FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 25, 2024
The Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) is pleased to announce the resolution of the recent challenge to its sand recycling project for beach renourishment. The settlement allows this important project to move forward on schedule and supports SIPOA’s long-term commitment to responsible beach management and environmental stewardship.
Pursuant to the resolution, SIPOA will continue funding endangered bird monitoring and habitat mapping efforts by public and private partners—efforts which have been funded by SIPOA for nearly a decade. Notably, the community has also committed Fifty-Thousand dollars to support a comprehensive study by Coastal Science & Engineering, SIPOA’s long-term beach management consultant, to explore solutions to restore critical erosion at Deveaux Bank and increase the community’s resilience to erosion and storm events. Deveaux Bank serves as an important sanctuary for migratory, shore and wading birds, and a major nesting area for seabirds including many protected species.
“The terms of this settlement reflect our dedication to preserving the community’s acclaimed natural environment while continuing to responsibly manage our beach projects,” said SIPOA’s Vice President, John Lassiter. “The project is consistent with SIPOA’s decades-long beach management practices that benefit both the community and the environment. We are proud to contribute to the restoration and protection of our local wildlife and to enhance the resilience of our community in this manner.”
SIPOA values the many unique features of Seabrook Island and proactively maintains them. In 2016, following the 2015 Beach Renourishment/Relocation of Cap’n Sams Inlet project, SIPOA was cited as one of “America’s Best Restored Beaches” by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association. In May 2024 SIPOA was granted its second recertification as an Audubon International Certified Sustainable Community which demonstrates progress toward goals in 15 areas of environmental sustainability, including habitat preservation and stewardship.
-Submitted by SIPOA