As we have written about before, the Maritime forest is a boon to island safety and taxpayers. Take two examples. Currently, the city of Charleston is looking to invest $1.3 billion in a sea wall (much like you would find in the Netherlands), to protect the Holy City from rising sea waters, storm surge and hurricanes. This kind of protection is exactly what Sullivan’s Islanders have with the maritime forest, yet there is still a push to destroy the forest, as we continue to see with the ongoing lawsuit brought by a handful of front beach homeowners who want to cut back the forest for better ocean views at the expense of the protection afforded thousands of othe neighbors.
Secondly, look at what our neighbors on the Isle of Palms are grappling with. In February, the Post and Courier reported that tax increases for residents are being considered to pay for the $32 million beach renourishment project that is so desperately needed to protect homes and property from erosion. Our maritime forest is a buffer for this kind of erosion. If it is destroyed, it could generations to grow back, and millions of dollars in renourishment projects to protect homes currently protected by the forest.
Please stay informed about the debate over the maritime forest, because it does have a direct impact on every islanders safety and property values, not to mention a natural wonder that is not often seen along the entire East Coast.
