Maritime Forest Under Attack: SC Appeals Court Hears Motion that Would Allow Cutting
A small group of island residents is now challenging a major court ruling at the South Carolina Court of Appeals — a ruling that protected Sullivan’s Island’s beloved Maritime Forest. Their goal: to cut down large portions of the forest to gain oceanfront views. CLICK HERE TO WATCH SC COURT OF APPEALS HEARING FROM OCTOBER 8, 2025.
In 2023, Circuit Court Judge Jennifer McCoy ruled in favor of the Town of Sullivan’s Island, blocking a controversial settlement agreement that would have allowed the destruction of the island’s natural barrier against hurricanes and storm surge. The judge called the settlement “invalid and unenforceable.” Since that controversial agreement passed, every councilperson who supported it was voted out of office or did not run for reelection. A ruling from the South Carolina Court of Appeals is expected in 2026.
Now, Sullivan’s Island for All (SI for All) — the grassroots group that led the fight to save the forest — is calling on the community to stay vigilant and help defend this hard-won victory.
This small group is appealing a ruling that simply upheld common sense and the law. They want to cut down the Maritime Forest for better views, no matter the cost to the island’s safety, ecosystem, or future generations. We can’t let that happen.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT THIS SATURDAY
To mark the 5th anniversary of Sullivan’s Island for All and to celebrate how far support for the forest has come, the public is invited to a guided Maritime Forest tour this Saturday at 2:00 PM, meeting at Station 16 on Sullivan’s Island.
The event will highlight the forest’s importance, the community’s united efforts to protect it, and the next steps in ensuring it remains preserved for future generations.
BACKGROUND ON THE COURT RULING
In her original ruling, Judge McCoy found that the previous Town Council’s Settlement Agreement improperly bound future councils and granted excessive power to a handful of private citizens.
The Court concluded that the agreement:
- Imposed perpetual obligations that limited future councils’ ability to govern in the public’s interest.
- Circumvented zoning procedures and violated the Town’s authority to manage its land.
- “Bargained away” the Town’s discretion to act for public health, safety, and welfare.
The ruling emphasized that Sullivan’s Island’s leadership must always retain the ability to protect its residents — particularly from storm surge, flooding, and the impacts of climate change — and noted that the Maritime Forest plays a critical role in the island’s climate resiliency plan.
Had it gone into effect, the Settlement Agreement would have resulted in massive vegetation removal from the 195-acre Maritime Forest, increasing flood risks and harming wildlife habitats. Even South Carolina DHEC warned the Town that the proposed deforestation would worsen stormwater runoff.
HOW TO HELP
This forest protects every single home on this island. It’s not just trees — it’s our natural defense system, our wildlife refuge, and a vital part of our environmental legacy.
To support ongoing efforts to protect and preserve the Sullivan’s Island Maritime Forest, please visit SiForAll.org to make a donation today.
And this Saturday at 2 PM, join the guided Maritime Forest Tour at Station 16 to celebrate five years of community action and environmental stewardship.ur own text
The Board of Directors of SI for All will match every gift on Giving Tuesday up to $1,500. Can we count on your support to save the maritime forest?
Become a sponsor for the Second Annual Sullivan’s Island Earth Day Celebration, a family-friendly collaborative initiative of Sullivan’s Island For All, The South Carolina Aquarium, Poe Library, Sullivan’s Island Bird Banding Station, Battery Gadsden, the Sullivan’s Island Community Garden, and the Sullivan’s Island Turtle Team!
Kick off Earth Day Week with a fascinating virtual talk with acclaimed ecologist and author Doug Tallamy.
A new trail in the maritime forest will be 3 times as long as the original trail, and will include matting to support wheelchairs. A big thanks to Town Officials for making this happen!
As you are aware, on January 30, 2023, in a blockbuster victory for the environment, a South Carolina Circuit Court invalidated the Settlement Agreement entered into by a previous Town Council that would have allowed the destruction of our unique Maritime Forest. But that is, unfortunately, not where our effort to save the maritime forest ends!
We’re excited to report that, for the first time, Sullivan’s Island has approved the hiring of a Director dedicated to managing the town’s natural resources across the island