Department of Natural
Resources, including but not limited to wildlife management areas, heritage
preserves, boat landings, and game preserves or reserves.
B. Regulations for the establishment of open and closed seasons,
bag limits, and methods for hunting and taking wildlife on all Department owned
wildlife management area lands, and for the protection, preservation,
operation, maintenance, and use of wildlife management area lands not owned by
the Department are stated in R.123-40.
The regulations below will apply to Department owned wildlife management
area lands in addition to R.123-40. In
case of any conflict with R.123-40, this regulation will prevail.
C. Wildlife management area lands not owned by the Department are
regulated generally under R.123-40 and specific regulations for individuals
species.
123-201. Definitions.
For purposes of this regulation:
All terrain vehicle@
means a motorized vehicle, regardless of the number of wheels, designed or
constructed primarily for use off of paved or improved roads.
Boats @ mean any
watercraft, including but not limited to motorboats, sailboats, personal
watercraft, canoes, kayaks, sailboards, rafts, inflatable boats, shells, and
rowboats.
Camping@ means the
overnight occupancy of Department land.
Department@ means
the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Department land@
mean real property, including any buildings, structures, or improvements, owned
by the Department in fee simple, including but not limited to game preserves or
reserves, heritage preserves, boat landings, and Department land designated as
wildlife management area land.
Ecofacts@ are
carbonized plant remains, animal bones, and shells utilized as food by historic
and prehistoric peoples. Context refers
to a non-disturbed area. Generally subsurface features like a posthole, fire
pit, or grave if undisturbed, provide good context for archaeological pursuits.
Fireworks@ means any
device for producing any display, such as light, noise, or smoke, by the
combustion of explosive or flammable compositions.
Fishing@ means all
activity and effort involved in taking or attempting to take fish.
Hiking@ means
traversing the lands subject to this regulation by foot for the purpose of
pleasure or exercise, except traversing in connection with any other activity
regulated by this regulation.
Horse riding@ means
any equestrian activity.
Hunting@ means the
act of trying to find, seek, obtain, pursue, or diligently search for wildlife
for sport, regardless of whether wildlife is taken or not. The act of seeking wildlife or the pursuit
of wildlife as sport, such as but not limited to raccoon hunting and training
hunting dogs shall be deemed hunting.
Any person accompanying a hunter or hunters and participating in a hunt
in any regard shall be deemed to be hunting.
Motorized vehicle@
means a device incorporating a motor or an engine of any type for propulsion,
and with wheels, tracks, skids, skis, air cushion or other contrivance for
traveling on or adjacent to land. It shall include such vehicles as
automobiles, trucks, jeeps, vans, busses, motorcycles, bulldozers, timber
harvesters, and other earth‑moving equipment.
Nonmotorized vehicle@ means a device not incorporating a motor or an engine of any type for propulsion, and with wheels, tracks, skids, skis, air cushion, or other contrivance for traveling on or adjacent to land. It shall include such vehicles as bicycles, skates, and in-line skates.
Off road vehicle@
means a motorized vehicle that has been modified from its stock condition to
enhance its ability for use off of paved or improved roads.
Pack animal@ mean
any beast, including but not limited to horses, mules, donkeys, and llamas,
used for the purpose of transporting equipment, gear, or other articles.
Pets@ mean any
domesticated animal which is kept for the pleasure of the owner; however, for
purposes of this regulation, pets may not include dangerous or venomous animals
or any animal classified as threatened, endangered, or in need of management by
any state or the federal government. A
raptor, permitted as provided under R.123-170, Code of Laws of South
Carolina, 1976, as amended, will be deemed a pet.
Pollution@ or
Polluting means the direct or indirect act of throwing, draining, depositing,
or otherwise discharging organic or inorganic matter in or on Department land.
Primitive Camping@
means the overnight occupancy of Department land, utilizing nothing more than
temporary shelter such as a tent or tarp transported to the camping site by
backpacking or by watercraft.
Rock climbing@ means
the sport of ascending or descending rock faces of such vertical angle that the
climber must use technical climbing techniques to safely negotiate the climb.
This includes all free, aided, and friction climbing where ropes, pitons, nuts,
chocks, screws, carabineers, snap links, chalk, ropes, fixed or removable
anchors, or other similar climbing equipment is used.
Rocks, artifacts, or ecofacts@ shall include but not be limited to arrowheads, spear points,
scrapers, drills, soapstone and soapstone objects, pottery shards and vessels,
bottles, beads, brick, tabby, metal objects (such as buttons, buckles,
ordnance, insignia), charcoal, shells, plant remains, animal remains, and bone
tools.
Shells@ mean the
hard rigid, usually calcareous, covering of an animal.
