DNR Media Contacts:
Columbia - Brett Witt (803) 734-3815
Clemson - Greg Lucas (864) 654-1671, ext.22
Charleston - (803) 734-3815
Spokesman - Mike Willis (803) 734-4133
After Hours Radio Room - (803) 955-4000

DNR News
SC Dept. of Natural Resources
P 0 Box 167
Columbia, SC 29202

Beach vitex may threaten sea turtle hatchlings

Beach vitex on Carolina beaches is altering sea turtle nesting habitat and may be costing the lives of newly emerged sea turtle hatchlings. Hatchlings have become trapped in the thick tangle of vegetation on the Isle of Palms, which can exhaust them and lead to their death before ever reaching the ocean.

• Boating safety enforcement stepped up over July 4 holiday
• Hunting, fishing licenses are up for renewal in S.C.
• Beach vitex may threaten sea turtle hatchlings
• Youth deer hunts to be held this fall by Santee Cooper, DNR
• DNR replanting oyster reefs
• Biologist says people can learn to co-exist with black bears
• ‘Mary Agnes’ wins Bohicket tournament in Governor’s Cup Series
• DNR to hold public meetings focusing on marine resources
• Statewide deer harvest stable in 2005
• Quail Unlimited Midlands funds habitat at Manchester State Forest
• Construction of oil-spill response facility for waterbirds underway
• DNR stocks 2.5 million striped bass into Lakes Marion and Moultrie
• Bear hunters clean up Jocassee, build bench at scenic overlook
• Partners for trout reconstructs stream to protect trout waters
• Multi-year research improves knowledge of sea turtle population
• Commercial license needed to sell pen-reared quail
• S.C. Wildlife Federation will celebrate 75th anniversary
• Freshwater Fishing Trends
• Saltwater Fishing Trends
• S.C. Weekly Tidetable
• "SC Wildlife TV" video page
• Wildlife video