Forestry Commission lawyer picked to run SC land protection agency
The general counsel for the state Forestry Commission has been chosen to run the S.C. Conservation Bank, the state agency that helps broker deals to protect environmentally important land.
David Jones, a 42-year-old Columbia resident, is the bank board’s choice to replace Raleigh West, who is leaving as bank director this summer. Jones’ nomination to become director needs confirmation by the state Senate,.
“Mr. Jones possesses not only a deep technical understanding of complex real estate transactions but also has a passion for conserving South Carolina’s special places,” according to a news release quoting Peter King, who chairs the bank board.
It may be January, however, before Jones takes the job. The Senate has to approve his nomination and it’s unclear whether the upper chamber would take that up as the Legislature winds down this month. Conservation Bank officials expect confirmation hearings won’t be held until early 2027.
Jones, a University of South Carolina law school graduate, said he’s looking forward to the job in high-growth South Carolina, a state where officials have increasingly sought to save property before it is developed. He has worked with the bank before as chief counsel at the Forestry Commission.
Jones has been involved in multiple land protection efforts at the Forestry Commission, including the historic preservation of some 62,000 acres of forests and swamps in eastern South Carolina last year.
“I absolutely love the work,’’ Jones said in an interview. “We have a way of life in South Carolina that is tied to our landscape, and if we lose that landscape, we’re going to lose our way of life. South Carolina’s a great place to live and people are moving here. But there is a strong consensus in our state now that we need to be mindful and deliberate about the areas we want to conserve.’’
The Conservation Bank director’s job now pays $146,000 annually. West, who is leaving go into private business, said he and Jones worked together on multiple projects, so the move to the Conservation Bank for Jones is a natural fit.
Since 2004, the S.C. Conservation Bank has helped protect more than 440,000 acres across the state. The bank’s function is to award funds to help protect land, either through private conservation easements or outright purchases for the state of South Carolina. Its input is vital in making many deals happen.
Jones grew up in Blythewood on rural land that he said helped inspire him to get involved in conservation. He is married with two daughters.
”He has a passion for the land and the culture, a pragmatic mindset, and a collaborative attitude,’’ West said. “He’s the right man for the job.’’