Specialty animals@
mean all animals other than domestic pets; those native and imported animals
which have been removed from the wild and are being bred, raised or kept for
research, food, fur or skins, or for the production of income. Reptiles and amphibians are included in this
category.
"Taking" means to shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture,
or collect, or attempt to shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect any
wildlife.
Weapon@ means an
instrument of offensive or defensive combat, including firearms, capable of
injuring human beings or animals; provided, however, implements such as small
pocket or kitchen knives normally will not be considered as weapons.
Wildlife@ means all
wild birds, wild game, fish, and any wild mammal, bird, amphibian, reptile,
fish, mollusk, crustacean, or other wild animal not otherwise legally
classified by statute or regulation of this State as a game species.
Wildlife management area land@ means those lands leased or otherwise established by the Department
for the protection, propagation, and promotion of fish and wildlife and for
public hunting and fishing.
123-202. Hazard of outdoor
activities and liability.
Department land is made available to the general public for reasonable
uses not prohibited by statute or regulation.
These lands are held and maintained in a natural condition, except for
uses requiring modification. Outdoor
activities are not risk free. All
members of the public using Department land and wildlife management area land
must exercise due care in planning and carrying out any activities. Any person making use of Department land and
wildlife management area land for any purpose does so at his own risk, and the
Department shall not be liable in any respect for any loss, damage, or injury
to person or property caused or occasioned thereby.
123-203.
General Regulation.
This
section shall apply to all Department land, except as provided in any
regulation for Heritage Preserves in 123.204 or specific Department land
designated in 123.205.
A. Hunting, fishing, and taking game animals, birds, fish, or other
wildlife is allowed on Department land that has been designated as part of the
Wildlife Management Area program.
Hunting, fishing, and taking shall be subject to all applicable statutes
and regulations, specifically including R.123-40.
B.
Possession of any firearm or weapon on Department land must comply with
applicable state and federal statutes.
All firearms must be unloaded and secured in a weapons case except while
legally hunting, unless otherwise legally permitted. Target, skeet, trap,
plinking, paint ball, or any other type of shooting with any firearm or weapon
is not be allowed on Department land, except in any area specifically
designated and operated by the Department as a shooting range.
C.
Hiking is allowed subject to the following restrictions or conditions:
(1) Hiking is not allowed on any restricted
lands or areas. The Department may post
or place signs declaring any area closed to hiking;
(2) The use of all designated hiking trails,
except for posted multi‑use trails is restricted solely to foot travel
and the legitimate activities associated with the pursuit of hiking;
D. Rock climbing is prohibited on all
Department land.
E. Operation of motorized, nonmotorized
vehicles, all terrain vehicles, and off road vehicles.
The operation of motorized vehicles is
allowed subject to the following restrictions or conditions:
(1) Motorized vehicles, all terrain vehicles,
and off road vehicles may be operated only on open maintained roads and parking
areas except as otherwise established by posted notice or as approved by the
Department.
(2) Motorized vehicles, all terrain vehicles,
and off road vehicles shall not exceed speed limits posted on Department
signs. On any land where no speed limit
signs are posted, the speed limit shall be 25 miles per hour.
(3) No person may operate any motorized, all terrain
vehicle, off road vehicle or non-motorized vehicle in a reckless or negligent
manner. The operation of any vehicle in
such a manner as to indicate either a willful or wanton disregard for the
safety of persons or property shall be deemed to be operating in a reckless
manner.
(4) Motorized vehicles, all terrain vehicles,
and off road vehicles must be operated in accordance with load limits as
established by posted notice for roads or bridges.
(5) No person shall cause or permit any
motorized, all terrain vehicle, and off road vehicle to obstruct traffic by
unnecessary stopping. In the event of
mechanical difficulties, the driver must make arrangements for the expeditious
removal of the vehicle. No motorized
vehicle, all terrain vehicle, and off road vehicle shall be left parked on any
road at night without lights or reflectors visible from both front and rear of
the vehicle.
(6) Parking of motorized vehicles, all
terrain vehicles, and off road vehicles must comply with any posting or signs
and any instructions given by Department or law enforcement personnel.
Obstructing vehicular travel is prohibited.
(7)
All motorized vehicles, all terrain vehicles, and off road vehicles must be
equipped with properly working mufflers, brakes, spark arresters (if the vehicle
was originally factory equipped with spark arresters and/or mirrors).
(8)
No trucks or other motorized vehicles commonly used for carrying freight,
merchandise, or goods for sale, unless traversing on a through public highway,
shall operate on roads or land without obtaining written permission from the
Department. Vehicles used in connection
with delivery of supplies, site work activities, or concessions for authorized
activities may operate in compliance with posted signs or notices.
