Wednesday, July 19, 2023
The late state Senator Clementa Pinckney recognized the natural beauty of his native county, when he once said, “Jasper County quietly boasts enchanting coastal plains filled with spreading moss-covered live oaks, supple palmettos and stately pines.”
Jasper County Council made it clear those natural resources are not to be taken for granted by enacting a temporary 9-month moratorium on certain development in an area known as the…
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
In June, the Town of Port Royal proclaimed their support for permanent protection of the Cherry Hill Oak. The Cherry Hill Oak is Beaufort County’s largest live oak and by some measurements is bigger than John’s Island’s famous Angel Oak. Cherry Hill Oak is a massive fixture…
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
On June 26th, the Beaufort County Council voted 8-2 to deny an amendment to remove the over 500-acre Pine Island property from the Cultural Protection Overlay zone on St. Helena Island to facilitate a luxury, gated golf resort. But the battle is not won yet — two lawsuits have been filed in connection with the development denials.
Pine Island Property Holdings, LLC and Pine Island GC, LLC…
Friday, June 30, 2023
For nearly five years, we have worked closely with the Southern Environmental Law Center to develop recommendations for updates to the real estate disclosure form in South Carolina that would require much more comprehensive information be provided to people looking to purchase property. Since 2019 the form has accounted for FEMA flood claims, but there was a growing need to provide additional information around potential…
Friday, June 30, 2023
Wetlands like South Carolina’s iconic Carolina Bays are integral for the water we rely on to drink, fish, and recreate in. Wetlands are also essential for flood protection by acting as natural sponges, storing water and allowing for groundwater recharge. Despite all this, the U.S. Supreme Court recently stripped away federal protections for isolated wetlands, and with that decision, gave developers…
Friday, June 30, 2023
We know our estuary ecosystem is crucial to keeping our coastal communities resilient, providing key habitat for marine mammals and birds and maintaining ecotourism. In order to keep this unique habitat from drowning as sea levels rise, salt marsh needs to be able to migrate landward. Recognizing this, we have worked over the last few years as a member of the South Atlantic…
