Mount Pleasant Magazine 6.4

90 / 154

most at home away
from dry land.
While studying
at the College of
Charleston, Wun-
derley was moved
by the concept that
local bodies of water
are there for public
access, but it is up
to the public to help
maintain the integrity
of those bodies of
water. With a masters
in Environmental
Policy and a law de-
gree, he brings a deep
understanding and appreciation to his job as Charleston’s
Waterkeeper.
“Our waterways belong to all South Carolina citizens,
and we all share a responsibility to take care of them,” said
Wunderley. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be their
champion and defender by serving our great community as
its waterkeeper.”
While Shem Creek is one of East Cooper’s most
loved bodies of water, with a bevy of restaurants over-
looking it, according to Wunderley, it is in need of
some TLC and healing. Over the years, the area around
Shem Creek has grown at a great rate. Nearby roads,
parking lots, houses and a variety of buildings direct
rain and floodwater into the creek, and, as a result, pes-
ticides, oil, grease and bacteria trickle in, compromising
its overall quality.
“Shem Creek is such a beautiful and iconic tidal creek
with a long and rich history. It has everything that makes
the Lowcountry so special – great public access, fishing,
crabbing, outdoor outfitters, an active commercial fishing
fleet and all manner of recreational activity from paddling
to swimming,” said Wunderley. “Sadly, our water qual-
ity testing work shows Shem Creek doesn’t meet its water
quality standard for safe swimming.”
Wunderley and his team are taking action to improve
the quality of the water. Not only will this benefit those
looking to enjoy an afternoon in the waves, but it will also
help species that reside in the water all year long. Dol-
phins and manatees are often a welcomed sight in Shem
Creek, but action is necessary to keep them coming back.
And in order for local seafood to remain fresh, tasty and
safe for consumption for years to come, a strategy must be
implemented.
90 | |
Andrew Wunderley
“Providing Tours for the Preservation of the Environment”
843.568.3222
Kayak | Canoe | Paddleboard Tours | Rentals | Instruction
Also Kayaking and Paddleboard Tours and Rentals on Shem Creek / National Forest
GET PADDLEFIT
TODAY!
Achieve Your Goals On
Mondays and Wednesdays
at 8:00 and 10:00 am.
$30 per session, or $150 for a
package of 6 sessions.
GO WITH THE FLOW
OF SUP YOGA
Tuesdays at 9:00 am &
Thursdays at 5:00 pm.
$30 per 90 minute session.
$5 off with your own SUP.
On those crazy days, just
know that I have your back.
With my help and the backing
of my great team, I’ll have
you back on the road and
driving happy in no time.
Like a good neighbor,
State Farm is there.®
CALL FOR A QUOTE 24/7.
When
everyone
forgets how
to drive.
I’m your agent for that.
1001195.1
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
State Farm Indemnity Company
Bloomington, IL
Billy Swails, Agent
1047 Johnnie Dodds Blvd
Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Bus: 843-884-5149