SCDNR joins SC7 Kickoff at Station Cove Falls. (Courtesy of SCDNR).
UPSTATE — The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) partnered in the kickoff of the 2025 SC7 Expedition yesterday at Oconee Station State Historic Site. This month-long, world-class expedition showcases the natural beauty of South Carolina’s “Seven Summits,” encouraging outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and resilience awareness.
Organized annually by the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor and Global Eco Adventures, the SC7 Expedition is a statewide journey designed to highlight South Carolina’s incredible natural resources, promote environmental education, and foster partnerships that advance resilience and conservation.
SCDNR joined Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, South Carolina Senate President Senator Thomas Alexander, partnering organizations, and members of the public for the annual SC7 Kick-off Ceremony at Oconee Station—a historic 1790s-era military garrison and trading post nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
“Senator Thomas Alexander’s steadfast commitment to conservation has been instrumental in elevating the SC7 Expedition,” said SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin. “For the past five years, he’s helped launch this journey, inspiring others to connect with our state’s natural heritage. Together with Lt. Governor Pamela Evette, whose active participation has also been a driving force, their leadership on the 30-day Mountains-to-the-Sea Trail hike reflects a shared and deeply personal investment in protecting the landscapes that define us.”
Following the ceremony, the group hiked to Station Cove Falls, a 60-foot tiered waterfall known for its serene beauty and ecological significance. After the hike, the event continued at SCDNR’s Walhalla State Fish Hatchery, where staff conducted a live demonstration of the trout stocking process.
Built in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery (WSFH) has been operated by SCDNR since 1996 and remains the state’s only coldwater hatchery. It produces approximately 500,000 brown, brook, and rainbow trout annually for stocking in South Carolina and beyond.
“Trout stocking not only supports recreational fishing but also brings significant economic value to our state,” said Mullikin. “With an annual investment of roughly $700,000 and an estimated $20 million return, this operation proves that conservation and economic growth can go hand in hand.”
Funding for hatchery operations is provided through partnerships with Duke Power, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Program, and revenue from fishing license sales. The hatchery is staffed by a dedicated team of SCDNR Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) professionals committed to maintaining healthy fish populations and public access to recreational angling.
Throughout July, SCDNR will continue to support the expedition’s goals and help showcase the diverse ecological assets and individuals that make South Carolina global leaders in marine and wildlife protection.