Reflections of the Chair
I
would wager that each and every one of us can
clearly remember the first time we came to Kiawah
Island. The long and shady drive down Bohicket
Road between majestic live oaks is a welcoming
canopy and is a sign of the beauty that lies ahead. As one
crosses the Kiawah River, an expansive vista of marshland and
maritime forest sets a peaceful tone for our special barrier
island blessed with abundant wildlife and natural beauty.
When the Conservancy learned of plans to initiate
development on the fingers of land that are an essential
element of the Island’s natural entrance we knew that swift
action with broad community involvement was required.
At about this same time, we also learned that the Kiawah
Island Community Association and Kiawah Partners were
considering a land swap. Understanding that this swap
would require a difficult to achieve quorum and majority,
we convinced them to include protection of the Island’s
entrance as part of the transaction. Two of the three fingers
of developable land as well as over 700 acres of marshland
and hummock islands were included in the land swap
proposal. And, if the vote approving the swap was successful,
the Conservancy could purchase the remaining finger of
developable land at the entrance for one million dollars, less
than half of its appraised value.
Preservation of the Island’s entrance proved very important
to Kiawah owners, and the Community easily met the
quorum requirement and set a record with an 87% favorable
vote. Then came the challenge to raise the funds required
to complete the preservation of the
entrance.
The response from the Kiawah Island
community was remarkable. Thanks to
initial contributions from Conservancy
trustees, and a challenge match of
$400,000 from the Shipley Foundation,
Inc., the community raised the
remaining funds required to complete
the transaction in less than a month.
Swift and overwhelmingly favorable
community response to this urgent
call for preservation confirms the
importance of natural beauty and
wildlife for Kiawah owners and
underscores the Conservancy’s mission
to preserve and enhance Kiawah’s unique
balance of nature and development.
The next time you approach the
Island—as you cross the Kiawah River—
let the natural beauty of the marsh and
maritime forest wash over you—and
enjoy the knowledge that you helped
preserve this amazing experience for
future generations to enjoy. NK
Richard Ames, Chairman, Kiawah
Conservancy Board of Trustees
72
Naturally Kiawah