The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources on Monday opened a new 8,800 square-foot facility adjacent to the Francis Marion University campus in Florence.
It’s now one of four full-service DNR office locations across the state. Agency spokesman Mike Willis says the new facility is a big improvement over the old one. It will allow for hunter and boater education classes and will have a DNR hunter and boater education coordinator.
We now have a 1,250-square-foot auditorium for teaching classes. Previously we would have to go and look at outside locations that would be suitable for such. Now we can conduct training right there at the new facility.
Willis says the facility was sorely needed to better serve the Pee Dee public.
AUDIO: Willis on new hub (:57)
Willis says the building features “green” elements, including energy efficient lighting, efficient water fixtures, low volatile organic compound paints and an all-inorganic exterior for sustainability and low maintenance.
The DNR board will hold its next meeting at the new facility on August 12.
