Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines

Science. Policy. Education. Outreach. Coastal.

The Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines (PSDS) at Western Carolina University takes a worldwide view of modern coastal processes and geologic hazards, examines the scientific basis for managing developed shorelines in a time of rising sea level and advocates for the development and implementation of responsible strategies, plans, policies and actions that promote the long-term sustainability of our nation’s coastal ecosystems.

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In the Spotlight

Peek Driving Force Behind Cooperative Effort with NPS

Coastal Scientist Katie Peek featured for her work helping to develop protocol for assessing the vulnerability of coastal hazards and sea level rises at National Parks.

Rebuilt Beach Nourishment Database

Our rebuilt and revised Beach Renourishment database page is active! Learn more about renourishment projects on US coastlines.

Rob Young at CivicCon in Pensacola

During a CivicCon presentation at The REX Theatre, Young talked about some of the problems caused by climate change and the problems with the economic approaches the U.S is using to address it. “If you want to make a difference about some of the (environmental) issues that we’re talking about tonight,” said Young, “keep in mind that you’ve got to make it real for people.”

Hallowed Ground

“What we do know is each grave represents someone who lived and who died before the Civil War. Someone who had an occupation, someone who drank from the spring, someone who looked up at the stars.”

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