Date of Award

8-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP)

Department

Master of City and Regional Planning

Committee Chair/Advisor

Dr. Caitlin Dyckman

Committee Member

Dr. John Gaber

Committee Member

Dr. Madeleine Bolick

Abstract

The study presents a mixed method and longitudinal assessment of land cover change, estuarine land loss, and policy implemented to address the past and anticipated estuarine losses in the Cooper River and North and South Santee watershed over the past twenty years. This study uses National Land Cover Dataset from 2001 to 2021, NOAA’s SLR projection data and planning documents from 1990 to 2025 to examine policy evolution among ten major themes. The results illustrate significant changes in land cover, notably the transition of wetlands, agriculture, and forests to developed land, as well as an evident spike in the integration of planning themes over time, particularly between 2002-2021. Still, planning and theme integration exhibit geographical discrepancies between South Carolina's urban and rural coastal areas, with urban areas using more planning documents and tools, while rural areas have fewer resources and less capacity. Recommendations are given to each watershed, with a focus on climate adaptation, low-impact development, nature-based infrastructure, interjurisdictional collaborations and wetlands protection. This research concludes that ensuring watershed and ecosystem resilience in the face of increasing development and SLR requires adaptable and tailored planning approaches based on actual land cover and ecological patterns and distinct risk levels of each watershed

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Available for download on Monday, August 31, 2026

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