Hilton Head Prepares for Conservation Chat Ahead of Election Day
As we get closer to Election Day here in Hilton Head, it’s natural for voters to start pondering the big issues, and one that’s gaining some serious attention is the protection of our beautiful land and natural resources. It’s essential for folks to know which lawmakers have been actively fighting for conservation in South Carolina. Luckily, there’s a fantastic tool at our fingertips—the online Legislative Scorecard. This little gem provides insights into how our legislators are voting on crucial conservation matters.
Beaufort County Legislators Shine in Conservation Efforts
If you’re curious about how your local representatives stack up, you might be surprised. Beaufort County legislators have impressive scores in the mid 80s! The Conservation Voters of South Carolina (CVSC), the brains behind this scorecard, has been hard at work making sure we know where our lawmakers stand. This Columbia-based organization works across party lines to help create sensible solutions for protecting our air, water, land, and historical sites while also promoting clean energy.
This month, Hilton Head Audubon has an exciting event planned. They’re hosting John Tynan, the president of CVSC, for an engaging discussion about the conservation challenges our state is facing. It’s a great opportunity for all of us nature enthusiasts to learn more about what’s going on behind the scenes in the State House.
South Carolina’s Precious Resources at a Glance
Let’s take a quick moment to appreciate just how much natural beauty South Carolina has to offer. Did you know that the Palmetto State is home to 19 million acres of resources? This includes a whopping 13 million acres of forest, 11,000 miles of rivers and streams, four major river systems, and 187 miles of stunning beaches! Almost 25 percent of the state is wetlands, particularly in the Lowcountry. That’s a huge amount of land and water that needs protection for not just people, but also for wildlife and birds.
Making a Difference with the Conservation Bank
Flashback to 2004: CVSC played a critical role in passing the South Carolina Conservation Bank Act (CB), which currently funds efforts to preserve farms, state forests, wetlands, historical sites, and parks. Since its inception, the Conservation Bank has successfully removed 390,000 critical acres from the list of potential development. With an average cost of just $715 an acre, it’s an incredible deal for taxpayers and visitors alike. Thanks to this and other preservation groups, about three million acres—that’s 15 percent of the state—are now set aside, with more legislation on the horizon to protect another three million acres by 2050.
Grassroots Efforts Leading to Big Wins
On a more local note, many of you remember the Beaufort County Green Space tax passed in 2022. This has allowed us to safeguard key lands from development. Just this summer, part of those green funds went toward purchasing Gregorie Neck along I-95. Although it’s located in Jasper County, preserving this land will help protect Beaufort’s Port Royal Sound by reducing runoff, positively impacting the Savannah River, ACE Basin, the Atlantic coast, and ultimately our cherished birds.
A Call to Community Engagement
Let’s not forget the successful initiative from a few years back, where Hilton Head residents voted to preserve sensitive island habitats. This effort has safeguarded 2,000 acres of land, including the noteworthy Mid-Island Tract, which is home to the only red-headed woodpecker colony on the island. So much exciting progress is happening, and there are still more tours planned through this natural wetland.
Join the Fun This October
Migration season is in full swing, and the buzz around here is electric! Reports indicate that around 15 million birds have made their way into Beaufort County since August 1. Many have settled in for the winter, including tundra swans, stilts, wood ducks, and falcons. Whether you’re an avid bird watcher or just keen to connect with nature, be sure to check out Hilton Head Audubon’s upcoming events starting on October 10 from 3-6 p.m. at Hilton Head Brewing Company. It’s a free event for all, where you can sample delicious craft beers, interact with John Tynan, meet community members, and dive into how our legislators are pushing for conservation.
As we gear up for the election, let’s stay informed and engaged. Our natural resources depend on it!
