Along the southeastern United States Atlantic coast, tidal salt marshes are important habitats. Salt marshes are regarded for their role as a buffer between the mainland and the ocean, as well their high levels of biodiversity. A salt marsh reduces the impact of flooding during hurricanes and act as a natural filtration system for pollutants….
Category: Cultural Heritage
In the beginning of October 2015, Hurricane Joaquin, a strong hurricane that didn’t make landfall in South Carolina, passed offshore. It brought heavy rain to the eastern and mid part of the state with Georgetown, SC receiving around 22 inches of rain. Even higher levels of rain fell in the Charleston area. The effects of…
On November 10th, 2014, the city of Pawleys Island passed an ordinance that would formally oppose the “placement of any wind turbines in any location where the turbines, or any part of the turbines, are visible, day or night, from thirty feet above mean high water at any point within the town of Pawleys Island.” This…
The ancient Waccamaw were river dwellers and inhabited the riverbanks from Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina all the way to Winyah Bay near Georgetown, South Carolina. They may have even been one of the first mainland Natives introduced to Europeans, demonstrating their journey began long before they were officially recognized. The Europeans nearly wiped out the…
Native Americans throughout history have held the belief that all elements of Earth, living and nonliving, are respected and equal in rights to humans. The landscape, animals, plants, and other environmental elements play a major role in the religion of Native Americans.They believe all things are connected and give each other life, for which we…
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. People have an equal right to a healthy environment to live, learn, and work. Consensus can be difficult when defining shared…
The Waccamaw Indians fought for federal recognition up until 2005 when they became South Carolina’s first recognized tribe. Federal recognition honors the tribes’ inherent rights of self-government, tribal sovereignty, and they are entitled to receive federal benefits, services, and protections because of their special relationship with the United States. In June 2006, the United Nations Declaration…
Proponents of offshore oil and gas exploration affirm oil spills are unlikely to happen. According to a report from British Petroleum in 2009, if a spill were to occur, adverse effects to the environment would not be expected. One year later, in 2010, Deepwater Horizon happened, a large, deep water oil spill that gushed “4.9 million…
In 2010, 19.8% of the population was over 65 years of age in Georgetown County. In 2014, that number rose to 24.1% which is 9.6% higher than the national average (14.5%). In 2010, Horry County’ over 65 years of age population was at 17.1% and by 2014 had climbed to 20.5%.The percentage increase highlights the growing…