1. CHARLESTON HARBOR CHANNEL LIGHTED BELL BUOY 22 (LLNR 2440 [32°44.4254N / 079°50.6794W, 32.740424 / -79.844657]) IS OFF STATION. ALL MARINERS ARE REQUESTED TO TRANSIT THE AREA WITH CAUTION.
Run with purpose while taking in beautiful ocean views! Secure your spot in the Save the Light Half-Marathon and 5K—an exhilarating race that combines the thrill of running with the mission of preserving the Morris Island Lighthouse.
This Safety Zone is just north of the AICW’s east-west path through Charleston Harbor.
Marine Safety Information Bulletin U.S. Coast Guard MSIB Number: 01-25 Sector Charleston Date: January 16, 2025 Waterways Management Division 1050 Register Street North Charleston, SC 29405 E-Mail: CharlestonWaterways@uscg.mil
SECURITY ZONE – Charleston Harbor
Charleston, SC
On Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m., a security zone will be in effect for certain waters of the Cooper River adjacent to the International African American Museum in Charleston, SC. The security zone will encompass all waters within an area approximately 680 yards long and 500 yards wide. No vessels or persons are permitted within the security zone unless authorized by official patrol. Official patrol may be contacted via VHF radio channel 16. Mariners are encouraged to plan transits accordingly to avoid unnecessary disruptions.
This MSIB can be viewed at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/charleston. For questions or concerns regarding this MSIB, please contact the Sector Charleston 24-hour Command Center at (843) 740-7050.
adrotate banner=’477′] Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, sits on the Mount Pleasant side of Charleston Harbor, hard by Patriots Point between Horse Reach’s flashing buoys #34 and #36.
Looking plans this weekend?
Check out Oysters on the Point with Live Music from Thomas Champagne & Friends from 2pm – 6pm THIS Saturday!
As we say goodbye to 2024 and look ahead to a new year, we want to thank you for your support of our mission to inspire the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and together create stunning public spaces and a strong community. Whether you have donated, attended one of our events, volunteered your time or simply enjoyed one of our parks, we are grateful to you.
We hope to continue to inspire you over the next year with beautiful parks, engaging and educational programming, and opportunities to connect with and give back to your community through volunteering your time.
There are a few hours left to donate in 2024 and we hope you will consider supporting us. Click the button below, text ‘conservancyparks’ to 50155, or visit our website to explore other ways to donate.
Thank you, Happy New Year, and we’ll see you in the parks!
The Charleston Parks Conservancy Staff
Join Us for Upcoming Events
JANUARY
Saturday, January 11 Native Tree Giveaway | free
Saturday, January 18 Early Morning Bird Walk | free
Sunday, April 27 Picnic for the Parks | ticketed fundraiser
Saturday, November 8 Party for the Parks | ticketed fundraiser
Friday, December 5 Light the Lake | free
ABOUT THE CONSERVANCY
The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and create stunning public places and a strong community. The Conservancy secures 90% of the funding required to maintain 26 parks, gardens and trails across the city through private and corporate donations, while the City of Charleston covers 10% of costs. The Conservancy team provides year-round park care, with a focus on strategic seasonal plantings, major park revitalizations, and sustainable maintenance. In 2024 alone, the organization planted over 46,000 plants and 1,000 trees, donated two tons of fresh produce and 1,200 fresh flower bouquets grown in its parks and gardens, and advocated for the vital role of parks in urban life. Through 180 hours annually of free programming including popular events like the Teddy Bear Picnic, the Conservancy cultivates vibrant, welcoming green spaces that serve as hubs for recreation, relaxation, and community connection.Read More.
When parks thrive, people thrive. Donate today to make an impact in our community.
Harbour Town Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is ready for your reservation with newly renovated docks, upgraded electrical service and onSpot WiFi, also a CRUISERS NET SPONSOR. And, as always, numerous activities at the Sea Pines Resort are offered for your enjoyment, as you will see in the Event Schedule below. Hilton Head Island is absolutely marvelous any time of year.
adrotate banner=’477′] Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, sits on the Mount Pleasant side of Charleston Harbor, hard by Patriots Point between Horse Reach’s flashing buoys #34 and #36.
From our busy iconic parks to hidden neighborhood gems, your donation has a lasting impact on how Charleston thrives. Thanks to you, we are working to transform Charleston’s parks and green spaces into even more thriving, welcoming spaces.
Seasonal displays at Rose Pavilion, Marion Square, Hazel Parker and Tiedemann Nature Center have brought vibrant color making these beloved parks even more inviting year-round.
