Manchester State Forest, in Sumter and Clarendon Counties, consists of approximately 25,000 acres of mixed pine and hardwood species native to the midlands of South Carolina. Soil type is light sand, interspersed with swamps and bays.

The forest is managed to yield a variety of forest products, from pulpwood and sawtimber to poles and pine straw. Stands of non-native slash pine, planted in the 1960s, are being gradually harvested and replaced with longleaf pine. In 1989 the forest was severely damaged by Hurricane Hugo. Sixty-five percent of the timber base was destroyed. Since then hundreds of acres have been salvaged and replanted.

Manchester State Forest practices principles of high quality multiple-use and sustained-yield forest management.

Multiple use management includes enhancing timber production, fish and wildlife habitat, air and water quality, soil conservation, scenic beauty, scientific research, and recreational opportunities. It does not mean that all uses must coexist at the same time. Depending on the circumstances on different parts of the forest, one use might be dominant while other uses are subordinated.

Sustained yield means assuring that the renewable resources of the forest will always be available without impairing the productivity of the land.

Operating funds for the forest, as well as a portion of salaries, are generated from the sale of timber products, land leases, Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Permits, and recreational use permits. Twenty-five percent of the Forest's gross income is paid to Sumter County for use in the local school district.