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Conservation and Advocacy >
Conservation and Advocacy
Issues
BDP Connector
DeLAINE-PEARSON CONNECTOR
UPDATE
Audubon South Carolina has filed suit along with other organizations and the matter is currently going through the courts.
Background
South Carolina state transportation officials and U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn have proposed a 9-mile, 2-lane road connecting the towns of Lone Star and Rimini. The suggested benefit of such a bridge is to boost economic opportunity in both small towns. Studies done in support of the bridge show that there will be no significant economic benefits for the areas.
The Issue
The location of the proposed bridge is of great concern to Audubon South Carolina. The proposed nine mile long causeway will include a bridge of approximately three miles that will cross Sparkleberry Swamp. This area has long been valued by sportsmen, birdwatchers and other nature enthusiasts for its unique wilderness aspects. This area is significant to both people and wildlife because it is one of the few large remaining natural areas in interior South Carolina. The extraordinary beauty of Sparkleberry Swamp and its remote and pristine nature make this an issue that cannot be ignored.
Upper Santee Swamp is one of the last intact bottomland hardwood swamps in our state. It is also home to the largest colony of Yellow-Crowned Night Herons in the Eastern United States. The swamp forms the headwaters of Lakes Marion and Moultrie, both of which are vital to life in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. The proposed building of a bridge across the Upper Santee in an area known as "Sparkleberry Swamp" threatens to degrade this haven for wildlife and wildlife lovers. The citizens of South Carolina must get involved to protect this vital resource.
What Can You Do?
Audubon South Carolina and its conservation partners are working hard to find alternative ways of improving the lives of the people of Rimini and Lone Star solutions to the proposed bridge. We applaud the efforts of Congressman Clyburn to try to bring economic prosperity to his constituents in this area. Audubon South Carolina believes that the proposed cost of the bridge ($100 million) could better be spent to help the residents of the Upper Santee Swamp. This money could be better invested on projects with real economic potential.
Here is a short list of steps you can take to make your voice heard:
*STAY INFORMED. Stay apprised of the SCDOT's plans, actions and "progress" on the Connector by visiting the DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION website.*
*TAKE ACTION. You can contact your U.S. Representative to voice your concerns over the Sparkleberry Swamp. Remember to make your comments positive. You will receive more attention and consideration if you show that you are a well-intentioned, concerned citizen who is educated on the subject you are writing about!*
*SUPPORT AUDUBON SOUTH CAROLINA. One of the best ways to help us in this matter is to donate to Audubon South Carolina. Your donation will help support Audubon South Carolina's continued efforts in this and other conservation matters! Contact us at (843) 462-2150.*
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