In 2017, the South Carolina Coastal Bird Conservation Program was born when a group of concerned organizations came together to discuss ways to restore the diminishing Crab Bank, a dedicated Heritage Trust Property and a Seabird Sanctuary managed and owned by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) located in the Charleston Harbor, near the mouth of Shem Creek. Led by SCDNR and with support from local eco tourism outfitters and nonprofit organizations, a cost-share fund was created to "Save Crab Bank". Efforts began to fundraise to make the renourishment of the island, the least cost alternative from the Charleston Harbor Post-45 Deepening Project to be considered as the best alternative for the project.  Working closely with the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Crab Bank was renourished using dredge material in 2021,  due to donations made to the fund from local community, individual and corporate donors. The Coastal Bird Conservation Program was consequently created under SCDNR's Nongame and Natural Areas Trust Fund (SC Code of Laws §50-1-280), and paved the way to not only support the renourishment of Crab Bank but for future coastal bird conservation efforts in South Carolina. 

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The Coastal Bird Conservation Program supports projects by SCDNR to manage, protect, and build awareness for these vulnerable species, including shorebirds, seabirds, and wading birds. South Carolina plays a vital role in the lives of these species by providing habitat for nesting, wintering and migration stopover. Ensuring funds are available for projects that pertain to the protection of these vulnerable birds is essential for their long term survival and contribution to South Carolina's legacy

 

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