The Future of Our Coast
Gretta Kruesi
There’s something undeniably alluring about the low country. Whether it’s the fishing, the wildlife,
the beaches, the culture, or simply beautiful sunsets, people just can’t get enough. It’s as though the
entire country has just discovered a hidden jewel and everyone is trying to stake their claim—like a
southern gold rush. But these features which make the coast so economically valuable make it
ecologically rich as well. And with accelerating growth, we must develop wisely to preserve the very
essence that makes this place so magical.
“The beauty of the lowcountry was seductive, more sultry than majestic. There were mysteries
teeming in the winding creeks and rivers. They snaked through vast greening marshes that breathed
in and out with the tidal current like a living creature.”
Mary Alice Monroe
SKYWARD
I moved to Isle of Palms as a young teen and have very distinct memories of the first time I went to
Capers, touched a surf board, went crabbing, saw a loggerhead, learned to shag, and drove on the old
Grace bridge. I also remember when the Mt. Pleasant Town Center first was built, when Bishop
England moved to Daniel Island , and when the South Carolina Aquarium first opened. Over the years
I’ve watched the lowcountry grow and it has watched me grow. In college I would come home from
breaks amazed to see how much had changed in such a short while—and wondered if the same were
true for me. Now, as a recent graduate, I wonder what is next?
As I look to the South Carolina coast that has nurtured me, particularly its vast marsh, intra-coastal
waterway and many islands, the question of what is next for this precious coastline could not be more
timely.
“Until fairly recently, the coastal region of islands, marshes, placid rivers, and oak-shaded roads had
seen relatively little change—but now change is widespread, often overwhelming and sometimes
devastating.”
The National Trust for Historic Preservation of the Southern Coast.
In the recent past, South Carolina ’s newspapers and magazines have headlined articles pertaining to
the alarmingly rapid encroachment upon and development plans for the coastline and forests of South
Carolina . Of particular concern is the threat to the thousands of small islands that make up more than
50% of South Carolina ’s coastline.
In the 2004 November/December issue of SC Wildlife magazine, columnist Pete Laurie wrote of the
impending development of the small marsh islands off the South Carolina Coast . The Department of
Natural Resources (DNR), spurred by an influx of new permit applications to build bridges to a
number of these islands, decided to study the matter further.
Laurie wrote that, “In less than a year, and with minimal staff, the project demonstrated the value of
marsh islands and hummocks as vital refuges to a huge variety of species, especially near developed
areas.” He pointed out how numbers of species pushed out of developed islands and mainland to seek
refuge in these fragments of high ground. “Islands in developed areas had more species diversity than
ones in protected areas like the ACE Basin because coastal animals fleeing more developed shores
find refuge on small hummock islands, mere fragments of high ground compared with the dense,
jungled interiors of larger hummocks.”
Threatened species were found in high concentrations on these larger hummocks. Neo-tropical
migratory song birds, such as the painted bunting, are provided sanctuary because of the absence of
feral house cats. River otters are found in camps because there are no dogs. Large mammals like deer
and bobcats, amphibians such as salamanders and frogs, and reptiles like turtles and snakes are all
found in these fractured habitats as well as many historic artifacts. The surrounding marsh and tidal
creeks provide critical habitat for 60 recreational and commercial species including shrimp, blue crab,
oyster, snapper, flounder, sea trout, grouper, and striped bass.
South Carolina has 3,469 of these unique marsh islands. The state receives approximately 1,000
permit requests to build over these critical areas each year. The threat to the islands is obvious and
requires a vigorous program to protect these natural habitats and to monitor any development
conscientiously.
However, this is difficult to do when the Supreme Court justice invalidated the current bridge
permitting regulations for “access to small marsh islands” because small is not defined. With no state
guidelines in place, South Carolina has acknowledged a state of emergency. In 2003 DHEC stepped
forward with a marsh island advisory committee charged with the responsibility to create
recommendations for new state regulations. This six member board of stakeholders represented
developers, the tourism council, and environmentalist groups.
Landowners and developers want bridges and building rights to the valuable waterfront property and
propose looser guidelines. Environmentalists want to keep bridges from crisscrossing the
distinguishing feature of SC’s coastline, its marsh, and want stricter guidelines. Both groups, however,
realized the dangers if there are no developmental guidelines. That was their jumping off point to
collaborate for a compromise. Many debates later, the committee came up with recommendations fair
to both sides. In the end, each side just kept compromising till the reached an agreement.
But these are just recommendations. Ultimately, it is the legislative vote in January 2006 that will
determine new permitting regulations for bridges to marsh islands. The outcome of this vote will
impact future development and determine what our coastline will look like. It is up to us to recognize
this as a critical moment in time for South Carolina .
“If we don’t change the way we grow, we will simply sprawl into the last remaining things we love
about the coast.”
Dana Beach, South Carolina Coastal Conservation League.
As I look to my own future, uncertain as it is, I know that I must make the best choices with the
knowledge that I have and that I must act. The lowcountry has nurtured me through my adolescence.
Now as an adult I feel a responsibility—an obligation—to protect this valuable resource. Change is
inevitable, but the shame of degradation of our landscape is not. We must be honest with ourselves,
and to our beloved state. If we love our home state, we must think as a caring parent and set fair
developmental guidelines so that we may watch the coast build with pride.
“The Lowcountry’s landscape generously fed even the poorest of men a banquet from its waters,
hosted a bountiful way station for a kaleidoscope of migratory birds and butterflies, captured the
magic of moonlight through the lacy fronds of moss, and revealed God each evening in the
unparalleled magnificence of its sunset.”
Mary Alice Monroe
SWEETGRASS
For more information on the regulations visit:
http://www.scdhec.gov/.../Coastal_Islands_Emergency_Regs.pdf
http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/ocrm/outreach/marshislands.htm
Gretta Kruesi is a graduate of Clemson University with a BS in Environment and Natural Resources
concentrating in Conservation Biology. She is currently employed by the South Carolina Coastal
Conservation League.