S.C. Code Ann. § 48-61-120: Legislative intent.

(A) The General Assembly recognizes that approximately three million four hundred thousand acres of land in this State are currently protected through conservation easements, public ownership, and other legally enforceable conservation mechanisms.

(B) It is the long-range goal of the State to increase protected land to seven million acres by the year 2050, representing roughly one third of the state's land area. This benchmark is intended solely for purposes of long-term planning, performance measurement, and evaluation of conservation trends and does not create a legal requirement, mandate, or entitlement.

(C) Progress toward the benchmark described in subsection (B) shall be measured based on acres of protected land established or enhanced through voluntary conservation mechanisms and within statutory authority and available resources.

(D) Nothing in this section may be construed to require the acquisition of private land or interests in land, authorize regulatory restrictions on private property beyond the law, or obligate the General Assembly to appropriate funds.