DENMARK – Bamberg County resident and outdoors enthusiast Johney Haralson has been elected chairman of the board of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation.

Haralson takes the reins at a time when the state’s natural resources are in peril by threats ranging from out-of-control sprawl to rapid climate change.

“Yes, the challenges are tremendous, but I am excited about the vital role which the Wildlife Federation is poised to play in the upcoming critical months,” Haralson said. “Thanks to the outstanding leadership of outgoing Chair Kathy Stephens of Columbia, we are well equipped to lead the way and improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians.”

Haralson is an Orangeburg County native and has owned and operated the John L. Haralson State Farm Insurance Agency in Denmark for the past 31 years. He was also a member of the Denmark City Council for 20 years. Haralson and his wife of 35 years, Roxie, have two children, Kristen H. Rucker and Kacey H. Smith. The family attends First Baptist Church of Denmark, where Haralson serves as a trustee.

According to the SCWF, Haralson’s contributions to natural resources include:

n Founding member and first president of Salkehatchie Forestry Association

n Commissioner of Bamberg County Soil and Water Commission

n Board member of S.C. Forestry Association

n Honored as S.C. Tree Farmer of Year

n Active with numerous conservation groups

n Century member of Indian Waters Council of Boy Scouts of America

n Member of S.C. Wildlife Federation Board since 2005

Haralson said he looks forward to continued strong support for SCWF from outdoor lovers around the state.

Outgoing SCWF board Chair Kathy Stevens of Columbia will continue to serve on the board of directors and shares Haralson’s enthusiasm about the Federation’s future.

“With both a new chair and a new director in place, we intend to build an even stronger outreach and membership program while strengthening our advocacy efforts,” Stevens said. “The challenges we face as a state are extraordinary, and they demand extraordinary commitment from conservationists. I believe the Wildlife Federation is ready for the challenge.”

The South Carolina Wildlife Federation is the state’s oldest and largest membership conservation group. Formed in 1931 to find ways to reverse the trend of dwindling game and fish populations and to promote outdoor ethics and stronger conservation laws, the Federation is still a strong proponent of its original values in addition to resolving today’s pressing environmental issues. The Federation has more than 4,000 individual, family and other memberships, totaling more than 8,000 individuals.

More information can be obtained about SCWF by visiting www.scwf.org or calling 803-256-0670.

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