COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH, AP) -- Forestry officials in South Carolina are about to plant a special tree to mark Arbor Day.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission says industry leaders will join government officials for a Friday ceremony at the Statehouse to plant what it says is the state's five billionth tree.
Officials say the tree is a variety of loblolly pine that is a descendent of a Williamsburg County tree known as "7-56," known around the world for the strength and resilience of its wood.
The Forestry Commission says it came up with its tree estimate based on surveys since 1928 that have found about 50 million seedlings are planted in South Carolina each year.
Forest-related businesses impact the state's economy by $17 billion dollars every year, according to the latest available data.
"Much of South Carolina is rural and trees are extremely important to the rural communities," says Vice President Wayne Barfield of ArborGen. "I think the vast majority of South Carolinians recognize the value of the forest industry."
The tree will be planted at a specially designated spot near the corner of Assembly and Pendleton streets.
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