EIPA E Newsletter for July 2010
EIPA continues to work to preserve this island we all love. A key effort underway is implementation of the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan.
The following is a short synopsis of what’s been happening since our last newsletter in an effort to keep you, our members, involved and in touch.
Botany Bay WMA Update
SCDNR has increased their enforcement efforts to prevent removal of shells from the beach. They also report that there have been some violations of fishing regulations in Jason’s Lake. Numbers are down slightly from last year but the work of the volunteers have been, if anything, even more important as record numbers of turtles have nested on the beach and because the numbers of many shorebirds continue to decline.
Volunteers attend training from SCDNR’s shore bird expert learning about threats and protective measures and important data on shore bird trends.
The volunteers do critical maintenance work keeping areas around the bluebird houses clear, rebuilding portions of the caretaker’s house, rebuilding portions of the office/summer staff house, maintaining the garden, and manning the kiosk among many other tasks. To volunteer, contact Bess Watson, Volunteer coordinator, at 843-442-8140 or via e mail at lilbesswatson@gmail.com.
National ScenicByway update : Entrance Sign
The new welcome sign which the Scenic Byway committee has been working on with our partner SCDOT for many months is finally under construction by Charleston Sign and Banner Co. Funded by Jane Edwards Community School through a grant from Palmetto Pride it carries the important message “Please Don’t Litter” in addition to the name of “Please don’t litter,” as it welcomes our visitors to the National Scenic Byway. Many hours of work have gone into choosing colors, typestyles, deciding how to best utilize the lovely logo donated by Bonnie Lee, obtaining permission to place it in the SCDOT right of way, deciding on materials and type of construction, and finding what we believe to be the perfect location. To us that is just as you approach the scenic vista without competing with it. The location settled on is just after the Osprey nest as you approach the McKinley Washington Bridge. The size was carefully calculated to be big enough to read without attracting undue attention. With the full understanding that people come to Edisto to see marshes and creeks – not signs - a decision was made to only have one sign at the entrance to the byway not one at each end.
After installation, plans are to request permission for very simple landscaping at the site probably using native grasses.
Bike Paths – Enhanced Shoulders
Shortly after designation as a National Scenic Byway the Scenic Byway committee began work to create a grant proposal to begin to build bike paths on portions of the Scenic Byway. Even though the bike path project was at the top of the priorities of the community as expressed in our many public meetings, the actual process of creating the proposal caused us all to step back and talk about what we really wanted and how it would impact other aspects of the Scenic Byway.
We were in agreement that we did not want to destroy marshlands to accomplish this. We were in agreement that we did not want to harm our grand oaks. We were in agreement that we wanted something whose size and scale would fit with our rural, scenic nature. All of this was, of course, impacted by the narrow right of way, many ditches, areas where marsh is close to the roadway, and existing utilities. Yet we were also in agreement that additional bike and pedestrian access was critical from a safety standpoint and from the standpoint of enhancing our visitors’ experience.
We consulted closely with SC DOT and learned that what would best fit our needs they call “enhanced shoulders, pedestrian and bicycle use permitted.” This amounts to just paving the existing shoulders as has already been done to create the Edisto Beach bike paths. Our plan is to incrementally extend those existing bike paths further back on the island. Because this will use only the existing roadway and shoulders, we will avoid many of the problems listed above and at a much lower cost. This may allow us to request adequate funds to extend them further than our original first stage had projected.
We are currently working on budgets with SC DOT and Charleston County, looking for the necessary matching funds required by the federal grants, and working to determine our best approach for the next funding cycle. As we move forward with the grant process we will keep you informed.
Driving in the Marsh – Steamboat Landing Road
Our visitors often do not understand how fragile our environment is. When looking for places to crab, fish, or sight-see, the tendency is to drive just as close to the waters edge as possible, even when that means crossing or parking on fragile marshland. This has become a particular problem on Steamboat Landing Road near the little bridge about half way along the causeway to the public landing. SCDNR and OCRM both assure us this is a violation of Section 48-39-130 of the 1976 Code and is a ticketable offence enforceable by SCDNR and possibly by local Sheriff Deputies.
Anyone seeing persons driving or parked in the critical zone is encouraged to first try to educate them as to why this seriously harms the wetlands. If the persons involved refuse to leave the marsh or if you are met with hostility or disdain simply call Operation Game Thief at 843-922-5431 and report them. A car license number and digital pictures if they can be obtained safely are helpful.
