Directors of nine federal and state agencies came together to sign a shared stewardship agreement at a ceremony held on Harbison State Forest. Shared stewardship agreements between federal and state agencies establish a framework to improve collaboration, accomplish mutual goals, further common interests and effectively respond to the increasing ecological challenges and natural resource concerns. The agreement will use the best available science to manage and enhance private and public lands within the Palmetto State. South Carolina’s forests will benefit from strengthened partnerships between these agencies following the signing. …This was the largest group of agency partners (9) ever to convene to sign a shared stewardship memorandum of understanding within a state.