From golf course to saltmarsh| Perceived changes in ecosystem services linked to human well-being from the Noisette Creek saltmarsh restoration in North Charleston, South Carolina

• Main Author: Crimian, Robert Lawrence
• Language: EN
• Published: College of Charleston 2013
• Subjects: Environmental Management|Environmental Studies|Environmental Sciences
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=1543827

<p> The purpose of this study was to determine community perceptions of changes in ecosystem services from the restoration of Noisette Creek saltmarsh in North Charleston, South Carolina and to explore the potential impacts of restoring Noisette Creek ecosystems on human well-being. Ecosystem services are human benefits from resources and processes that are supplied by natural ecosystems. These services have been shown to directly affect human well-being in the people using these services. Secondary data were collected at the ZCTA level to create social, economic, and health indicators to assign current levels of well-being in the study area. Three focus groups and 25 q-sorts, using 24 paired statements inspired by focus group data, were conducted to determine community perceptions of restoration and the role of Noisette Creek in influencing human well-being within the community. North Charleston in most well-being indicators scored relatively low compared to Charleston County as a whole and selected ZCTAs within the county, particularly in economic security. The focus group data showed seven main themes surrounding Noisette Creek and its restoration, the most prevalent being access to the creek, sense of community, and awareness of the condition and history of Noisette Creek. Three factors representing three discourses (awareness, ecosystem services, and community) emerged from the 25 q-sorts, all with a mix of individuals from various earned incomes and racial compositions. The general consensus using all three analyses is that the restored ecosystem services provided by Noisette Creek could lead to an overall environmental, social, and economic improvement in the area, and therefore have a positive impact on the well-being of area residents. </p>