groundwater resources on Kiawah Island . This project consulted with staff from the S . C . Geological Survey , S . C . Department of Natural Resources , and ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve ( NERR ) to discuss siting of wells , methodology , and analysis .
These efforts resulted in the establishment of 21 groundwater monitoring stations across Kiawah Island to begin collecting data on groundwater level and salinity . Understanding groundwater dynamics and monitoring these fluctuations of conditions over time helps inform land managers on best practices for managing freshwater resources on barrier islands . These efforts also help inform the siting of green-infrastructure projects ( e . g ., rain gardens and bioretention areas ), implementation of Low Impact Development ( LID ) practices , and restoration projects that will help improve the island ’ s resilience to flooding while also enhancing areas with a diminishing freshwater lens ( Kiawah Conservancy , forthcoming 2022 ).
The Kiawah Conservancy ’ s Ecological Health Committee has recently prioritized research areas covering the key ecological health indicators found in the maritime forest . Our goal is to continue to monitor water resources along with other important components .
Pamela Cohen
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