Kiawah Spit developers want approval for a private dock

Friends of the Kiawah River have notified their mailing list that Kiawah Development Parters has presented an application to the Corps of Engineers and SCDHEC for permission to build a dock extending into the Kiawah River.  They are asking that the public write letters to the Corps and SCDHEC to request a public meeting to address the following issues:

i) The appropriation of public lands to enhance the experience of a small number of people from a private community.
ii) The taking of at least 180 feet of river side beach used by the public for fishing, kayaking and swimming
iii) The increased local erosion of the river bank that will likely require further structures. These structures are likely not to be in keeping with the current natural appearance of the area. These additional structures will, themselves, likely require additional solid materials at the ends to reduce erosion.
iv) The cumulative effects of such structures on the outside curvature of the bend in the river will have effects on the environment downstream, including the shoreline of the already existing Inlet Cove neighborhood. Due to the unstable nature of the meander effect, these effects may be significant and are incalculable.
v) The increased danger caused by an unknown number of watercraft using an area of the river that is currently mainly used by canoeists, kayakers and swimmers.
vi) The disruption of the diamondback terrapin nesting area documented in the area of the proposed dock.

Go to their website, Kiawahriver.org, to access their draft letter and find out more about this issue.  August 25, 2011 is the deadline for receipt of these letters by the Army Corps of Engineers and September 8, 2011 is the deadline for DHEC. Please send your written comments and requests for a public hearing by mail or fax.  Email messages are not accepted.

This Kiawah Spit is visible in this photograph beyond the area of development in the foreground.  The image graphically shows how this spit of land will shift with wind and tide.  It would be a shame to see mansions on such an ephemeral coastline.  I shot this image with my brother in the family Ercoupe last week.  It sure does change every time I fly it.