CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- Money used to protect millions of acres of wetlands along the South Carolina coast could be eliminated through federal budget cuts.
The Post and Courier of Charleston reports a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives eliminates money for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and cuts similar programs. It's part of efforts to reduce the federal budget deficit.
The cuts could affect areas such as the Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area on Edisto Island.
The recently opened area is the most visited in the state, attracting more than 40,000 people a year to its woods, marshes, creeks and beaches.
The restoration of a lake at Botany Bay is one of 40 conservation projects under way or completed in South Carolina though a mix of private and federal dollars.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH