The CCL has some great information in the video below for South Carolinian’s about our wetlands across the state – including swamps and salt marsh.

It also discusses development along the coastline – including over 2000 islands that could foreseeably have bridges connecting them to the mainland. Thanks to Nancy Vinson and several other citizens’ hard work, 95% of those proposed bridges were denied development!

It is well worth your time to watch this short video from the Coastal Conservation League if you are at all interested in the pristine environment that so much of South Carolina has to offer.

According to Heather Preston, director of the Water Quality Division for DHECs Bureau of Water, wetlands are vegetated aquatic ecosystems that include areas such as Carolina bays, marshes and swamps. Wetlands provide habitat for wildlife such as waterfowl, as well as for economically important fish and shellfish populations. Wetlands also provide safety and economic benefits to communities in the state by reducing flooding, cleaning and replenishing water supplies.

“Although wetlands serve as a vital link between land and water, they are historically misunderstood and under appreciated,” said Preston. “In the past, they were often used as dump sites and, unfortunately, appeared to be of value only when drained and developed.   Read more...

NOAA is formally seeking proposals through April 6 for a variety of habitat restoration projects – including wetlands restoration, removal of unsafe, obsolete dams, construction of fish passages, oyster and other shellfish restoration and coral reef restoration.

When I read this, the first thing I thought of was The Edge of America, a.k.a. Folly Beach. We all know about their history with erosion, I’m just not sure whether or not they fit the bill here. Anyway, it’s something the local officials may want to look into.

Here’s information on NOAA’s Coastal and Marine Habitat Restoration Projects”, and of course, the Administration’s Recovery.gov, which will feature information on how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is working, tools to help you hold the government accountable, and up-to-date data on the expenditure of funds.   Read more...

The Cooper River Corridor Project, initiated in 1989, has been nominated for federal support as part of the Heritage Rivers Initiative. Siting and land clearing policies on the property are followed to minimize disruption to the ecology and to preserve the archeological value of the site.

In fall 1995, the Cooper River Corridor Project initiated a community-based planning process to develop a common vision and recommendations for the protection and enhancement of the river’s natural, cultural, and economic resources.

The goal was to preserve historic and natural resources for future generations; to ensure greater access to parks, recreation areas, and other public amenities; and to increase opportunities and improve quality of life through community-based education and well-managed economic development.   Read more...