Milestones
Project Description
In 2018, the Town began implementing steps to protect sea turtles. Phase I has been implemented and 6 turtle friendly lights were installed at locations that ranked highest for hatching misorientations. Although the new street lights were changed to provide more protection to sea turtles, they did not resolve issues with misorientations of sea turtles.
Before installing additional fixtures along the beachfront, the Town tested several fixtures to determine if they reduced misorientations. After the testing phase was completed, a fixture was selected and the Town negotiated an agreement with Dominion for the next phase which includes installing 47 dimmable turtle friendly streetlights.
In April 2020, the Town acquired a $50,000 US Fish and Wildlife Service grant titled "Edisto Beach Sea Turtle Lighting Project". This grant will offset a portion of the costs associated with the new turtle friendly streetlights.
Staff also contacted homeowners with homes that have unshielded visible lights in parking areas or on walkways. The Town has ordered magnets to educate the public regarding sea turtle protection.