North Charleston city officials have begun to revamp the management plans for the Francis Marion National Forest located in Huger, about one hour northeast of North Charleston.

A hearing in North Charleston on Tuesday will focus on forest recreational possibilities, with the objective to maximize possible sporting uses the forest can afford the public. It will be the first time planning for these woodlands has taken place since 1996 when the main focus was rehabilitating it from the ruination it faced thanks to the destructive winds of Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

A contemporary issue officials face is that the urban areas surrounding the forest have greatly expanded in the nearly 20 years since meetings regarding the forest's purposes and management were last held. 

The United States Forest Service will be accepting input from the public on the matter through mid-April.