by Janice Tuck
Inspired by the natural landscape of Seabrook Island and the recent impacts of Hurricane Helene and Milton, subject-matter experts lead a conversation highlighting the critical importance of resilience in South Carolina. Enhancing resilience in coastal ecosystems was a central theme of the during the 2024 Conservation Leaders’ Summit, held Oct 15-17.
Team discussions focused on SC Conservation Coalition’s work on specific legislative issues regarding energy, wildlife, surface water issues, regulatory rollbacks, and PFAS related issues.
SCNPS’s Rick Huffman led a group of 25 representatives of conservation organizations on an informative hike on the grounds of beachfront St. Christopher Conference Center, which hosted the summit. Rick took the group out to the dune and beach area where he discussed dune and beach ecology and how wind, sand, and native plants such as Uniola sessilifolia, Sea oats, hold the system together. He also discussed the plant communities and transitions into the maritime forests, ocean coastal wooded areas on higher ground than dunes but still within range of salt spray.
Other presentations included information on how the SC legislative process works, effective strategies for conservation advocates, interconnection between conservation and human sustainability through sweetgrass, the background of various Native American tribes in South Carolina, and a preview of the SC Department of Natural Resources’ 2025 update on its State Wildlife Action Plan with a call for feedback.
The SC Conservation Coalition, comprised of 48 environmental groups from across the state, including SCNPS, seeks to advance its vision of SC, where natural resources are recognized as an irreplaceable part of our economy, history, and culture — and where economic development and conservation goals align. SCNPS has been a member of the Coalition for 15 years.
2025 Legislative Priorities include:
- Isolated Wetlands & Carolina Bays Protection
- Energy Transition Legislation
- Smart Growth/Land Use
- PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) Funding
- National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Signage
SCCC has designated February 25, 2025 Coalition Lobby Day. Details will be forthcoming.