The Edisto River is the only major river that’s all South Carolina’s, starting in the sandhills and ending at the sand dunes.

That means the state gets all the benefits of its black-water beauty, and we can’t blame others if the river is ruined by pollution or misuse.

“It’s ours to screw up,” said Norm Brunswig, manager of Beidler Forest near St. George. “We can either keep it, enhance it and embrace it, or we can not do those things and watch it slip away.”

Lack of industrial and residential development in rural inland areas and concerted conservation efforts near the coast have limited the human damage to the longest undammed black-water river in the country. But growth is coming, especially in Orangeburg and northern Dorchester counties.

River advocates pledge to fight anything that might harm it. They use the swooping curves, Spanish moss-draped oaks and turtle-covered logs to recruit new river lovers with each guided canoe excursion.

“I thought it was a beautiful trip,” said Mount Pleasant resident Bret Perryman after experiencing the Edisto for the first time during the annual Riverfest this summer. “On a summer weekend, you’d think a river like that would be packed with people. Where else would you rather be?”

MORE MURKY

Scientists who study the river say it remains in good shape, though the water isn’t as pristine as it used to be. Sometimes it’s as if someone put too much sugar in the tea and it won’t dissolve. Except, it’s not sugar, it’s sand.

Full Story: http://www.thestate.com/local/story/583487.html