Salkehatchie Watershed Resilient Coastal Communities Collaborative Program

Weston & Sampson is conducting a comprehensive vulnerability assessment of the Salkehatchie River watershed to evaluate environmental, ecological, and socio-economic risks and support long-term climate resilience and land-use planning.

The Salkehatchie Watershed Vulnerability Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of environmental, ecological, and socio-economic risks impacting the Salkehatchie River watershed in South Carolina. This assessment identifies and analyzes the region’s susceptibility to various stressors, including climate change, land-use change, flooding, water quality degradation, and habitat loss.
The study integrates scientific data, stakeholder input, and GIS-based modeling to pinpoint vulnerable ecosystems and communities within the watershed. Key components of the assessment include:
Risk Analysis: Evaluating streamflow patterns, flood risks, and drought sensitivity.
Ecological Sensitivity: Mapping critical habitats and assessing biodiversity threats.
Socio-Economic Impacts: Identifying at-risk populations and infrastructure from environmental hazards.
Climate Resilience: Projecting future climate scenarios and their potential effects on water resources and land stability.
The assessment supports sustainable watershed management by informing conservation priorities, guiding land-use planning, and helping local governments and agencies develop adaptive strategies. It is a vital tool for enhancing the resilience of both natural systems and human communities in the Salkehatchie basin.