SEABROOK ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - The potential for a new yacht club and several docks on Seabrook Island is concerning Sea Islanders and environmental advocates.

Town of Seabrook leaders discussed those plans Wednesday, which would include the annexation of a portion of Charleston County into Seabrook island.

The town’s planning commission voted 4-1 to recommend moving forward with the annexation to the town council.

The nearly 18-acre site, called the “Andell Tract,” sits between Bohicket Marina and Betsy Kerrison Parkway on Johns Island.

the plan includes a private Yacht Club and amenities such as a boat house, pool house and detached hotel containing 10 two-story cottages, according to town documents.

It also has public spaces including a boardwalk, pathways and a community crabbing dock.

Dana Beach, the founder of the Coastal Conservation League, said his two main concerns about the proposal are the environmental impacts on the water, and the crossing of Charleston County’s Urban Growth Boundary.

He said if The Town of Seabrook annexes this portion of Charleston County into their town for development, it could set a precedent for other local municipalities to do the same.

“The town may say ‘this is only a 20-acre parcel that in itself isn’t a big deal,” Beach said. “That’s what Charleston could say if it wanted to coming down from the north, that’s what Kiawah could say as it comes in from the East, even Folly Beach could say that.”

Robby Maynor, the Communities and Transportation Program Director for Coastal Conservation League echoed Beach’s point while addressing the planning commission at Wednesday’s meeting.

“There is an ongoing effort for collaboration between the municipalities on the sea islands to reaffirm that growth boundary to help strike a balance between development and preservation, this annexation would be a step in the wrong direction,” Maynor said.

The majority of the 544 written comments and 10 in person comments were against the development, although some community members spoke in its’ favor.

“I believe a Yacht Club is an amenity that fits perfectly within our diverse group of people,” Seabrook resident, Jackie Helline, said.

Mike Shuler, the Owner and Managing Partner for Bohicket Marina Investors, said he respectfully disagrees with the fear that this annexation may set a precedent for other municipalities to cross Charleston County’s Urban Growth boundary.

“What we are annexing is part of Seabrook’s comprehensive plan. Whether it crosses an Urban Growth Boundary, in my opinion, isn’t relevant here,” Shuler said. “Not to mention, further expansion beyond the property we are contemplating here is not possible because of conservation easements that are in place.”

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For its first annexation in more than 30 years, Seabrook Island’s Town Council picked a real doozy.

Next week, council will likely vote to annex nearly 18 acres on Bohicket Creek — just across from neighboring Kiawah Island’s Town Hall — for a mixed-use development designed around a marina and private yacht club.

The details are a tad fuzzy (well, as much as they can be with a 200-page proposal), but public sentiment is not.

Nearly 600 residents have expressed concerns about the project’s potential environmental, traffic and flooding impact. That’s more than a quarter of the island’s full-time residents.

They’ve made it clear they don’t want this, but feel like no one’s listening.

“The vast majority of people have been opposed to this,” says island resident Paul McLaughlin. “They don’t have to listen to us, but don’t go and ask for our opinion if you don’t listen to the answers. It offers no benefit to us; it’s a private club.”

His frustration is understandable, because a lot of people have valid concerns.

The state already considers that stretch of Bohicket too contaminated for oyster harvesting; the feds say it’s not safe to eat fish caught there. The state turned down similar plans 30 years ago … which is about the last time Seabrook gave any thought to expanding its borders.

McLaughlin notes the developer’s plan may address flooding on the property, but what does it do to the rest of the island?

Residents can’t leverage their usual influence over local officials, several of whom publicly support the plan, because most of them aren’t running for reelection.

It’s sort of a perfect storm — and, on Seabrook, it’s definitely storm season.

Local government is usually the most responsive to local citizens. A couple dozen bicyclists can — and did — derail Charleston’s carefully negotiated plans to redesign downtown’s King Street. But hundreds of well-heeled retirees can’t move the needle?

The island’s planning commission recommended the annexation on a 4-1 vote in July over vocal opposition. Residents get one more chance next week at a public hearing prior to an initial annexation vote, but aren’t optimistic.

They’ll get 30 minutes — three minutes per speaker — to relay their concerns in a room that holds an audience of about 60. That’s pretty standard operating procedure for local governments, but Seabrook residents are livid. The town, they say, has ignored repeated calls for a larger venue and more time.

Seabrook Mayor John Gregg says the developer has held informational meetings with residents for the past year, and when the island got the proposal in June, the town posted all documents online.

He says the alternative meeting venues suggested are all behind Seabrook’s private gate — and council meetings must be accessible to the public. Besides, he says, Town Hall is fitted with equipment to broadcast the meeting to the entire island.

