February 2010!

• Please check out the recently posted SCCD 2009 Report, which highlights events, activities and accomplishments of the SCCD network in 2009. Also includes some 2010 ideas. All network documents can also be accessed through tabs: Resources > Network Docs (or here)
• Remember that the 2010 SCCD meetings will be in late September/early October in conjunction with the Working Waterways and NEMO U conferences. More information on this soon!
  

South Carolina Coastal Information Network

The South Carolina Coastal Information Network (SCCIN) emerged as a result of a number of coastal outreach institutions working in partnership to enhance coordination of the coastal community outreach efforts in South Carolina. This organized effort, led by the S.C. Sea Grant Extension Program, includes partners from federal and state agencies, regional government agencies, and private organizations seeking to coordinate and/or jointly deliver outreach programs that target coastal community constituents. The Network was officially formed in 2006 with the intention of fostering inter-agency communication, coordination, and cooperation, in order to avoid duplicative efforts, leverage scarce resources, and maximize training program benefits and expected outcomes. In February 2008 the SCCIN publicly launched a Web site, www.sccoastalinfo.org, with a coastal management-related resource portal, and a searchable calendar of outreach events for the eight coastal counties in South Carolina. Contributed by April Turner, South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium.


Bay City Bioswales Project - Tillamook County, Oregon

An innovative rain garden (bioswale) was installed by volunteers, Oregon Sea Grant faculty, and a local government this summer in Bay City, OR. This completes a series of demonstrations also installed in Tillamook and Pacific City, Oregon. The project was funded by a grant from Oregon Sea Grant and has spurred interest by municipalities, planners, developers, and gardeners up and down the rural North Coast. The bioswales were constructed to take stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces and allow natural hydrological processes to reduce the water’s velocity and pollution load before returning to aquifers or native water bodies. For more information, contact Robert Emanuel, Oregon Sea Grant Extension.

Brays Bayou Stormwater Project - Houston, Texas

This Sea Grant-project stormwater treatment wetland consistently removes 99% of fecal bacteria and adds beauty and habitat value to an urban setting. It was a Gulf Guardian award recipient. Contact: John Jacob, Texas Sea Grant.

Vibrant coastal urban communities are where we live, work, and play with minimal impact on the diverse coastal environment that sustains us. In these communities, what we need most is nearby, and we get it mainly by walking, bicycling or mass transit. Strong local economies cushion global economic disruptions, but our ports remain critical links for regional and international trade and they support lively waterfronts as well. --John Jacob, Texas

Our cities and communities are built to withstand the strongest of storms.

Venice Beach, CA (pps.org)

We have ready access to diverse and rich coastal ecosystems that sustain us and that provide for recreation and enjoyment. --John Jacob

Vibrant rural coastal communities are very different from their urban counterparts. Here, residents and visitors alike seek solitude and natural amenities. They are supported by well-maintained infrastructure and careful stewardship of natural resources. Services that cities offer are close at hand. Because of their size and relative isolation, markets for jobs, basic necessities, and creative innovation are critical and should be carefully cultivated. Rural communities are more highly dependent upon local natural capital for extractive and non-extractive activities, therefore sustainability means that productivity and conservation are equally weighted in private and community decision-making. --Robert Emanuel, Oregon

Tillamook, OR (Courtesy of Tillamook Kayak)

What do you think sustainable coastal communities look like? Send your comments to John Jacob. We'll pull them all together and weave together a vision.