The revitalization of Vangie Rainsford Park includedclearing out overgrown plants and the addition of shade-loving annuals and perennials.
Mitigating flood waters with the installation of bioswales at Tiedemann Park & Nature Center.
Supporting the urban eco-corridor with the installation of a pollinator habitat at Corrine Jones Park & Community Garden.
The revitalization of Wragg Square brought new life to this historic park, with reimagined gardens and restored pathways, creating a welcoming space for community events.
Expanding our donation programs through the installation of the Mulberry Park Food Forest & the cut flower garden at Magnolia Community Garden.
We’re Not Stopping
In 2025, we’re taking on even bigger projects like the revitalization of 3 acres of gardens at Colonial Lake, which is underway and will be completed next year. Allan Park will be getting a refresh and we are thrilled to expand our urban garden program to Shaw Community Center with the installation of fruit trees and teaching vegetable beds.
With 90% of the Conservancy’s annual funding relying on the generosity of donors like you – your continued support is critical to allowing these projects to come to fruition. Consider a donation today to help keep Charleston’s parks blooming.
The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and create stunning public places and a strong community. The Conservancy secures 90% of the funding required to maintain 26 parks across the city through private and corporate donations, while the City of Charleston covers 10% of costs. The Conservancy team provides year-round park care, with a focus on strategic seasonal plantings, major park revitalizations, and sustainable maintenance. In 2024 alone, the organization planted over 46,000 plants and 1,000 trees, donated two tons of fresh produce and 1,200 fresh flower bouquets grown in its parks and gardens, and advocated for the vital role of parks in urban life. Through 180 hours annually of free programming including popular events like the Teddy Bear Picnic, the Conservancy cultivates vibrant, welcoming green spaces that serve as hubs for recreation, relaxation, and community connection.Read More.
When parks thrive, people thrive. Donate today to make an impact in our community.
On November 2, go big or gourd home! Hitch a hay ride, decorate a pumpkin, dance to live bluegrass music, dig into a plate of Carolina barbeque and enjoy all the fall fun at our annual Harvest Festival!
Two Weeks and Counting…
Join in the countdown to the 2024 Holiday Festival of Lights! We’re flipping the switch and opening the gates to the public on November 15. Don’t wait, get your tickets today!
Enter the Dragon
Add a new favorite to your annual holiday traditions: seeing the Holiday Festival of Lights from a dragon boat! Get a hands-on introduction to this ancient sport on the James Island County Park lake, then let us treat you to a hot chocolate and free admission to the festival. These boats fill up fast, so reserve your paddle now!
Bird By Bird
Escape to a stunning natural wonderland – without ever leaving the Lowcountry. On November 8, join our birding expert for a walk through Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve, where a rich diversity of birds make their homes within the protected marshland and maritime forest habitats.
Good as Gold
Already stressing about your holiday shopping? Make the gift-giving season easier on yourself when you give the Gold Pass! From your Secret Santa to your dog sitter to your neighbor who helped you clean up after the storm, everyone can enjoy a year in the parks with this one-size-fits-all present.
Cooler days + changing leaves = the perfect fall run. On November 2, celebrate the season with a 5K through scenic Laurel Hill County Park. After the race, reward yourself with a hearty cup of chili! Register today to claim your spot at the starting line.
Join us this upcoming weekend for an afternoon filled with live tunes from Idlewild Revival, an Allman Brothers tribute band. It’s the perfect way to spend a fall day at Palmetto Islands County Park.
Spooky Moves
Boo! It’s officially October which means our Trick, Treat, And Trail Family Fun Run Walk And Stroll is just a few weeks away on October 26! So bring out your family in their best costumes for a day full of fun including trick-or-treating, ghoulish music, face painting, jump castles, refreshments, and more.
A Seashore Stroll
Mourning the end of beach season? Not so fast! Fall’s a great time to explore our local shorelines, and our trained naturalist can help you see the beach in a new light. Join us this season for a Seashore Exploration!
Gator Tales
That smile! Those eyes! Search out the alligators of Wannamaker County Park to get the 411 on these fascinating creatures. On October 22, learn how they earned the title of keystone species…and everything else you need to know to admire them – from a safe distance, of course!
One Fish, Two Fish
Skip your Saturday to-do list and hang a “gone fishin'” sign on the door. On October 12, bring your rod and reel to the Folly Beach Pier for another Cast Off Fishing Tournament. Anglers ages 3 and up are welcome; no preregistration necessary!
Park Notice
On Sunday, October 13, Palmetto Islands County Park will be closed until 4:30 p.m. so that we may host the Palmetto Park Jam. For ticketed guests, the park gates open at 11 a.m.
