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. The Appeals Court ruling is expected in early 2026.

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.