At a Glance

For more than three decades, CSE has advanced shoreline management at Hunting Island through data-driven design and phased restoration. Integrating nourishment with low-profile groin systems transformed past short-term fixes into a durable erosion management framework. Ongoing monitoring and adaptive management keep the beach stable, permit-ready, and resilient to changing coastal conditions.

Year 1989 to Present
Location Beaufort County, SC
Client SC Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Scope 11,500 linear feet

From Failed Fixes to Lasting Strategy

CSE developed a phased restoration strategy that combines targeted nourishment with clustered, low-profile groin systems designed to work with — not against — natural sediment transport. The design applied advanced profile-matching guidance, innovative materials, and constructability-driven planning to maximize longevity while minimizing visual and environmental impacts. Robust monitoring, performance tracking, and adaptive design updates keep the program optimized and ready for future implementation phases.

Challenge

Smarter Coastal Engineering for a Demanding Shoreline Environment

CSE developed a phased restoration strategy that combines targeted nourishment with clustered, low-profile groin systems designed to work with — not against — natural sediment transport. The design applied advanced profile-matching guidance, innovative materials, and constructability-driven planning to maximize longevity while minimizing visual and environmental impacts. Robust monitoring, performance tracking, and adaptive design updates keep the program optimized and ready for future implementation phases.

Approach

Sustaining South Carolina's Most Valuable Coastal Park Assets

The program has reduced localized erosion, stabilized key recreation areas, and maintained natural sand movement to adjacent shorelines. Projects were delivered on schedule and within budget, backed by decades of monitoring data. Today, Hunting Island operates under a scalable, science-based framework that protects public access, safeguards state assets, and strengthens resilience to future storms and climate pressures.

Impact
Challenge
Approach
Impact

Project Transformation

See the dramatic difference our coastal engineering solutions made.

Before
Before
After
After

From short-term fixes to lasting shoreline resilience, adaptive nourishment and low-profile groins transformed chronic erosion management into a sustainable strategy that protects Hunting Island’s most valuable coastal assets.

"CSE helps SCPRT develop long-term funding and implementation strategies to protect beach access, ensure campground safety, and protect historic structures at Hunting Island."

Steven Traynum

Steven Traynum

CSE/Project Manager

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