If more people want to speak than time allows, the mayor says, speakers will be chosen by a random number algorithm generator.

That probably won’t make residents, or others, happy. Because this isn’t just some not-in-my-backyard grousing. The Coastal Conservation League, the nonprofit Kiawah Conservancy and various Johns Island advocates have also objected. Even Kiawah has taken an unprecedented stand.

Earlier this month, Kiawah Mayor John D. Labriola and Town Council members sent a letter to Seabrook, publicly opposing the annexation.

“We strongly believe that maintaining the current [urban growth boundary] is critically important to protect the unique Sea Islands ecosystem and the rural character of the land outside the boundary for future generations,” Labriola wrote.

That’s called foreshadowing.

Seabrook Councilwoman Jeri Finke wrote in the most recent issue of The Seabrooker that annexing the land gives the town control over it, which is better than allowing Charleston County or Kiawah to make the decisions. Her argument hasn’t moved many.

That’s because Kiawah Mayor Labriola hit on a salient point. Since the land falls outside the urban growth boundary, its potential development would be fairly limited … if Seabrook just stayed out of this.

See, right now that land falls under county jurisdiction, and County Council would never ignore such a large and influential group of citizens.

But Seabrook’s annexation blocks county intervention because the town isn’t party to the urban growth boundary agreement. That allows a few outgoing public officials to open the door to new development.

The Andell tract, as this land is called, sits at the end of Betsy Kerrison Parkway — an area just outside two wealthy communities under tremendous development pressure. Already, more businesses, a retirement community and an entire medical district are in the works.

But that land was never meant to be developed, at least not to this extent. That’s what the urban growth boundary dictates. The overdevelopment of Maybank Highway was meant as a trade-off to leave the rest of Johns Island largely rural.

Such plans often shrivel when there’s money to be made — this is proof of that. But the marina development could also bring renewed scrutiny to the urban growth boundary and spark radical change ... because people are sick of overdevelopment.

But that’s a story for another day.

At the hyper-local level, Seabrook officials should know their audience ... er, constituents. These are people who know how to get things done. They know how to file lawsuits. And they don’t give up.

So don’t expect next week’s vote to be the last word.

Get a weekly recap of South Carolina opinion and analysis from The Post and Courier in your inbox on Monday evenings.

Email

Reach Brian Hicks at bhicks@postandcourier.com.

With their Shorebird Stewardship program, Audubon South Carolina protects Red Knots, American Oystercatchers, and other birds that find respite on their shores.

Words by Gabrielle Saleh

Senior Coordinator of Social Media, National Audubon Society

Published June 01, 2023

Maybe it’s seeing the first rays of sunlight peeking over the horizon while Sanderlings and Willets scamper on the sand sneaking bites to eat, or hearing the calls of Laughing Gulls overhead as Black Skimmers bark in the background—or the fact that I haven’t visited a beach in years—but sunrise at the beach is a magical experience.

This morning, I’m in Charleston, South Carolina exploring Seabrook Island’s coast with my Audubon colleagues. We’re searching for migrating Red Knots, a shorebird that stops over parts of the Atlantic Coast along its 9,000-mile journey to nest in the Arctic. (You can discover its full migration journey with the Bird Migration Explorer.)

Seabrook Island and its neighbor Kiawah Island are two key beaches that the species relies on for survival. Early May is horseshoe crab spawning season, which means the wet sand along islands nearby is filled with their eggs, and outside of spawning, Seabrook Island is rich with donax clams. Horseshoe crab eggs and donax clams are what sustain the knots as they prepare to fly the remainder of their journey to their breeding grounds.

"We get about 40% of the Red Knot Atlantic Coast population—that’s [over] 17,000 birds—that stop on Seabrook and Kiawah Islands in the springtime,” says Allyssa Zebrowski, Audubon South Carolina’s coastal stewardship coordinator.

Like Red Knots, endangered Piping Plovers use South Carolina beaches to rest and feed through the winter before making their way up north to breed. State-threatened Wilson’s Plovers raise their young here—so do state-threatened Least Terns—and 1/3 of the American Oystercatcher’s population find respite on these shores in the winter.

Human disturbance is one of the greatest threats these birds face along the nearly 3,000 miles of South Carolina’s tidal shorelines, whether that’s people walking through resting flocks or unleashed dogs getting too close to nesting birds. That’s why in 2016 Audubon South Carolina launched its Shorebird Stewardship program to conserve these five vulnerable focal species and other coastal birds by educating people about them.

