Southeast Tidal Creek Summit

December 05, 2011

Francis Marion Hotel, Charleston, S.C.

Southeastern communities face similar issues in understanding and managing impacts on tidal creek systems. To begin a discussion of these issues, the Southeast Tidal Creeks Summit has been scheduled for Dec. 5–6 in Charleston, S.C.

The summit's objectives are to: identify the current state of knowledge regarding tidal creek research and management in the southeast; identify current issues and threats to tidal creek system ecology and function (management needs) and relevant future research efforts (e.g., classification, restoration, monitoring); and evaluate the current and potential management and restoration strategies to protect and enhance the ecology and function of tidal creeks (e.g., development setbacks, buffers, impervious cover limits, stormwater BMPs and restoration efforts).

Scientists, natural resources managers, conservationists and the ecological restoration community are encouraged to attend the summit and share experiences, network with colleagues and become involved in shaping the future of tidal creeks in the Southeast.

The Summit is being organized and sponsored by the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium in partnership with North Carolina Sea Grant, Georgia Sea Grant, North Carolina State University, Clemson University, The Coastal Society, and the Taylor and Francis Group. A white paper based on the information gathered during the event will be published in early 2012. This document will outline the state of tidal creek research and management in the Southeast and provide an evaluation of current management and restoration strategies, as well as identify current and potential threats to tidal creeks and relevant research and management needs.

identify the current state-of-knowledge regarding tidal creeks in the southeast; identify current issues and threats to tidal creek system ecology and function and relevant future research efforts; and evaluate current and potential protection and enhancement strategies.