(9) Charter buses or other vehicles engaged in transporting
persons for compensation are not allowed. The Department may issue permits for entry
by charter buses, for hire vehicles, tour groups, or similar activities, and
the Department may condition permits as needed to protect the land and limit
interference with other legitimate uses of the land.
(10)
No person operating or responsible for any aircraft may cause such aircraft
to land on or take off from any Department land or deliver by air any person,
material or equipment by parachute or other means, except in emergencies threatening
human life or when authorized in writing by the Department.
(11)
The numbers of motorized vehicles, nonmotorized vehicles, horses, or boats
allowed on any area at one time may be limited by the Department through a
permitting system.
(12)
The operation of nonmotorized vehicles are allowed subject to the following
restrictions or conditions:
(a) Bicycles must be ridden only on roads
open to motorized vehicles and designated bicycle trails.
(b) Where provided, bicycle racks must be
used for parking bicycles. Bicycles
must not be chained and locked to site structures or placed so as to obstruct
pedestrian or vehicular movement.
(c) Using roller skates, in-line skates,
skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices is prohibited,
except in designated areas.
F. Swimming and Bathing.
Swimming is prohibited except in designated areas. The prohibition against swimming will not
apply to any State or federal navigable waterway abutting or flowing through
Department land.
G. Camping.
Camping is prohibited on Department land,
except under the following conditions:
(1) Camping is allowed only within areas
designated as campsites by the Department.
The Department will designate campsites by placement of signs or by
other means such as maps or brochures.
(2) Camping in one location for more than
four nights is prohibited except under permit.
(3) All camping supplies must be removed from
camping sites. The storage of personal property on Department land is
prohibited.
(4) No organized group of ten or more
individuals may camp on Department lands at a single designated campsite at any
time except under permit. For any group
of ten or more campers, the Department may issue one permit, listing the name
of each camper and designating a particular campsite.
(5) Permanent structures must not be
erected. Campers must provide their own
shelter in the form of a portable tent or other portable artificial cover.
(6) Any tent or other camping structure left
unoccupied for more than seventy-two hours may be taken down or removed by the
Department.
(7) Pack animals must not be used while
camping or in support of camping.
H. Horse riding.
(1) The riding of horses is permitted on
Department land only in areas specifically designated for horse riding.
(2) The Department may restrict the number of
horses and horse trailers on any Department land and may require permits on
specific areas. Restrictions shall be
posted at the offices and/or entrances to Department lands or in published
brochures.
I. Operation of boats.
(1) Boats may be used on Department land only
on a watercourse or water body, which has been designated by the Department for
the use of boats. The Department may restrict
the type, size, or number of boats and motors or the use of motors. Any restrictions shall be posted at the
entrances to Department land. This
restriction shall not apply to any State or federal navigable waterway.
(2) No motorized boat may be launched on
Department land except at launch sites designated by the Department.
J. Possession of pets or
specialty animals.
(1) Pets are not allowed on Department land
except under the following conditions;
(a) Pets must not roam freely;
(b) Pets may enter Department land and
accompany an individual on allowed activities if each pet is under the actual
control of the owner or possessor;
(c) Neither dangerous pets nor pets with a
propensity toward aggressive behavior are allowed.
(2) The requirements of this subsection do
not apply to dogs while being used during and as a part of any of the following
activities on Department land:
(a) Hunting during open hunting seasons on
lands or waters open for hunting when use of dogs is authorized by statute or
regulation.
(b) The training of dogs to hunt is deemed
hunting; training of dogs to hunt on lands and waters may be undertaken only
during periods when hunting with dogs is authorized by statute or regulation.
(c) Authorized field trial events;
(d) Special events or activities as
authorized by the department;
(e) Providing assistance to the visually or
hearing impaired.
(3) Raptors are allowed on Department land in
compliance with R.123-170.
(4) No specialty animals shall be allowed on
Department land.
K. Consumption of alcohol.
Public drunkenness is not allowed on Department land. The consumption or display of any beverage
containing alcohol while operating or riding, as a passenger in any motorized
or non-motorized vehicle is not allowed. Alcoholic beverages may be consumed by a person of lawful age
only while actually camping at a designated campsite.
L. Gathering, damaging, or
destroying plants, animals, fungi, rocks, minerals, fossils, artifacts, or
ecofacts.
(1) No person may gather, collect, deface,
remove, damage, disturb, destroy, or otherwise injure in any manner whatsoever
the plants, animals (except lawful hunting), fungi, rocks, minerals, fossils, artifacts, or ecofacts on any
Department land, including but not limited to any tree, flower, shrub, fern,
moss, charcoal, plant remains, or animal remains on any Department land and
wildlife management areas. The
Department may authorize the collection of certain material upon issuance of a
permit as provided in 123-207.
