• To “ measure ” using scientific research and data to evaluate the level of health in all of Kiawah ’ s habitat types .
• To “ manage ” by determining the habitat areas that are or may soon become unhealthy or out of balance and take appropriate actions to stabilize them .
• To “ improve ” by creating and or recreating healthy habitat and encouraging growth of locally native plant life to ensure that native animal populations flourish .
• To “ advocate ” by taking public positions and issuing behavioral statements to address what we evaluate as harmful to island habitat .
• To include the “ environs ” which is our sphere of interest and influence that includes Kiawah Island and the Kiawah and Stono River watersheds .
In order to fulfill this mission , the Kiawah Conservancy has identified a number of strategy categories , one key area being Ecological Health . Ecological Health is difficult to define with precision , but it is possible to identify specific changes in an ecosystem and its functionality . This includes indicators of diversity , numbers , and condition of living organisms , the complexity of the food web involved , and the quality of the air , soil , and water that make up the ecosystem .
The initiatives of Ecological Health are to :
• Assess ecological health based on scientifically based measurements .
• Work with scientists , researchers , and other leading environmental groups .
• Identify and work collaboratively to mitigate natural and human threats to ecological health .
• Create and deliver an annual Ecological Health of Kiawah Island report .
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