Hunting Island, SC
The Hunting Island State Park restoration rebuilt a critically eroding beach, safeguarding infrastructure, the historic lighthouse, and essential habitat.
At a Glance
Beaufort County's premier public beach endured chronic erosion and hurricane damage that jeopardized infrastructure, access, and a historic lighthouse. A large-scale restoration placed 1.17 million cubic yards of sand, constructed new groins, enhanced existing structures, and rebuilt dunes, fortifying shoreline resilience, protecting habitat, sustaining recreation, and securing a vital Lowcountry economic and environmental asset for generations.
Rapid Erosion Threatens Public Beach and Lighthouse
Hunting Island State Park experienced some of the highest erosion rates in South Carolina, losing more than 20 feet of shoreline each year and facing escalating sand deficits. Repeated hurricanes between 2015 and 2019 caused significant damage, resulting in prolonged park closures and the landward relocation of vulnerable infrastructure. Continued shoreline retreat placed critical recreational access, endangered species habitat, and the historic Hunting Island Lighthouse at immediate risk.
Integrated Nourishment and Groin Strategy Stabilizes Shoreline
The strategy paired offshore nourishment with new and upgraded low-profile groins to rebuild the eroded beachfront and curb long-term retreat. More than 1.17 million cubic yards of sand restored 11,500 feet of shoreline, complemented by targeted dune reconstruction. Rigorous environmental review and monitoring protected access, historic assets, and critical habitat while strengthening long-term resilience.
Restoration Secures Recreation, Habitat, and Historic Legacy
The Hunting Island Beach Restoration rebuilt a rapidly eroding shoreline, protecting the historic lighthouse, campground, infrastructure, and Beaufort County's primary public beach. Strategic nourishment and groin enhancements strengthened dunes, enhanced storm resilience, improved habitat for endangered species, and reduced long-term costs. The project secures a park that welcomes over one million visitors annually and generates more than $4 million in economic impact.
Project Transformation
See the dramatic difference our coastal engineering solutions made.
From a rapidly retreating shoreline to a restored, protective beach, integrated nourishment and groin improvements secured Hunting Island’s infrastructure, habitat, recreation, and historic legacy.
"Protecting Hunting Island required more than rebuilding a beach—it required restoring a resilient shoreline that safeguards public access, critical habitat, and one of South Carolina's most treasured landmarks for decades to come."
Steven Traynum
CSE/Project Manager
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