“What started as a seasonal program led into a year-round need for stewardship,” says Nolan Schillerstrom, Audubon South Carolina’s coastal program associate. “We realized…that it really needed a year-round effort, not only to focus on the non-breeding birds but to continue the momentum from year to year.”

Now, depending on the year, Audubon South Carolina sends volunteers called Shorebird Stewards to 10 to 13 different coastal sites to prevent human disturbance. The stewards undergo training each year to learn more about coastal birds and their behaviors. They also are trained on how to talk to beachgoers to get them to care about the birds. Plus, they help post signs alerting people to birds nesting or resting nearby.

“It’s all about getting out there, watching out for the birds, and telling other people to [be mindful of] the birds,” says Zebrowski.

The Shorebird Stewardship program works with a variety of partners to reduce human disturbance, including Seabrook Island Birders, which runs the volunteer program at their beach site.

We’re joined by a couple of the birders today on our walk to find the Red Knots. Many of the beachgoers they encounter are their neighbors and visitors to the private island, so they have their own way of telling people to look out for the birds.

“I like to tell people a story about the birds to make them feel sympathetic towards them,” says Lesley Gore, one of the program coordinators. “I’ll tell them how many miles the Red Knots are going to fly and that it’s very important for them to gain their weight [undisturbed].”

It’s clear that stewardship plays a vital role in protecting beach birds across the country. A recent study led by Audubon’s science team found that four vulnerable coastal bird species’ populations grew 2 to 34 times faster at stewardship sites rather than birds in only protected areas.

Audubon South Carolina is already seeing positive results from the program. “We do see the improved nesting success of the American Oystercatcher, the Wilson’s Plover, and the Least Tern [at sites we help manage],” says Zebrowski. That nesting success is combined with the program’s growing number of volunteers and increased notoriety each year.

And it’s a good thing too, because shorebirds as a whole are at risk in North America. In fact, the continent’s shorebirds have declined by 70% since the 1970s.

“That’s the stat that we always think of when we’re on the ground,” says Schillerstrom. “We want to tern that around and give these birds a fighting chance here on the beach.”

After passing breeding American Oystercatcher pairs, diving Brown Pelicans, and soaring Osprey, we finally reach an inlet that gives us a view of the Red Knots, though they’re on Kiawah Island today. We watch them huddle en masse on the shoreline, preening and calling.

To be able to capture photos and footage, from a safe distance, we visit Kiawah Island the next day and make another trek in hopes of catching the knots at the right time. At first, we find them across the inlet on Seabrook Island, but suddenly, when the tide rises to the perfect height, the birds flock to the sky, flying back and forth over the water uniformly as they murmurate, creating mesmerizing patterns with their striking orange bellies and mottled gray backs.

They land on our side of the inlet, on Kiawah, and begin running along the shoreline, giving us the perfect opportunity to capture their essence. I watch their activity in awe, knowing that in just a few weeks, they will be making the last leg of their journey up north to breed. It reminds me of why we must all do our part to protect them so that they can exist for future generations.

I’m also reminded of a conversation we had with a shorebird steward volunteer, Nancy Chomel, who we met the day before at Seabrook Island. When asked what makes her passionate about protecting coastal birds, she replies, “In saving the birds, we save ourselves.”

Isn’t that what it’s all about?

To learn more about Audubon South Carolina’s coastal conservation efforts, including how to become a volunteer Shorebird Steward, visit their website.

Everyone loves Charleston. It’s like the crown jewel of South Carolina, having been voted for 10 straight years by Travel + Leisure readers as the #1 city to visit in the United States and the only one in America included in the top 25 best cities in the world. That’s quite the recognition in the travel industry! And those who have been to Charleston certainly understand its allure. From beautiful sights to delicious restaurants to historical charm and southern hospitality, what’s not to love? Not to mention, there are always so many fun things to do in Charleston and its surrounding area. We’ve got a fabulous road trip for you to take that will get you a little farther out from downtown when you’re ready to branch out and explore more beyond, specifically, the stunning barrier islands of Charleston.

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We only included the inhabited islands in our trip. Morris Island is a sixth barrier island of Charleston that’s uninhabited.

If you’d like to stay on each of the islands overnight, be sure to check on whether or not any of the places you’re looking at have a minimum number of nights required. That may be the case especially if your trip is during peak travel seasons, in such case, you may have to choose one location as your base to explore from.

Have you been to any of Charleston’s barrier islands? Which is your favorite if you’ve been to more than one, and why?

If you’re looking for other fun things to do in Charleston, check out the nighttime award-winning tour where you can see some of the city’s incredible sites while learning some fascinating things about the history of this popular locale!

