Using Local Partnerships to Facilitate Habitat Restoration and Promote Conservation Ethics

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources restores oyster reefs and saltmarsh for fish habitat, shoreline stabilization and other ecological services.  An important component of the overall restoration program is a community-based project which connects local partners with restoration sites in their vicinity.  Among the many partners of the South Carolina Oyster Restoration and Enhancement program are retirement communities, fishing clubs, environmental organizations, civic associations, local schools, and youth groups.  These partners gain a vested interest in local environmental resources and not only practice active stewardship but also become ambassadors for environmental conservation.  Active community involvement allows us to leverage grant funds to expand restoration work and augments our workforce to accomplish more on-the-ground restoration.  Individual restoration projects have been funded by a variety of federal and non-federal funds including ACFHP(USFWS), SARP (USFWS), SARP (NOAA), NOAA Community Restoration Program, NFWF (NOAA), USFWS(State Wildlife Grants)and EPA (5 Star Challenge Grant).  This talk will highlight some non-traditional partnerships and how they have increased our restoration capacity.