A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO COMMEND AND HONOR THOMAS STOWE "TOM" MULLIKIN, DIRECTOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES; THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES; AND THE LEADERS AND PARTICIPANTS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA 7 EXPEDITION FOR THEIR VISIONARY PARTNERSHIP IN 2025, WHICH HAS SET A MODEL FOR CONSERVATION, EDUCATION, AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT THAT BENEFITS THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THE NATION, AND THE WORLD.

 

Whereas, on June 26, 2025, Thomas S. Mullikin, Director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), officially announced SCDNR's 2025 partnership with the sixth annual South Carolina 7 (SC7) Expedition; and

 

Whereas, on July 1, 2025, the SC7 Expedition, in partnership with SCDNR, commenced its statewide journey along a route closely paralleling the renowned Palmetto Trail, beginning in the mountains of the Upstate and continuing through the Midlands to the Lowcountry and along the South Carolina coast, with visits to numerous destinations along the way; and

 

Whereas, the SC7-SCDNR partnership features a wide range of initiatives, including environmental cleanups, physical fitness challenges, exploratory excursions, visits to historically significant sites, and public education events across the Palmetto State; and

 

Whereas, the expedition highlights South Carolina's seven natural wonders-Sassafras Mountain, Jocassee Gorges, the Chattooga River, Congaree National Park, the Edisto River, the ACE Basin, and Bulls Island-as well as other iconic sites, showcasing the State's extraordinary environmental beauty and ecological importance; and

 

Whereas, over the past six years, SC7 has promoted local, regional, national, and international awareness of South Carolina's beautiful natural resources through robust public participation and widespread media coverage; and

 

Whereas, this success has been made possible through the leadership of Tom Mullikin; Michelle McCollum, President of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor (SCNHC); and Thomas Mullikin, Jr., President of Global Eco Adventures (GEA); along with the support of dedicated individual and corporate sponsors; and

 

Whereas, Tom Mullikin, as the founding president of GEA, conceived and launched SC7 and the original partnership with the SCNHC; and

 

Whereas, his lifelong commitment to conservation includes leading global expeditions, diving in all the world's oceans, serving as the founding chair of the South Carolina Floodwater Commission, and commanding the South Carolina State Guard; and

 

Whereas, the 2025 SC7-SCDNR partnership exemplifies innovation, collaboration, and dedication to preserving South Carolina's natural treasures, and serves as a model for future generations. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, commend and honor Thomas Stowe "Tom" Mullikin, Director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources; the men and women of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources; and the leaders and participants of the South Carolina 7 Expedition for their visionary partnership in 2025, which has set a model for conservation, education, and public engagement that benefits the State of South Carolina, the nation, and the world.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Tom Mullikin and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

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