Calm in the face of chaos: heritage at risk and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Heritage Trust Program

Since 2015, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Archaeology team has coordinated and deployed heritage at risk recovery efforts in the form of triage and mitigation at cultural sites, postflood disaster recovery mitigation, and advice for disaster recovery and planning efforts across the state and beyond. While every case is different, heightened logistics, training, and communication are key when heritage is at risk. The case studies provide examples of rapid on-the-ground response to the threats, including mitigation options and techniques, disaster response and mobilization, and best practices to harness help and support for these undertakings in an efficient way.