(2) Shed antlers at ground surface may be
collected on Department land.
(3) The collection of shells by individuals
on beaches along the Atlantic Ocean is allowed, provided that access to the
beach is not part of or associated with any commercial operation, charter,
tour, or organized group. No person may
collect in one day more shells than will fill a one-gallon container. The
collection of shells for any commercial purpose is not allowed. Charter, commercial, or other for hire
boats, buses, or other conveyances may not enter Department land for any
purpose connected with collecting shells.
(4) The use of metal detectors is prohibited
on Department land.
(5) The use of a metal or fiberglass probe to
search for any object below ground surface is prohibited on Department land.
(6) Campers may collect firewood as
authorized in 123-203.N (3).
M. Use of fire, fireworks, or
explosives.
(1) No open fires may be started on any
Department land except at campsites designated by the Department. Gas grills, gas lanterns, and portable
charcoal grills may be operated at designated campsites.
(2) No fire may be lit until all flammable
material has been removed from its perimeter as is necessary to prevent its spread. No fire may be left unattended. Prior to leaving the site, any fire must be
completely extinguished, leaving neither flames nor embers.
(3) No wood, except from dead and down trees
or from supplies as may be furnished by the Department shall be used for fuel.
(4) On any land where campfires are
permitted, the Department may prohibit the use of fires for any purpose by
posting a notice at entrances to individual parcels of land.
(5) No person may deposit lighted matches, cigars,
cigarettes or other burning tobacco where they will cause fire.
(6) The possession of fireworks is
prohibited.
N. Pollution or contamination of
any land or water.
The polluting of land and water is not
allowed on Department land. The depositing
of waste, refuse, or any material that
pollutes or contaminates land or water is not allowed.
O. Acting in a disorderly manner
is not allowed on Department land.
In addition to any basis recognized under
current common law or statutory law, the following conduct shall be deemed
disorderly:
(1) Acting in a boisterous or disorderly
manner, creating unreasonable noise, unduly annoying other persons, or behaving
in such a manner as is reasonably calculated to cause a breach of the peace;
(2) Making loud and unseemly noises or
profanely cursing, swearing, or using obscene language;
(3) Indecently exposing one’s person or
performing any indecent act;
(4) Throwing missiles, to the annoyance of
the public;
(5) Obstructing, encumbering, interfering
with lawful use, or rendering dangerous any public place;
(6) Engaging in, instigating, or encouraging
a confrontation or fight;
(7) Causing a disturbance of the public
peace.
P. Operation of audio devices, musical
instruments, or other noise making instruments.
The operation or use of any audio device, including radio,
television, musical instruments, or any other noise producing devices, such as
electrical generators, and equipment driven by motor engines, in such a manner
and at such times as to disturb other persons is prohibited on all Department
land. No person may operate or use any
public address system. The use of legal
weapons during an open hunting season will be allowed while hunting on Department
land designated as a wildlife management area.
Q. Abuse of Department land.
Abusing, damaging, defacing, or destroying land or any improvements on
Department is unlawful. Abuse of lands
and improvements includes, but is not be limited to:
(1) Defacing, altering, destroying, or
removing any sign, marker, guidepost, fence, gate, lock, barrier, improvement,
building, bridge, culvert, structure, natural landmark or feature;
(2) Digging or excavating;
(3) Cutting trees, shrubs, or other plants;
(4) Making or cutting new trails;
(5) Use of herbicides or pesticides
(excluding insect repellent);
(6) Introducing any non-native or cultivated
plants or other organisms;
(7) Releasing any animal; provided,
however, this restriction shall not apply to catch and release fishing.
R. Restricted areas.
The Department may restrict access to designated areas
on any Department land. Access to any area may be restricted when the
Department determines that the best interest of the property will be served.
S. Hours of Operation
Generally, all Department lands are open for uses allowed by this
regulation twenty-four hours a day. The
Department may restrict the hours of operation on any Department land by
publication in Department brochures and pamphlets or by posting on
site-specific hours of operation.
123-204. Regulations Applicable to
Heritage Preserves.
A. As authorized by Section
51-17-10, et seq., Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, as
amended, certain Department owned lands have been designated as heritage
preserves. Heritage preserves have been
created to protect the State's natural and cultural diversity. The general regulation in 123.203 applies to
heritage preserves, except where any regulation is inconsistent with the
regulations within this section.
Certain heritage preserves listed in 123-205 may have specific
regulations that differ from either 123-203 or 123-204.
