Military Land Protection

Sumter has an active land protection program around Shaw AFB to prevent encroaching development. Land use near military installations is a critical concern, as new development and competing demands for land, airspace, and water access can restrict base operations and lead to base closings. 

While some of this acreage is designated for conservation, other areas are strictly protected to support airfield and base activities. Because the largest portion of these lands border Shaw AFB and the air strip itself, they are not publicly accessible — use is restricted or prohibited except for authorized personnel to ensure the mission readiness and the security of Shaw AFB. Any use of these lands must be closely monitored as to not conflict with Shaw's mission and daily activities.

The City of Sumter, Sumter County, and its citizens and business communities have a long history of working in partnership with Shaw AFB and Poinsett ECR to avoid land use incompatibilities and encroachment threats, including the preparation of Joint Compatible Land Use Studies in 1993, 2002 and 2016.

Over the past 20 years, Sumter has strategically acquired properties to assemble a 3,000-acre protected area. These purchases, made in collaboration with public and private partners, have reinforced Shaw AFB’s operational security by preventing incompatible development. Each acquisition has been part of a long-term commitment to ensuring the base has the necessary space to meet both current and future mission requirements.

The City of Sumter’s intention has always been to ensure Shaw AFB has the necessary space to meet current and future operational needs. If an expansion becomes necessary, a significant portion of the property has been and will continue to be available for transfer to the Department of Defense. This long-term strategy ensures Shaw AFB remains operationally secure while reinforcing the region’s economic and strategic stability.

Shaw AFB Economic Impact 1993-2023

Today, the area is known as Shaw-Sumter Farm, with most of the land actively used for crop and timber production. Revenue from farming supports property maintenance, while the site also serves as a venue for events promoting base retention, economic development, and education.

Despite progress, the farm’s educational initiatives remain delayed due to the 2015 flood. Nearly a decade later, FEMA has yet to implement necessary safety measures for the dam and wetlands. View the City's 2015 flood impact report here.