From The Blog

Multi-Year Pond Edge Pruning Project Underway

KICA’s Lakes Management team is conducting multi-year pond-edge pruning project to support the health of our island’s pond system.

Our scenic ponds provide vital habitat for wildlife, but also serve another critical function; Kiawah’s 122 ponds are interconnected, operating as the master drainage system for the island.

Stormwater runoff enters into the ponds through the curb and road drains. The tide flows in and out of the pond system through twelve outfall structures that connect to the Kiawah River and inlet creeks. This free-flowing movement of water through the drainage system allows for the water to be properly oxygenated, it discourages the growth of harmful algae and encourages the establishment of beneficial bacteria communities.

By pruning overgrown vegetation that blocks sunlight and expels debris into the pond, pond health and water quality can be improved and drainage impediments prevented.

This project began in 2019 along edges in ponds #24, 27, 29, 30 between West Beach and Night Heron Park, and is again underway for 2020. This year, KICA plans to prune edges around ponds #2, 36, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 26 in the West and East Beach areas. About 5 miles of shoreline in total (2019 and 2020) will be improved.