The CHP projects were designed to answer specific resource management questions identified by the Task Forces. They were also selected to complement existing economic, cultural, and natural resources data to complete a framework of information sufficient to manage the Charleston Harbor at the watershed scale. Although this overview of the region's resources will be basic, it will provide a foundation for methodical and rational resource management at an ecologically meaningful scale. With this viewpoint, resource managers can readily focus management activities where they are most needed.
Managers can identify and prioritize areas for protection, research restoration, and mitigation.
In contrast to the current parcel level review of the permit process, watershed level management will enable managers to make individual decisions in the context of the regional resources. This larger scale of review will make the permit process more predictable and flexible for the business community, while providing the public better resource management and protection.