B. The specific regulations
stated in 123-205 shall take precedence over regulations stated in either
123-203 or 123-204.
C. Hours of Operation.
Heritage preserves are open for public use from one hour before sunrise
to one hour after sunset. On any
preserve that is designated as a wildlife management area, the hours of
operation shall be same as are authorized for hunting as stated in 123-40. The Department may set different operating
hours for individual preserves. When
operating hours are different from sunrise to sunset, the Department may restrict
the hours of operation by publication in Department brochures and pamphlets or
by posting on site-specific hours of operation.
D. Weapons and firearms.
Except as otherwise specifically authorized
by South Carolina statute or this regulation, weapons and firearms are not
allowed on any heritage preserve.
Possession of a weapon or firearm is allowed on any heritage preserve
designated by the Department as a wildlife management area subject to the
regulations.123-40 and R.123-203.B.
E. No horses, cattle, llamas,
goats, sheep, dogs, cats, or livestock, draft, pack, or riding animals may be
introduced to, placed upon, or allowed to graze or wander on any heritage
preserve. Pets are allowed as provided
in 123-203.J. Dogs used in connection
with hunting may be allowed on heritage preserves designated by the Department
as wildlife management areas as provided in 123-203.J (2).
F. All terrain vehicles are not
allowed on any heritage preserve.
Bicycles may be ridden on roads open to motorized vehicles and on any
designated bicycle trail.
G. The collection, removal, or
disturbance of rocks, artifacts, or ecofacts from surface or subsurface
contexts is prohibited. Marine and freshwater
shell and antler objects are deemed as artifacts or ecofacts. Marine shells found on the surface of
beaches along the Atlantic Ocean may be collected by individuals.
H. The possession or use of
metal detectors is prohibited on heritage preserves.
I. The collection of recently shed antlers from surface contexts is allowed on heritage preserves.
123-205. Regulations Applicable to
Specific Properties.
A. Aiken County Gopher Tortoise
Heritage Preserve.
(1) Horse riding is allowed only on roadways,
firebreaks, and trails. Riders may ride
in groups no larger than five (5).
(2) Bicycles may be ridden on hiking
trails. Bicyclists may ride in groups
no larger than five (5).
B. Bay Point Heritage Preserve.
(1) No dogs are allowed.
(2) No person may enter any area of the
preserve designated as a nesting area for birds.
C. Bear Branch Heritage
Preserve.
Public visitation is by permit only.
The preserve is closed to use except by permit.
D. Bear Island
(1) Public visitation is by permit only.
(1) The property is closed to all public
access from November 1 to January 21, except for scheduled waterfowl
hunts.
(2) Horseback riding and all terrain vehicles
are prohibited.
(3) Camping is allowed only at designated
sites and only during scheduled big game hunts.
E. Bird-Key Stono Heritage
Preserve.
(1) No dogs are allowed.
(2) No person may enter any area of the
preserve designated as a nesting area for birds.
F. Caper’s Island Heritage
Preserve.
(1) Overnight Camping on Capers Island is by
permit only. Permit may be obtained
from the DNR Charleston office. No more
than 80 people will be allowed to camp per night. These 80 people may be divided into no more than 20 different
groups.
(2) Permits will be issued on a first come
first served basis.
(3) Campsites will be occupied on a first
come first served basis.
(4) Permits are not required for day use.
(5) Persons without permits must be off the
island by one hour after sunset.
(6) No trash is to be placed in any fire or
buried.
(7) Department maintenance facilities on the
island are not open to the public.
(8) No crab or fish pots or traps are allowed
in impoundments.
(9) No motorized vehicles, nonmotorized
vehicles, off road vehicles, or all-terrain vehicles are allowed on Capers Island.
(10) No fishing is allowed from the
impoundment tide gate.
G. Crab Bank Heritage Preserve.
(1) No dogs are allowed.
(2) No person may enter any area of the
preserve designated as a nesting area for birds.
H. Daws Island Heritage
Preserve.
Camping is allowed only by permit issued by the Department. Primitive camping only is allowed.
Daws Island camping is limited to two groups
of no more than eight people in each group.
I. Deveaux Bank.
(1) No dogs are allowed.
(2) No person may enter any area of the
preserve designated as a nesting area for birds.
J. Donnelley WMA
(1) Horseback riding is allowed by permit
only on designated roads.
(2) All terrain vehicles are prohibited.
(3) Camping is prohibited.
K. Dungannon Plantation Heritage
Preserve.
(1) No person may enter any area of the
preserve designated as a nesting area for birds.
(2) Entrance to the preserve is through a
designated parking area. Each person
must sign in and out of the preserve at a designated entrance/exit.
