Friends,
Gadsden Creek is in danger of being lost forever. The Horizon Project Foundation, Inc. recently applied for a DHEC/OCRM permit to bury Gadsden Creek in a pipe and fill its surrounding marshland. The project’s purpose is to build multi-family residences, offices, and research space between Hagood Ave and Lockwood Dr.
Gadsden Creek is one of the last remaining tidal creek systems on the Charleston peninsula. On a recent trip to Gadsden Creek, we observed a fully functioning tidal system with egrets, clapper rails, mud minnows, fiddler crabs, marsh periwinkles, Spartina, and sea oxeye.
During the 1800s and early 1900s, many tidal creek systems like Vanderhorst’s Creek (now Water St. area) and Major Daniel’s Creek (now North Market Street area) were filled to create lots for residential and commercial development. Today we better understand the ecological, economic, and cultural value that tidal creeks, marsh, and their inhabitants bring to our city.
Gadsden Creek is at a crossroads. Please join us on Monday, May 11 from 6 to 8 pm at the Arthur Christopher Community Center for an informational meeting about Gadsden Creek. You’ll learn about the creek’s ecology, its history, and its future. You’ll also learn about important actions you can take to help shape the creek’s future.
If you can’t make Monday’s meeting, consider submitting an email (slagelmj@dhec.sc.gov) registering your concern for Gadsden Creek and requesting that DHEC/OCRM hold a public hearing to receive feedback about the proposed project from the public and other agencies.
As always, thank you for your support of Charleston’s local waterways and our work to protect them for future generations.
Regards,
Andrew J. Wunderley, Esq.
Your Charleston Waterkeeper
