The heat index hovered around 105°. A gentle breeze carried sunlight that sparkled on the lake. The scene was stunningly beautiful, and with thought-provoking conversation, the heat was almost unnoticeable. Eddie and I met Tom Mullikin, leader of the South Carolina 7 2020 Expedition, on the Lake Moultrie Passage. Tom discussed renewable energy with students from Coastal Carolina University. One of the students pointed to the distant plume of white smoke curling from a giant smokestack. It’s Lake Moultrie’s largest landmark and the state’s largest coal-burning power plant.
Tom Mullikin knows energy and the environment. Since 1986, his civilian law practice has focused on Corporate Environmental Health and Safety. He’s done many other things too. Just a few include Research Professor at Coastal Carolina University, serving as a “National Geographic Expert”, and leading environmental expeditions to study water-related and climate change issues on every continent, see non-profit Global Eco Adventures, Inc.
By Executive Order 2018-50, Governor Henry McMaster appointed him Chairman of the South Carolina Floodwater Commission (SCFC). The commission engages with diverse stakeholders who recommend flood mitigation measures.
The Floodwater Commission’s report doesn’t stand without feedback and opposition; conversation and comments are welcome. Find public comments on the findings on the Office of the Governor web page, SCFC. See other public material on Water Online by Peter Chawaga.
Fireside Chat…”ideally conversations bring polarizing thought to actionable middle ground.” -Tom Mullikin
As the debate continues at the community, local, and State levels, flooding continues to threaten the safety and security of South Carolina and its citizens. In the meantime, the South Carolina 7 (SC7) Expedition is taking conversations about floodwater mitigation and many other public concerns across the State in a different way. For the entire month of July, Tom and SC7 are hiking, rafting, horseback riding, and scuba diving along more than 300 miles of the Palmetto Trail. From the mountains to the shore, the expedition is sharing episodes of adventure that explore the abundant beauty of our State, including 7 natural wonders. Along the way, they’re stopping to engage political leaders, intellectuals, and other citizens in conversations on topics such as adult and childhood fitness, conservation, renewable energy, plastic waste, and flood mitigation.
The first-of-its-kind expedition across South Carolina highlights what all of us want to enjoy and protect now and for future generations. During a Fireside Chat in Marietta, Tom shared his enthusiasm and awe at having such comprehensive conversations and taking action on these issues, something he says he never expected in his lifetime.
South Carolina 7 Expedition 2020 is winding down at the end of next week, but it’s not the end of action on this subject. One initiative aims to plant one million trees in the State in the astonishing record time of one year! T
“Get out and enjoy the most beautiful place on earth. Talk to people you don’t know, even those who don’t look like you. Get involved!” – Tom Mullikin
Eddie and I enjoyed inspiring conversations, beautiful scenery at the Lake Moultrie Passage, and lunch at Watermark Bar & Gril
About Tom Mullikin
Tom Mullikin commanded the South Carolina State Guard. That’s where I met him. From my own experience working at the South Carolina National Guard and teaching a semester of Emergency Management at Coastal Carolina University, I know that we need change. The class studied countless disasters around the world, and the conclusion is clear. There are two courses of action when it comes to ever-increasing and costly disasters. The textbook offers the best clarification:
“1. Continue with little or no action except but to respond in ways we always have until the financial burden becomes too great, human suffering increases, natural resources are devastated, and recovery becomes impossible.
2. Stakeholders at all levels, within local and state governments, determine mitigation strategies and take actions that increase resiliency.”
Reference: Introduction to Emergency Management 7th Edition
On June 23, Tom Mullikin received two Senate resolutions, one to commend the establishment of the South Carolina 7 2020 expedition and the other for his lifelong work. A portion of one resolution reads, “To commend and honor the S.C. Floodwater Commission and its partners for establishing the South Carolina 7 expedition and for facilitating its exploration of the seven wonders of South Carolina and its support and protection of the state’s beautiful environment.”
The Lake Moultrie Passage is but one story. For another about hiking the Palemtto Passage click below:
Civil War History and Piedmont Forest on the Palmetto Trail
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