L. Gopher Branch Heritage
Preserve.
Public visitation is by permit only.
M. Great Pee Dee River
Heritage Preserve.
(1) Primitive camping only is allowed. Camping may occur only along riverbanks and
on sandbars, which may be approached only by backpacking or boat. A camper may remain in one location no more
than five consecutive nights.
(2) Each person entering the preserve other
than by boat must sign in and out at a designated entrance/exit.
N. Jim Timmerman Natural
Resources Area at Jocassee Gorges.
This
subsection shall apply to all Department owned land within the boundaries of
the Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area at Jocassee Gorges (hereinafter
referred to as Jocassee Gorges).
(1) Camping.
(a) Backcountry camping by permit will be allowed at any time
during the year that the main roads allowing access to the Jocassee Gorges
are not opened in connection with big game hunting. Backcountry camping is allowed by permit only at any location within
the Jocassee Gorges, except for any
area closed for camping by the Department.
Backcountry camping is defined as minimal impact camping. No fires are allowed and each permitted camper
is responsible for camping in a manner that results in no trace of the camping
activity being left after breaking camp. The Department may condition permits to protect, preserve, or maintain
the property. Backcountry campers
must apply for camping permits over the Department internet site. No camping is permitted within fifty (50’)
feet of a stream, lake, or as posted by the Department.
(b) The Foothills Trail passes through portions of the
Jocassee Gorges. Use of the Foothills
Trail shall be limited to hiking and primitive camping. Camping is allowed at any point along the trail
and within one hundred feet of either side of the trail. Camping along the Foothills Trail is restricted
to hikers while engaged in backpacking.
(2) Operation of motorized, non-motorized
vehicles, all terrain vehicles, and off road vehicles.
Motorized
and non-motorized vehicle access to the Jocassee Gorges is limited. Highway 178 and Cleo Chapman Road (county
road 143) are the only paved roads that access the property. Access by the general public to the Jocassee
Gorges by motorized vehicles will follow a seasonal schedule. Road opening and closing schedules written
below are given as general information.
The Department may open and close any road at any time and for such
duration as deemed necessary by the
Department to manage the property.
(a) The operation of a motorized vehicle behind any closed gate is prohibited.
(b) Roads open to year-round public access include a section of Horsepasture to Laurel Fork Gap (from Highway 178only).
(c) All roads with Green gates are seasonally open. All roads with red gates are closed to vehicular traffic. This information will be posted at all major entrances. Gate color may be changed as discretion of SCDNR.
(d) Motorized vehicles, all terrain vehicles, and off road vehicles may be operated only on open maintained roads and parking areas except as otherwise established by posted notice or as approved by the Department.
(e) Motorized vehicles, all terrain vehicles, and off road vehicles shall not exceed speed limits posted on Department signs. On any land where no speed limit signs are posted the speed limit shall be 15 miles per hour.
(f) Subject to the authority in subsection (d) above, the operation of all terrain vehicles is restricted as follows: Operation of all terrain vehicles is restricted to one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset each day beginning on Monday and continuing through the following Friday. A person may use an all terrain vehicle while actually engaged in hunting at any time hunting is allowed; provided, however, the operation of an all terrain vehicle is restricted to one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset with the exception of game retrieval, and an all terrain vehicle may be used only on open roads.
(g) All terrain vehicles having three (3) wheels and motorcycles constructed or intended primarily for off road use, such as dirt bikes and motocross bikes, are prohibited within the Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area at all times.
(h) Bicycles may be ridden on any road or area that is not posted as closed to bicycles.
(3) Horse may be ridden on any road that is
not posted as closed to horse riding.
(4) The use of hang gliders, parachutes, or
similar devices is not allowed and may be deemed abuse of Department land.
O. Joiner Bank Heritage
Preserve.
(1) No dogs are allowed.
(2) No person may enter any area of the
preserve designated as a nesting area for birds.
P. Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage
Preserve.
Horse riding is allowed on roads open for use by motorized
vehicles. Horse riding is not allowed
on firebreaks and trails. Horse riding
is prohibited during all deer hunts.
Q. Little Pee Dee Heritage
Preserve
(1) Primitive camping only is allowed. Camping may occur only along riverbanks and
on sandbars, which may be approached only by backpacking or boat. A camper may remain in one location no more
than five consecutive nights.
(2) Horse riding is allowed on roads open for
use by motorized vehicles. Horse riding
is not allowed on firebreaks and trails.
R. Nipper Creek Heritage
Preserve.
Public visitation is by permit only.
The preserve is closed to use except by permit.
S. North Santee Bar Heritage
Preserve.
