South Carolina DNR enacts permanent closure of Devoe Bank access for seabird protection

A significant regulation aimed at protecting wildlife was approved during the recent meeting of the Environment and Natural Resources Subcommittee in South Carolina. The committee unanimously passed document 5,239, which will permanently close access to intertidal areas at Devoe Bank from March 15 to October 15 each year.

Will Dillman, Assistant Chief of Wildlife for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR), presented the regulation, emphasizing its importance for seabird conservation. Devoe Bank serves as a critical sanctuary for nesting and foraging birds, and the closure is a response to both ecological needs and recent erosion caused by Hurricane Adelia. The area has shrunk dramatically from 80 acres to just 18, prompting local support for protective measures.

Dillman noted that while public recreation has historically occurred in the area, the current conditions necessitate this regulation to ensure the safety of the birds during their sensitive nesting periods. He assured committee members that the DNR would continue to assess the area and consider reopening it if conditions improve in the future.

The decision reflects a growing recognition of the need to balance public access with environmental protection, as local community support has shifted towards prioritizing the sanctuary's ecological significance. The regulation is now set to be implemented, marking a proactive step in wildlife conservation efforts in South Carolina.