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While some travelers head to beach to party, others prefer quiet and peaceful beach destinations. There is something special about choosing a spot where beaches are less crowded and the atmosphere is relaxing. Fortunately, South Carolina boasts numerous laid-back beaches to have this kind of vacation, and they wouldn't disappoint.

As much as some vacationers love South Carolina's bustling beaches like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, sometimes a more secluded spot in the sand to relax and unwind is what one needs. Here are 14 of the least crowded beaches in South Carolina one should add to their next vacation bucket list.

More Of Least-Crowded Beaches You Should Add To Your South Carolina List

While South Carolina is a paradise for beach lovers, boasting a number of captivating beaches that are full of buzz and excitement, there are also many for those who like to visit places with few people. Two more of the quiet beaches in South Carolina, including Daufuskie Island and have been added to this list to give more lovely options to solitude and nature lovers.

16 Daufuskie Island

For those who are looking for secluded beaches in South Carolina, Daufuskie Island Beach is unquestionably an idyllic location to experience serenity and natural beauty. Visitors to the island enjoy beachcombing and lovely vistas without a lot of tourists. It is also the perfect location to share some special moments with one's partner. Travelers must take a water taxi or ferry from Hilton Head to the Freeport Marina and then drive a rented golf cart to reach the beach.

15 Capers Island

Capers Island Beach

Capers Island, about 15 miles north of Charleston, is one of the hidden beaches in South Carolina, offering a serene setting to enjoy a romantic walk along the shore, spend some beautiful moments with family while hunting for shells or building sand castles, or simply unwind in complete solitude and nature. Visitors can take a ferry or a boat tour to the pier on Capers Inlet, from where they can walk over the marsh to an unpaved trail and then to the beach.

14 Isle Of Palms Beach

Tourists relaxing under a beach umbrella on Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms is reachable from Charleston via a 17-mile drive. Believed to have been originally inhabited by Sewee Indians, this beach has existed for at least 25,000 years. Isle of Palm Beach is an amazing tourist destination, suitable for families with pets and every other traveler looking for a peaceful spot to have a good time. Travelers will experience fun-filled activities, such as parasailing, jet-skiing, swimming, and sunbathing. This place is packed with beautiful hotels, golf courses, and parks.

RELATED: These Are The Best Times To Visit Charleston (& What To Do There)

13 Garden City Beach

Fishing rods in the sand in South Carolina

Garden City is one of the best least-crowded beaches near Myrtle Beach that vacationers should add to their South Carolina bucket lists. Praised for its incredible family-friendly atmosphere, the beach offers breathtaking ocean views along the southern coast. Nestled to the south of Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach is a hot spot for watersports, crabbing, and fishing. The beach boasts a pier, a perfect fishing spot during the day, which turns into an entertainment and live music paradise by night.

12 Edisto Beach State Park

Dirt road to Botany Bay on Edisto Island

Situated on Edisto Island, this beach is in one of South Carolina’s four oceanfront state parks, offering an array of fun activities, including hiking, camping, biking, and more. After a long day of exploring the mind-blowing unspoiled environment, the wide-open beach at the park welcomes travelers to have a relaxing, where they may pick some shells here and there.

There are no lifeguards at Edisto Beach. While the sea is generally calm, be cautious when swimming and be sure to supervise small children at all times.

11 Fripp Island Beach

Fripp Island beaches are some of the most pristine in South Carolina. They are also the perfect spots to go golfing and experience southern hospitality. The island has been a top destination for romantic getaways, weddings, and family vacations. The beaches are some of the least crowded in the state, and offer endless kayaking opportunities. There is a kiddie pool at the seaside waterpark on the island, with slides for children to enjoy. Travelers will find several bikes and golf carts, as most vacationers prefer them as modes of transportation.

10 Folly Beach

Folly Beach vacation rental

Located between Folly River and the Atlantic Ocean, Folly Beach is one of the best parts of the history and charm of South Carolina's coast. The beach is reachable in about a 15-minute drive from downtown Charleston. Also referred to as ‘’The Edge of America’’, Folly Beach is a dream come true for tourists looking for an impressively relaxing beach destination. Sunrises and sunsets spent here are some of the most unforgettable! On the eastern side, a spectacular view of the Morris Island Lighthouse awaits.???????

RELATED: Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, And Folly Beach: Get To Know Charleston's Beaches

9 Huntington Beach State Park

bird perched in marshland

Huntington Beach State Park is an excellent getaway for vacationers looking to experience the wild side of South Carolina on a less-crowded beach. Boasting over 300 species of birds, Huntington Beach is one of the best birdwatching spots in the state. Travelers will also spot alligators, pelicans, sea turtles, spoonbill, and more. There is a wildlife education center at the park, as well as several land animals to explore.???????

