Friends of the Edisto: Mission Statement

The Friends of the Edisto's mission is to protect and enhance the Edisto River Basin's natural and cultural character and resources through conservation and responsible use.

Guiding Principles

Conservation

The health, stability, and beauty of natural systems are essential to human well-being. Wise and responsible human activities will identify and protect sensitive natural and cultural resources and use management and development techniques to protect and enhance the soil, water, air, and wildlife habitat.

Sustainable Economic Development

A robust and sustainable local economy provides an improved standard of living and quality of life for current and future residents of the Edisto River Basin residents and will foster conservation and responsible use of the natural and cultural resources in the basin.

Local Decision Making

Local governments with accurate information and well-reasoned objectives for providing services and directing infrastructure development are best qualified to make land-use planning decisions that both protect natural and cultural resources and encourage economic development.

Incentives and Information

Responsible landowners, when given accurate information and appropriate incentives, will protect and enhance natural and cultural resources while also supporting the local economy and contributing to a tax base.

Research and Information-Based Actions

Policies, positions, and project initiatives should be based on thorough research of the best available information and communication with interested and affected parties to identify necessary or desirable action courses.

Education/Advocacy

Improving the stewardship of our resources requires targeted education and advocacy, technical assistance, and research efforts. The recommendations and resource assessment maps of the Edisto River BasinTask Force (as published in "Managing Resources for a Sustainable Future: The Edisto River Basin Project Report") provide valuable guidance for future economic development and resource conservation in the Basin. Accepted "best management practices" provide guidelines to landowners and developers for conserving natural and cultural resources.