Since the fall of 2016, all eyes have been turned towards Cumberland Island, where owners of a private inholding within the Cumberland Island National Seashore were granted a variance to subdivide 87-acres into ten lots. This action spurred a furious debate about the fate of the remaining 1,000 acres of privately-held land on the island and how much, if any, development should be permitted. In response, Camden County officials announced that they were entertaining proposals for a new zoning code for the island. This announcement was also met with fury. To many, zoning is an inevitable step towards development. Instead, we at OHM are looking at these events as an opportunity to further partner with the landowners to better protect the island.
One Hundred Miles is working with Cumberland Island private property owners, the National Park Service, and some of our partners to ensure the best outcome for the island as a whole. Throughout ongoing negotiations, we are working to ensure that:
- More acres of land get added to the park.
- The number of privately held acres under conservation easement is increased.
- The potential number of future homes is reduced.
In order to be successful, we must work together with all of the stakeholders. Conservation and private property rights go hand in hand. Private and public partnerships have resulted in the protection of ten of our fourteen barrier islands, which serve as critical habitat for some of our most beloved and threatened wildlife. These islands also provide cultural and historic resources that support our community’s past, present, and future. Conservation of these islands, including Cumberland, would not have been possible without private landowners.
Responsibly Planning for the Future
We are working to rezone Cumberland Island for long-term conservation.
