Last year, Attorney General Henry McMaster concluded that the state generally has ownership of marsh islands in a legal opinion that helped clarify the response of environmental agencies on permits required for their development. Since then, the attorney general has demonstrated his commitment to the environment by having his office check the records of ownership on marsh islands on which developers hope to build.
So far, the state has cancelled two permits that would have allowed construction on marsh islands and has clarified ownership in several other instances, according to The Associated Press. Clearly, would-be developers are on notice that marsh islands won't host the next wave of resort and residential construction.
There are some 2,000 undeveloped marsh islands in South Carolina, ranging in size from a partial acre to 100 acres. Most are in Charleston and Beaufort counties, and their potential for development has become a matter of increasing interest as other available coastal sites have been developed
How important is Mr. McMaster's insistence on checking title to marsh islands? State environmental officials acknowledged, in comments to the AP, that some state-owned property has been developed in the past due to a lack of title review.
Mr. McMaster's welcome involvement in the process, sparked by a request from state Sen. Arthur Ravenel, R-Charleston, has helped preserve valuable habitat and retain scenic vistas that define the coastal landscape. The attorney general deserves the thanks of the coastal community for his continued attention to an important public resource.
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