(1) No dogs are allowed.
(2) No person may enter any area of the
preserve designated as a nesting area for birds.
T. St. Helena Sound Heritage
Preserve (Ashe Island, Beet Island, Big Island, Warren Island, and South
Williman).
Camping is restricted to primitive camping in designated areas only.
U. St. Helena Sound Heritage
Preserve (Otter Island).
(1) No dogs are allowed.
(2) Primitive camping only is allowed by
permit issued by the Department.
Primitive camping is restricted to designated areas and will be allowed
only between November 1 and April 30 of the next year.
V. Samworth WMA.
(1) Managed wetlands will be open for
wildlife observation, bird watching, photography or nature study without day or
time restriction from February 1 through October 31 each year. Between November 1 through January 31 these
activities will be restricted to designated areas on Butler Creek and the Big
Pee Dee River. All public use of this
type will be by foot travel only after arriving by watercraft.
(2) The mainland nature trail will be open
without day or time restriction to foot traffic only.
(3) All terrain vehicles, bicycles, and
horses are prohibited.
(4) Temporary primitive camping will be
available to organized groups by permit.
No camping will be allowed that may conflict with organized hunts.
(5) Dirleton House and grounds are open to
the public from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
W. Santee Coastal Reserve.
(1) The Santee Coastal Reserve will be open
for limited public use year round except during annually scheduled hunts in
November, December and January. Notice of
the hunts will be issued annually.
(2) Hours of visitation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
(3) The dikes around the waterfowl
impoundments and the canoe trail will be closed, except by prior arrangement,
during the period of November 1 through January 31 of the next year. Due to
water level manipulations, the canoe trail may not always be accessible due to
low water levels.
(4) Prior arrangements must be made with the
Reserve manager to use observation blinds for waterfowl.
(5) The upland nature trail will be available
during open periods stated in subsection (2) above.
(6) The hiking/biking trail will also be available
during open periods, however, it will be closed between the dates of November1
through January 31.
(7)
The beaches on Cedar and Murphy Islands will be open year round, seven days a
week.
(8) Bicycles may be ridden on nature trails.
(9) A temporary camping permit may be issued
to an individual to camp seasonally in the Spring, Fall, and the Winter hunting
seasons within the same calendar year.
The Department will not issue a permit to camp in excess of fourteen
consecutive days.
(10) Fishing is permitted from the Santee
River dock and the Hog Pen impoundment except during scheduled hunts. Fishing will be allowed during the hours of
from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 1:00 p.m.
until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Fishing is
permitted on Murphy and Cedar Island beaches at any time on a year round basis.
(11) In addition to camping available for
deer hunters, the designated camping areas are available during the period of
March 1 until October 31 and during open periods between November 1 and
February 28 of the next year. A permit is required for all camping. Primitive
camping is available on Cedar and Murphy Islands beaches year round, which
requires no prior arrangement. All
arrangements for camping should be made with the supervisor of the Santee
Coastal Reserve.
X. Santee-Delta WMA
(1) Managed wetlands will be open for
wildlife observation, bird watching, photography or nature study without day or
time restriction from February 1 through October 31 each year. Between November 1 through January 31 these
activities will be restricted to designated areas marked by signs. All public use of this type will be by foot
travel only.
(2) All terrain vehicles, bicycles, and
horses are prohibited.
(3) Camping is prohibited.
Y. Shealy’s Pond Heritage
Preserve.
Gasoline powered motors on boats are prohibited.
Z. Tillman Sand Ridge
Heritage Preserve.
(1) Horse riding is allowed only on roads
open for use by motorized vehicles.
(2) Camping is allowed in designated
campsites during designated hunts only.
AA. Tom Yawkey Wildlife
Center.
The
center is a wildlife sanctuary.
(1) The public may visit the Yawkey Center on
a limited basis. Visitation is by
pre-scheduled field trip only.
Individual trips cannot be scheduled.
Group field trip may be arranged by contacting the manager for the
center. The public is advised that
scheduling of field trips is entirely at the discretion of the manager in order
to accommodate the basic responsibilities of the sanctuary.
(2) Camping is allowed only by permit issued
by mail no less than two weeks in advance by the Department. Camping is allowed only on the beaches along
the oceanfront, which are accessible by boat only, between September 16 and May
14 of the next year. Primitive camping only is allowed for a period of no more
than four consecutive nights per individual permittee.
BB. Victoria Bluff
heritage Preserve.
(1) Horse riding is allowed only on
designated trails. Horse riding is prohibited
during all deer hunts.
(2) Camping is allowed only during Department
designated archery hunts. Gas lanterns
and gas grills only may be used by campers.