8 Burkes Beach

Shell in the sand on a secluded beach

Located on tourists' favorite Hilton Head Island, right next to Chaplin Community Park, travelers can easily get to the beach on bikes thanks to the sandy pathway. There are other paved pathways vacationers can use to reach the beach. Burkes is not always crowded, and vacationers will be pleased at the relaxing atmosphere. There are numerous basketball and tennis courts as well as large fields to explore within the park.???????

7 Kiawah Island

Golf course alongside the water on Kiawah Island

Located just off Charleston's coast, Kiawah Island is a favorite among golf enthusiasts and known for having hosted multiple PGA Championships. The luxury island boasts five of the most impressive golf courses in South Carolina and some of the quietest yet most exciting beaches in the state. There is over 10 miles stretch of beaches, along with magnificent forests, sand dunes, and incredible wildlife, including bobcats, sea turtles, alligators, and whitetail deer.???????

Kiawah Island is gated and not all areas have public access. A guest or owner's pass is required for accessing restricted areas.

Related: 10 Best Things To Do In Kiawah Island, South Carolina

6 Mitchelville Beach

natural souvenirs from the sea

Even during peak travel periods, Mitchelville is still one of the least crowded beaches in South Carolina to add to the bucket list. Mitchelville Beach is lined with beautiful trees and some grass in the water that make the place look incredibly magnificent in the mornings and evenings. This is the best place to search for seashells and track some animal steps in the sand. The beach has picnic tables, an outdoor sand shower, and a bathroom.???????

5 Litchfield Beach

outstreched hand with a sea shell in the palm on a beach

Litchfield beach is recognized for boasting an incredibly quiet charm with beautiful golf and tennis courses. Travelers will also find some private clubs along the beach, giving them a range of options for entertainment. Surrounded by Huntington Beach to the north, Litchfield features lavish resorts with fantastic amenities and public access areas families can use for picnicking. This is the best spot to have a stylish beach vacation in a quiet environment.???????

4 Sullivan's Island

Small catamaran on the beach with Sullivan's Island lighthouse in the background

Out of Charleston's three nearest and most popular beaches, Sullivan's Island is the most tranquil. This quaint barrier island is only 3.3 square miles, and has intentionally worked to retain its reputation as one of the most quiet beach towns in South Carolina through restricting short-term rentals. Sullivan's Island is a great option for a relaxing day at the beach while visiting Charleston thanks to its proximity to downtown.

Stroll or bike along the wide, flat shores, or visit historic Fort Moultrie. Dating back to the 1700s, it of the oldest forts on the East Coast and fabled author Edgar Allan Poe was based there. Grab a bite to eat on Middle Street and take advantage of al fresco dining at one of the charming restaurants.

3 Seabrook Island

Oceanfront vacation rentals on Seabrook Island

Seabrook Island is another one of the barrier islands that are situated off the coast of Charleston. Anyone looking for low-key beaches in South Carolina should consider heading here for their next vacation. This charming island offers a serene beach environment, lots of upscale accommodation options, and a stunning natural environment of ocean, marsh, and maritime forest.

This quiet South Carolina beach is enticing to birders, having won recognition as Audubon International Certified Sustainable Community. It is also a favorite of equine enthusiasts thanks to its full-service equestrian center offering beach and trail rides.

2 Bulls Island

Sun and Salt bleached trees on Boneyard Beach

Anyone looking for a unique beach experience should be sure to check out Bulls Island. Situated within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, the uninhabited island remains pristine and virtually untouched. Bulls Island boasts some of the most secluded beaches in South Carolina, and is home to tons of wildlife. It is world-renowned for bird life, with close to 300 different species found on or near the island.

Be sure to visit Boneyard Beach on Bulls Island for an other-worldly experience. The bleached oak, pine, and cedar trees on the northern end of the island, surrounded by miles of empty shores, give an almost haunting feel.

1 Morris Island

Aerial view of Morris Island lighthouse

A tiny sand island in the Charleston Harbor, Morris Island is most famous for its iconic lighthouse. It is a popular beach for boating, kayaking, fishing, and photography, or simply an undisturbed stroll along the shoreline.

While it is located just a stone's throw away from the very Fido-friendly Folly Beach, dogs are not allowed on Morris Island. While it can appear to be within walking distance from Folly at low-tide, the currents are strong and dangerous so don't attempt to wade across.