The South Coast is characterized by its unique and fragile natural environment. While our landscape may be unlike any other, the story unfolding in Beaufort and Jasper Counties is similar to that in every community along our coast. We face crucial decisions about how we grow that will shape our landscape for decades. This sets the stage for perhaps our greatest challenge: how to accommodate growth without compromising what makes the Lowcountry so special.
We are currently working with citizens and public officials, educating on and advocating for more sustainable communities. It is our priority to protect the unique natural and cultural character of our region – such as the historic sea island of St. Helena and the valuable contiguous natural habitat in Northern Jasper County. This is accomplished by directing growth in and around our existing urban centers. We have succeeded in bringing a SmartCode to the Town of Ridgeland, and the municipalities of Beaufort, Port Royal and Bluffton have expressed a commitment to adopting similar codes that will encourage infill and protect many of the natural resources that are so integral to the quality of life in our counties. In the South Coast we are working to:
- Promote planning by watershed to protect and restore our impaired waterways.
- Promote the adoption of SmartCode in our municipalities and counties.
- Equip residents to advocate for increased water quality protections.
- Challenge inappropriate annexations and promote intergovernmental regional planning.
- Encourage a regional and environmentally sound approach to port planning.
Rethinking our growth pattern is a central component of realizing what should be our common goal: nature and community in balance. With a refined focus on how we build and develop, we can accommodate growth which respects the environment and ensures the protection of our natural and rural landscapes, water resources, and traditional communities.
We also have our own South Coast Facebook Page! Like us to stay informed on issues in Beaufort and Jasper Counties!