Cruisers Net is proud to be a member of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association whose lobbying work is crucial to keeping the Waterway navigable and safe. Your membership dollars directly support their vital work. Please join and encourage your boating neighbors to do likewise, regardless of their homeport.
One month away! AIWA’s 25th Anniversary Annual Meeting November 18-20, 2024 Charleston, SC
The AIWA’s 25th Anniversary Annual Meeting is fast approaching and we hope you are making plans to attend and learn from a distinguished group of speakers and network with fellow waterway stakeholders. In addition to confirmed speakers, we are expecting leaders from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. DOT Maritime Administration, and NOAA to attend this year’s celebratory annual meeting in Charleston, South Carolina. The program will include:
State of the Waterway presentations of recently completed projects and upcoming projects for all USACE Districts along the waterway in 2025
Beneficial use of dredged material and natural infrastructure, including representatives from industry, universities and federal agencies
Waterway closures and impacts to stakeholders and M-95
Dredging challenges and safety issues
Emerging technologies and solutions
and more!
We expect to finalize the agenda in the next couple of weeks. If there are topics you would like to see added to the 25th anniversary program, please contact us ataiwa@atlanticintracoastal.net.
Early registration rates and the hotel room block close on October 18, and we encourage you to make your plans today!
Sponsorships are available beginning at $525 and includes one event registration.
Congress Passes Continuing Resolution for FY2025 Appropriations Bills
After their August recess, Congress returned to Washington with a looming government shutdown at the end of September. After a false start and posturing by a number of members of Congress and outside influences, The House passed a relatively “clean” continuing resolution on September 25. The continuing resolution was then taken up and passed by the U.S. Senate on the same day and subsequently signed by President Biden on September 26, which keeps federal agencies open through December 20th.
In making the decision to only pass a three-month extension, the tables are set for another Congressional showdown right before Christmas. While Congress doesn’t have to wait until the last minute, it is highly unlikely that any movement will take place prior to mid-December with Congress out of session until after the election. Passing a three-month extension was the most palatable option for both political parties since each side is gambling that their party will control more votes needed for passage after the election. The best case scenario for the waterway would be for Congress to pass the Energy & Water Appropriations bill in December, but the reality is that if either party controls both the House and Senate after the election, there will likely be another continuing resolution so that controlling party can exert their will to pass new appropriations bills, especially if they also control the presidency. If the House and Senate remain as is, there will be a stronger push to pass the appropriations bills and have a clean slate for the new Congress in January 2025.
In the table below is the current breakdown of funding as it stands today (same as last month). In addition, the House and Senate have also included the following amounts in the Additional Dredging Needs funding pots which we are eligible to receive.
General Navigation – House: $931.945 million, Senate: $20 million
Inland Waterways – House: $50 million, Senate: $64.987 million
Updated Local Notice to Mariners (LNM 40/24): New Waterway Closure Schedule for Onslow Beach Swing Bridge Replacement near Camp Lejuene, NC
After a multi-month suspension of construction activities to construct a new bridge to replace the Onslow Beach Swing Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, mile 240.7, at Camp Lejeune, NC, the U.S. Coast Guard has given the green light again for the contractor to perform in water construction activities that require multi-day shutdowns of the waterway for two weeks in November. To facilitate construction of the bascule span (structural steel), the new bridge will remain in the closed-to-navigation position and will not be able to open at any time during the extended bridge closure periods, as reflected below:
from 7 a.m. on Monday, November 4, 2024, through 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2024
from 7 a.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024, through 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2024
While additional work will be performed at other times with limited waterway openings, during the time periods listed above there will be no openings for waterway users. We encourage everyone to read the full Local Notice to Mariners by clicking here. The specific section related to this project begins on page 33 of 61.
Through efforts undertaken by Mr. Robert Sherer and other recreational boating partners along with input from our commercial members, the AIWA was able to highlight that there are “no good weeks” in the fall for waterway shutdowns. Although we were unable to successfully remove full closures, the U.S. Coast Guard invited and listened to our concerns regarding the waterway closure and pushed the closures back to the last month of hurricane season, reduced the initially requested closures to one quarter of the request, integrated a construction cancellation plan for incoming heavy weather, and took into account the semi-annual snow bird migration.
We know that our engagement on behalf of the waterway users made a difference and we want to thank the U.S. Coast Guard for inviting our engagement in this project.
The AIWA is a national non-profit organization with the mission of securing funding and support for the maintenance of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. We are the only organization dedicated to ensuring the future of the AIWW and proudly represent all stakeholders of the waterway.
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