Land Preservation in St. James
The Town of St. James has permanently preserved 500+ acres of Nature Preserves and has 36 miles of walking and biking trails. There are also 250 ponds scattered throughout, and an abundance of marshlands edging the ICW. St. James Conservancy works with the town and the POA to assist in guidance, regional updates, and residential education so that these places remain untouched, special, and healthy for generations to come. This sets us apart from other communities in our region. Another major reason St. James is so special! We also help to monitor development in our region and advocate for sustainable growth, tree canopy, water quality.
St. James is a Coastal Wetland Community
Coastal wetlands include saltwater and freshwater wetlands located within coastal watersheds, which drain into the Atlantic Ocean. The 8.3 square mile town's elevation ranges from about 5' to 52'.
From the Environmental Protection Agency: Considerations for your property
We can make decisions in our everyday lives which help preserve coastal wetland area and maintain their ecological integrity. Below are steps you can take on your own property to protect wetlands.
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Participate in programs that help protect and restore wetlands. Contact local, state, or federal agencies, community groups, environmental organizations and other non-government organizations.
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Report illegal actions such as unauthorized wetland fill or dredging activities to government authorities, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
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Pick up litter and dispose in appropriate trash containers. Keep surface areas that wash into storm drains clean from pet waste, toxic chemicals, fertilizers and motor oil, which can eventually reach and impair our wetlands.
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Use native species when planting trees, shrubs and flowers to preserve the ecological balance of local wetlands.
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Use "living shoreline" techniques that make use of plant roots to stabilize soil if you own waterfront property and your shoreline or river bank needs to be stabilized.
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Avoid wetlands if you are expanding your house or installing a shed.
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Use phosphate-free laundry and dishwasher detergents. Phosphates encourage algae growth, which can suffocate aquatic life.
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Use paper and recycled products made from unbleached paper. Bleached paper contains toxic chemicals that can contaminate water.
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Use non-toxic products for household cleaning and lawn and garden care. Never spray lawn and garden chemicals outside on a windy day or on a day that it might rain and wash the chemicals into waterways.
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Enjoy the scenic and recreational opportunities coastal wetlands offer, while preserving their integrity for future generations by minimizing the use of heavy equipment and staying in designated visitor areas where available.
Take a look at the Brunswick County Planning Blueprint in this PDF from 2022: