MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW)- The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is now backing a federal bill that will bring in millions of dollars to the state for wildlife conservation and habitat protection.

The bill is called Recovering America’s Wildlife Act and will give $1.3 billion to states to fund their conservation efforts. South Carolina currently gets $650,000 and if the new bill passes, the state will see a massive increase to $15 million a year.

“We can’t really afford for it not to pass. This is our one opportunity to be more proactive in our approach to conservation,” says Anna Smith, SCDNR’s State Wildlife Action Coordinator.

SCDNR says they have a limited number of staff to take care of the 800 species in the state wildlife action plan. The purpose of the bill is to fund conservation, management, and restoration for species of greatest conservation concern in the state, such as sea turtles and loggerhead turtles. 

“Last year had almost a year record high in South Carolina with over 5,200 nests and will probably be down 50 percent,” says Ann Wilson, a Park Ranger at Myrtle Beach State Park.

Wilson also says there’s no need to worry. They’ve had three to four good years and through DNA research, they’ve learned that sea turtles don’t nest in the same place every year. But, she says more funding for data research is always needed.

“Where do these turtles actually nest, how often do they come back, do they nest at the same beach or do they nest on different beaches, and how often do they nest, every two years, so it’s a fascinating research project,” said Wilson.

SCDNR also says some of the money will improve water quality.

“If some of this money could be put towards habitat protection, then there’s a good chance when you protect habitat, you’ll be protecting water quality at the same time,” says Smith.

Wildlife conservation also helps the state’s economy. A recent study by Clemson University found that natural resource-based sectors bring in $33 billion and more than 200,000 jobs, including for those who rely on wildlife to make a living.

“Whether harvesting shell fish, or shrimping, or crabbing, it directly impacts them as well. From a business model stand point, it makes sense to preserve our wildlife for the eco-tourism aspect,” says Smith.

The money comes from existing revenue which means no increases in taxes or fees. The bill has already passed the house and with bipartisan support, it is expected to go to the senate soon.