Shoreline Change Initiative

In 2007, DHEC-OCRM initiated a Shoreline Change Initiative to organize existing data collection and research efforts, identify additional research needs, and formulate policy options to guide the management of South Carolina’s estuarine and beachfront shorelines.

Shoreline Change Advisory Committee

The Shoreline Change Advisory Committee is an integral part of DHEC’s multi-year Shoreline Change Initiative. Comprised of a broad cross-section of coastal stakeholders, the committee will begin to organize existing shoreline research, identify research priority needs and explore policy options to ensure the long-term sustainability of our state’s coastal resources. The committee will meet regularly and conclude its monthly meetings in December 2008. A summary report of their findings is anticipated in the summer of 2009. Public comment will be received at scheduled meetings at the beginning and end of the committee process. Written comments will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

Written comments may be submitted via email to davisbc@dhec.sc.gov or via surface mail to:

Braxton Davis
SCDHEC-OCRM
1362 McMillan Ave.
Suite 400
Charleston, SC 29405

Background

Twenty years ago, a "blue ribbon panel" was convened by the former South Carolina Coastal Council (now SCDHEC-OCRM) to address what was considered a "crisis" situation involving our beaches. Recognizing the threats of chronic erosion, gradual sea level rise, increased shoreline development, and a lack of comprehensive beachfront planning and management, the panel developed recommendations that provided guidance to state regulators and legislators in developing state beach management policies. Most of their recommendations were adopted into law through the Beachfront Management Act of 1988.  Over the past two decades, the Beachfront Management Act and associated regulations have significantly limited development and hard stabilization of the beachfront in many areas. However, the issues addressed by the 1987 panel remain critical.  We face a growing challenge in balancing the protection of economic and environmental resources along our shorelines.

Advisory Committee

Meeting Information

Materials associated with meetings, including presentations, minutes and supporting documents, will be added as they become available.

Reference Materials

Public Comments

Public comments are described within approved meeting minutes and are available upon request. When available, multimedia and presentations are listed below.

Shoreline Management in Other States