Clemson Forestry and Environmental Conservation

08/20/2026

Clemson Forest Update!
Please read!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Jid4hE3BK/

For nearly a century, the Clemson University Forest has been teaching us about the relationship between land and community. Through picnic shelters and bridges built by CCC crews during the 1930's and 40's, through 150 miles of trails worn in by hikers, bikers, and riders, through a lake that has held generations of memories since 1934.

But loving a place well takes more than affection; it requires a plan. Tens of thousands of visitors now pass through our trailheads each year, and with that much life moving through these woods, there are bound to be questions about safety, access, and stewardship.

That's why we're excited to share the CU Forest's new Recreation Management Plan. This provides a roadmap for protecting what makes this Forest special while keeping it open, safe, and welcoming for the people who love it.

Here's what every Clemson University Forest user should know:
🥾 Hike, bike, and ride only on designated trails and roads (Class 1 e-bikes allowed on trails). Note that the Issaqueena Lake area and Fants Grove (Seed Orchard, Butch Kennedy) see the heaviest use

🐾 Dogs must be under control at all times

🔥 No fires except in designated structures; no alcohol; no camping without University authorization

🚗 Issaqueena Lake Road is closed Nov. 1–March 15 (or as posted)

🚤 5 mph speed limit on Lake Issaqueena; no diving, swimming, or sliding at the dam

🎯 About 70% of the Forest is leased to SC DNR as Wildlife Management Area (WMA) land — Fants Grove, Keowee, and Gravely — marked by yellow triangular signs. Hunting and fishing are permitted only within these areas, and hunters are responsible for knowing current SC DNR seasons and regulations. All other recreation may continue in WMAs too, but research, teaching, and education always take priority there

🔫 Outside the WMAs, University Concealed Weapons policy applies to all fi****ms, open or concealed

📵 Cell service is limited — tell someone your route before you head out

This Forest belongs to all of us, and so does the work of caring for it. Take a few minutes to read the full plan and see what's ahead 👇

🔗 Recreation Management Plan https://www.clemson.edu/campus-life/cu-forest/about/plans-reports/recreation-plan.html

Image: Retired Old Trekker M.A.Whitener, Junebug & Izzy on Dam rd.

08/17/2026

Clemson Forest Hiking/Biking Safety Check!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1RHMzPYep5/

08/07/2026

Good morning Tigers! It’s a beautiful day for celebrating some of our Forestry and Environmental Conservation students!

07/29/2026

Today is International Tiger Day! Clemson University is one of four land-grant universities in the Tigers United University Consortium, teaming up to educate people about the need to protect wild tigers.

07/09/2026

Clemson’s Boone and Crockett Program to receive new name as it reaches new heights with endowment!

Thanks to an endowment of $5 million and growing, the newly named John P. Evans ’75 Boone and Crockett Wildlife Conservation Program at Clemson University is poised to reach ever newer heights.

Learn More ➡️ https://news.clemson.edu/clemsons-boone-and-crockett-program-to-receive-new-name-as-it-reaches-new-heights/

06/30/2026

Need some chainsaw safety tips?

06/24/2026

The 24th International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium was held at Mississippi State University.
Clemson University Forestry and WU+D (Wood Utilization and Design) played active roles throughout the event. Dr. Brunela Rodrigues, Assistant Professor of Wood Utilization and Biomaterials in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation and also a faculty member of the WU+D, has been actively involved with the NDTE of Wood Symposium series for the past three years, serving as a member of the International Organizing Committee for the NDTE of Wood Symposium series. During the event, Dr. Rodrigues presented two topics and moderated two sessions, while her graduate student, Anjila Lamichhane, presented a topic about her PhD project.
Dr. Rodrigues also received a Special Recognition Award in appreciation of her work supporting the event.

06/15/2026

Jane Zheltov, Environmental Conservation Student, was selected for the Gilman Scholarship. The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (Gilman Program) provides up to $5,000 in merit-based scholarships to outstanding American undergraduate students with high financial need to pursue credit-bearing academic studies and career-oriented internships abroad. These opportunities equip Gilman Scholars with international experience, global networks, and foreign language skills essential to advancing the U.S. economic competitiveness and national security. 20 students from 19,900 applications were awarded, and we are extremely proud of this amazing accomplishment. Jane is a junior in FEC!

"I am so grateful to have received the Gilman Scholarship and to have the opportunity to study abroad in Australia in the Spring. I'll be living and studying at a research base in the rainforest, learning about local ecosystems, conservation challenges, and indigenous perspectives through field-based courses and research. As someone passionate about environmental stewardship and research, this opportunity is a dream come true! I can't wait to explore such an incredibly biodiverse part of the world and bring my experiences back to Clemson".

05/26/2026

Isaqueena Lake Road Closed!

05/26/2026

It is with great enthusiasm that we announce that Dr. Kyle Barrett has been appointed as chair of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation. He served as interim chair beginning 2024.

Dr. Matt Holt stated in the announcement, "Dr. Barrett has provided thoughtful, collaborative leadership during an important period for the department. Since joining Clemson in 2012, he has built a strong record in research, teaching, and service while helping advance our land-grant mission through work that supports conservation, natural resources, and the people of South Carolina.
I’m confident Dr. Barrett's leadership will continue to strengthen the department and build on its momentum in the years ahead."

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Barrett!