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01/30/2009
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–S&W–DEW [DRAFT]
Accreted Land Management Plan
157
2253 [30 JANUARY 2009]
Town of Sullivan’s Island, SC
Alternative 3 (continued)
Barrier Island Ecology & Habitat Diversity
Maintain or increase habitat diversity by converting some shrubland to grassland
and some forest areas to shrubland, thus inhibiting development of continuous
maritime forest over the majority of the AL.
Possibility of creating maritime forest hammocks interspersed with shrubland and
grassland habitat in close proximity which would attract a greater diversity of
animal species.
Storm Damage Reduction
Any reduction in vegetation density increases the storm damage potential.
However, the effect is relatively small for most storms and only becomes
significant for large storms such as 100-year events. (See discussion in Section
5.5.)
Ocean Views
Views through corridors between maritime forest hammocks would be maintained.
Maintenance of broad paths flanked by strips of grassland habitat and pockets of
shrubs would provide visual interest for pedestrians accessing the beach.
Beach Access & Public Safety
Open pathways would improve emergency access and general access while
increasing public safety by reducing hiding areas for criminal activity.
Fire
Potentially lessens risk of fire by reducing the areas of dense understory
vegetation and flamable species such as waxed myrtle. Provides fire breaks along
grassland strips and wide pathways.
Pests
Reduces rodent problem by reducing areas of dense undergrowth.
Property Values
Maintenance of ocean views and a variety of vistas associated with a mix of forest,
shrub, and grassland habitat would likely have a positive impact on property
values. However, the relatively great distance to the ocean, regardless of
vegetation cover, adversely impacts property values in comparison with traditional
oceanfront property set back lesser distances from the beach.
Cost of Implementation
Would require initial removal of extensive areas of woody vegetation and
replanting with grassland areas. Some minor earthworks would be required for
efficient removal of root mats where there is dense understory or altered shrubland
at present.
After initial vegetation removal to leave hammocks of forest and shrub habitat
flanked by grassland habitat, ongoing maintenance would be required.
Cost of implementation will depend on the number of acres of land that require
vegetation modification to achieve the goals and objectives of the community.
Construction Requirements
More extensive than present practice because of the initial work to convert some
forest areas to grasslands or shublands.
Heavy equipment would be required for initial work and tree removal. Subsequent
maintenance would be accomplished with small, less obtrusive equipment.