Stay Off the Dunes: Protecting South Carolina’s Natural Barrier

Thursday, Aug 14, 2025

South Carolina’s sand dunes aren’t just scenic—they’re essential. These dynamic natural features serve as our first line of defense against coastal storms and erosion, helping protect inland ecosystems, homes and infrastructure.

That’s why the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), in partnership with local municipalities and conservation organizations, launched the Keep Off the Dunes Program to enhance public awareness and preserve these vital coastal resources.

Through this collaborative initiative, high-quality, UV-resistant "Keep Off the Dunes" signs are available for purchase from SCDES’s Beachfront and Coastal Management (BCM) team. These durable metal signs help reinforce the importance of dune protection in high-traffic areas.

Visualizing Coastal Impacts with MyCoast South Carolina

In addition to signage and outreach, SCDES also encourages residents and visitors to participate in MyCoast South Carolina, an interactive platform that collects and analyzes photos and data related to coastal events. This public portal helps SCDES, and its partners better understand and respond to challenges affecting our coast.

Through MyCoast.org/SC, you can contribute to several reporting tools:

King Tides – Document unusually high tides and flooding
Storm Witness – Share photos of post-storm conditions and debris
Boats & Buoys – Report misplaced or damaged marine equipment
Adopt-A-Beach – Record beach litter and cleanup efforts

By submitting photos and reports, you’re helping SCDES visualize the real-time impact of coastal hazards and enhance awareness among decision-makers, researchers and stakeholders. These insights support smarter planning, resilience and protection for our coast.

Back to All Blogs