Mission
Stewardship efforts in the ACE Basin Reserve focus on protection and enhancement of the natural resources of the region. Cooperation with local, state and federal partners as well as private citizens and NGOs is vital in the drive to develop a sense of awareness and ownership among the residents and visitors to the ACE Basin. The ACE Basin Reserve Stewardship sector utilizes the combined resources of all Reserve sectors in developing an understanding of the physical, biological and societal components of the ACE Basin. Utilizing the resources of the ACE NERR, combined with input from the surrounding community, Stewardship staff work towards the long term goal of sustainable, healthy estuarine systems along our coast.
Priority Topics
As development continues along the regions bordering the ACE Basin the following Stewardship priorities have been designated : 1.) watershed protection, 2.) extend environmental education efforts beyond K-12 into the rapidly growing retirement community in the region, 3.) demonstrate, participate in and promote essential stewardship activities and practices in the ACE Basin, 4.) monitor health status of native species and possible introduction/ expansion of invasive species in the Basin and region, 5.) function as an information conduit between the Reserve staff, SCDNR and the community at large on issues related to habitat protection, 6.) continue to develop relationships with regional universities stimulating increased utilization of McKenzie field station, and exposure of associated faculty and staff to research possibilities within the ACE Basin.
Ecological Change
Population growth (24.4% increase in southern ACE Basin/ Beaufort County between the years 2000-2008) has presented many challenges in terms of wildlife habitat, water quality and general estuarine health. The Stewardship sector continues to introduce residents and visitors to the ACE Basin to the unique natural resources of the region via the Coastal Exploration Series which offers both lecture and hands-on field experiences. Via these programs the accompanying ecological impacts of development are highlighted. The programs always conclude with positive take home messages that the audience can utilize to support a healthy, viable natural system.
In cooperation with CTP and Education sectors, the human impact issues are delivered to all segments of the community. Numerous partnerships have been developed and are nurtured with NGO’s, Home Owners Associations, county / state / federal partners to deliver and coordinate consistent messages to ACE Basin residents and visitors.
Water Quality
Both problems and solutions to some of challenges facing the ACE Basin watershed are addressed through presentations and demonstration projects to include: rain barrels/ rain gardens, buffer construction, human water use and demand. Ongoing efforts to raise awareness on impacts of impervious surface, runoff and their impacts on estuarine health are a constant component of ACE Stewardship programs.
Habitat Alteration
Significant focus is placed on our oyster reef programs. These programs range from oyster shell recycling efforts to actual reef construction, highlighting habitat restoration and preservation. The oyster programs provide the perfect opportunity to deliver information on topics including water quality, exotic introduction, shoreline erosion and fisheries management.
Shorebird conservation has become a focus in the ACE Basin as loss of nesting habitat has become critical due to continued coastal development and human encroachment. Cooperative projects involving shorebird nest protection have become a multifaceted project involving all barrier islands (public and private) in the ACE Basin. Volunteers and staff are utilized to monitor and protect valuable nesting areas. Enabling and encouraging private citizens to become involved with this effort has stimulated positive stewardship behavior towards nesting shorebirds throughout the communities.
Ongoing monitoring efforts for exotics and invasive species are supported by the Stewardship sector in coordination with SCDNR. These efforts include eradication programs for Chinese Tallow (Triadic setiferus), Phragmites (Phragmites australis) and feral goats on the reserve. Cultivation and planting native species: Sweet grass (Muhlenbergia spp.), sea oats (Uniola paniculata) and Panic grass (Panicum amarum) are all part of the Stewardship effort.
Biological inventories are ongoing on the islands and hammocks in the ACE Reserve to gain a better understanding of the role and function that these isolated habitats play in regards to wildlife and plant communities.