(3) No campfires or any other use of fire
shall be allowed.
CC. Waccamaw River
Heritage Preserve.
Primitive camping only is allowed.
Camping is allowed only along riverbanks and on sandbars; campers may
approach only by backpacking or boat. A
camper may remain in one location no more than five consecutive nights.
DD. Watson Heritage
Preserve.
Camping is restricted to primitive camping.
EE. Webb WMA.
(1) Webb WMA is closed to the general public
from one hour after official sunset to one hour before official sunrise.
(2) Overnight visitors to the Webb Center are
not restricted in hours of access.
(3) No horseback riding is allowed without a
permit.
(4) No camping without a permit except for
deer, turkey, and hog hunters on nights before a designated hunt.
(5) Bicycles may be ridden on any area that
is not marked or posted as restricted to bicycles. No bicycle may be operated in any manner or place that will
damage or degrade any feature or habitat.
During scheduled big game hunts, bicycles and all terrain vehicles are
prohibited except as used by legal hunters and anglers.
123-206. Special
events permit requirements and procedures, and exceptions.
A. A special event permit is
required for all events occurring on Department land if one of the following
conditions exists:
(1) the exclusive use of a
facility or a specified land or water area is required;
(2) an organized or advertised
competition will be conducted;
(3) sound will be amplified which
may disrupt area users; or
(4) temporary structures, other
than blinds or common camping equipment, will be erected;
B. Permits may not be issued for
events that are commercial in nature, where entrance or similar fees are
charged, or where vendors are present for the purpose of selling any items.
C. An event sponsored in part or
in total by the Department shall not require a special event permit.
D. Permit procedures:
(1) Each application for a
special event permit must be submitted to the Department not less than 30
weekdays before the event is to be held;
(2) performance deposit may be
required as a condition of special event permit issuance;
(3) The deposit will be returned
by the Department, provided the special event permittee has performed all
permit conditions;
(4) The permittee is responsible
for cleaning and safekeeping the land during and following any event, and the
permittee is responsible for any damage and for clean-up costs incurred by the
Department in connection with the event.
(5) Permit holders may tag or
mark wildlife only as allowed under permit conditions;
E. The Department may refuse to
issue a special event permit if the proposed event would:
(1) not be compatible with
intended uses of the area;
(2) result in misuse or damage to
facilities, structures or the natural environment; or
(3) pose a threat to public
health, safety or welfare.
F. In addition to other
penalties prescribed by law, failure to comply with all rules and regulations
and permit conditions is grounds for revocation of a special event permit or
refusal to issue a special event permit.
123-207. Permits
to collect plants, animals, or minerals or to undertake archeological
activities.
A. The Department may issue
permits to collect plants, animals, or minerals or to undertake research,
survey, or archeological activities on Department land. Permits may be issued only for activities
relating to educational or scientific purposes. Permits may be issued subject to the following conditions:
(1) Each application for a permit must be submitted to the Department
not less than 30 weekdays before the proposed activity is to commence;
(2) A performance deposit may be
required as a condition of permit issuance;
(3) The deposit will be returned
by the Department, provided the permittee has performed all permit conditions;
(4) The permittee is responsible
for cleaning and safekeeping the land during and following the activity, and
the permittee will be responsible for any damage and for clean-up costs
incurred by the Department in connection with the activity.
(5) Permit holders may tag or
mark wildlife only as allowed under permit conditions;
B. The Department may refuse to
issue a permit if the activity would:
(1) not be compatible with
intended uses of the area;
(2) result in misuse or damage to
facilities, structures or the natural environment; or
(3) pose a threat to public
health, safety or welfare.
123-208. Exception for Non-Public
Use Properties.
This regulation shall not be applicable to Department owned land used
for such purposes as fish hatcheries, maintenance facilities, storage
facilities, offices, residences, or similar facilities which are not open
generally for public use or recreational purposes.
123-209. Management
Activities of Department Personnel.
All Department employees, agents, and contractors may carry out any
authorized activities on any Department land for purposes of maintenance,
repair, construction, surveillance, law enforcement, or similar activities and
may use any boats, vehicles, aircraft, equipment, and management techniques
deemed necessary by the Department.
123-210. Law
Enforcement, Fire Fighting, and Emergency Activities.
This regulation shall not be construed or applied to prevent any
authorized law enforcement, fire fighting, emergency, or rescue personnel from
carrying out their official responsibilities.
Fiscal Impact
Statement:
This amendment to Regulation Chapter 123 will
result in increased public use opportunities on Department owned properties
throughout the State. Local economies
should benefit from sales of outdoor recreation supplies, food and overnight
accommodations. Sales taxes on these
items will also directly benefit government.