Bridge Replacements May Bring Enhanced Creek Access
EIPA and the National Scenic Byway Committee began working with SCDOT and the Charleston County Parks Commission as soon as we became aware of the plan to replace the small bridges at Store Creek, Russell Creek and Sand Creek. Our goal was to seek more access to the creeks for island residents and visitors. We envisioned a place to pull over and take pictures, perhaps do some crabbing or fishing.
Charleston County Parks has submitted a proposal to SCDOT which would accomplish all of this and, in addition, allow canoe and kayak access to these creeks. They would assume management responsibility as they have at the Dawhoo Bridge boat ramp and fishing pier.
SCDOT is considering the proposal as they continue their design and preconstruction phase on these projects. As soon as we know more we’ll let you know!
Charleston County A-Tax Grant
A very wise man told us early in the formation of EIPA that we should invite the people to Edisto who share our values. He said that, if you can form a coalition between those who visit and those who live here, you’ll have a far better chance of keeping the things you value.
For us “ the things you value” meant such things as our birds and wildlife, caring for our fragile creeks and marshes, the miles of scenic vista, guests who are respectful of the local culture and pace of life, and attracting people who share a willingness to find recreation in our creeks and rivers rather than desiring things like water slides and goofy golf.
County accommodations tax money is collected to allow local promotion to bring tourism to an area. EIPA has just received confirmation that Charleston County liked our grant request so much that – in a budget year where virtually no request was fully funded – EIPA’s received more than we requested.
Charleston County will provide $3700 for underwriting messages on South Carolina Public Radio promoting the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway. The Huffines Foundation has added another $500 and several individuals are also chipping in. We hope to have a total of $4500-$5000 to purchase a variety of underwriting messages (see below).
The demographics of listeners to SCERN fit our picture of the types of visitors Edisto should want. They are overwhelmingly well educated, high earners, and people who are interested in current affairs and the environment.
(Rough draft scripts – not yet approved by SCERN-these would precede a variety of programs on SC Educational Radio during Nov.-Dec.)
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This program is provided in part by the Edisto Island Preservation Alliance. Celebrating the designation of scenic highway 174 as a National Scenic Byway. EIPA - helping to protect Edisto’s culture, environment and way of life. For more information www.PreserveEdisto.org
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This program is provided in part by the Edisto Island Preservation Alliance. Helping to protect Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area through an active volunteer program. EIPA- helping to protect Edisto’s culture, environment and way of life. For more information www.PreserveEdisto.org
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This program is made possible in part by the Edisto Island Preservation Alliance. Enjoy our local seafood, crafts, and history. EIPA – helping to protect Edisto’s culture, environment and way of life. For more information www.PreserveEdisto.org
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This program is made possible in part by the Edisto Island Preservation Alliance. Edisto, a place where families return generation after generation. EIPA - helping to protect Edisto’s culture, environment and way of life. For more information www.PreserveEdisto.org
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This program is made possible in part by the Edisto Island Preservation Alliance. Enjoy our museum and many historic sites. EIPA – helping to protect Edisto’s culture, environment, and way of life. For more information www.PreserveEdisto.org
Community Forum – Candidate Debate
EIPA co-hosted with the Edisto Island Community Association a community forum of the 8 candidates for Charleston County Council District 8, which encompasses most of Edisto Island. A tremendous success, the event allowed voters to get to know the candidates and their positions. Thomas Legare (Rep.) and Anna Johnson (Dem.) won the primaries and will vie for the position in the fall. EIPA and EICA intend to hold a second such forum/debate Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. between the two candidates
New Brochure for EIPA
We’re working on a brochure to describe what we do and to encourage folks to join. A three fold, if you’d like to see the entire brochure we’ll have it on our web shortly… Take a look.
This is the back cover depicting history, the beach, and the natural environment.
Charleston GreenFair
One of the reasons for designing a brochure now is that EIPA will participate in the Charleston Green Fair at Calhoun Park Sept. 28th from noon to 6 p.m. The Green Fair is designed to encourage sustainability… a goal very much in keeping with our desire to point Edisto on a sustainable path.
We hope you’ll plan to come by and support us! It looks to be a wonderful afternoon.
Stay in touch through WWW.PreserveEdisto.Org