CONSERVATION ALTERNATIVES FOR SHORELINE PROTECTION  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          Contact:   Sabrenna Bennett
                                                   Public Affairs Assistant
                                                   803.765.5419
                                                    sabrenna.bennett@sc.usda.gov

         Columbia, SC, June 30, 2004 — On June 29, 2004 at 10:00 am, SCE&G, Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), East Piedmont Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service invited Lake Murray residents and contractors to an overview of objectives concerning Lake Murray shoreline protection and erosion control.  The overview was followed by demonstrations of riprap, bioengineering, and open-cell block conservation practices along 150 feet of Lake Murray shoreline.

            Protecting the shoreline from the damaging effects of erosion is a concern for lakefront residents.  As a solution, many have used the conventional practice of installing only natural rock (rip-rap) along the shoreline.  While this approach is effective in preventing erosion, other alternatives can offer enhancement while protecting the shoreline.

Bio-engineering and articulating open-cell block are other proven conservation choices that protect the shoreline, provide erosion control, and enhance the environment.  These two conservation practices are usually combined with vegetation to create a strong barrier against erosion and filter out polluted run-off, as well as enhance wildlife habitat and add natural beauty to the landscape.

“Erosion on lake shorelines in South Carolina can exceed one foot of land lost per year, which effects water quality and landowner value,“ stated Jim Wilson, NRCS Urban Conservationist.  “We applaud SCE&G and the Lake Murray Management Team for approving conservation approaches to enhance Lake Murray.”

For more information, please contact Tommy Boozer with SCE&G at 217-9007 or Jim Wilson with NRCS at 576-2084.

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