Go back to the OHM’s current Newsroom.
December 27, 2016, The Golden Isles News
Spaceport Opinions Vary

“The evacuation and compensation of the private residences and visitors is a major logistical and safety challenge that has not been addressed,” she said. “The spaceport’s potential impact on coastal Georgia’s existing industries, like tourism, ports, naval operations, recreational and commercial fishing industry, air travel, and others is still a big unknown.” – Megan Desrosiers, OHM’s President/CEO

December 26, 2016, Savannah Morning News
Letters to the Editor Monday 

“The Atlantic Ocean must be removed from any future consideration for oil and gas exploration and development. It’s more important than ever for citizens across Georgia to continue their efforts and urge our leaders to stand up for this special place. Our elected officials must represent us, their coastal constituents, and we say loud and clear: offshore drilling is not wanted here.” – Alice Keyes, OHM’s VP of Coastal Conservation

December 22, 2016, The Golden Isles News
Southeast’s absence in oil drilling ban received differently

“The Brunswick-based environmental group One HundredMiles, which focuses its attention on the 100 miles of Georgia’s coastline, said on Twitter Tuesday it is still pleased with the local coastline being included in a five-year oil-drilling lease moratorium issued by the Obama administration in March. ‘Georgia’s coast was not included in the extra protection, but we continue to celebrate our exclusion from the 5-year oil lease plan!,’ the tweet said.”

December 18, 2016, The Golden Isles News
Matthew leaves its mark on Sea Island spit, apples continue from opposition

“That is a highly volatile place on the beach. The whole thing is in a bind, and they’re trying to get out of that bind because it’s becoming unmarketable. And they lost a whole lot more beach where they have planned for the new beach. It’s not only bad for the marine ecosystem, it’s looking like it’s not really a viable property for development anyway.” – Megan Desrosiers, President/CEO of One Hundred Miles, represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center in the appeal

December 10, 2016, Coastal Courier
An open letter to Rep. Buddy Carter

“I vote NO to seismic testing and NO to oil wells in the Atlantic Ocean. My vote doesn’t count. The vote of our representation does. Who represents me/us? Rep. Carter, in my humble opinion, your position on this matter should be made public to your constituency post haste.” – Roy Hubbard, former Green Beret, conservative and local environmentalist

December 8, 2016, The Golden Isles News
One Hundred Miles seeks to influence environmental advocacy in convention

“We want to give (community members) the tools they need to be coastal advocates… all of those individual actions really add up to a sea change of support for our coast,” says Catherine Ridley, OHM’s VP, Communications and Education.

December 7, 2016, The Golden Isles News
Nonprofit fundraiser encourages local holiday shopping

“The goal is to inspire everyday citizens and storytellers — people passionate about the coast to make a difference …” – Kelly Patton, OHM Membership and Outreach Coordinator

November 29, 2016, The Golden Isles News
State Senate committee discusses spaceport

“The debate will be in the Senate.” – Representative Jason Spencer, Woodbine

November 23, 2016, The Golden Isles News
JDA money bad omen for Spaceport

“Just like those missing riches that were promised but never materialized at every other spaceport. The spaceport will be a constant drag on our taxes like at every other spaceport that is not NASA or Air Force.” – Steve Weinkle OHM Member and Activist.

November 19, 2016, Savannah Morning News
Climate Change activists strategize in Savannah

“We have access to these local people and they are people who live with us and are representing us most closely,” she said. “They are interested in hearing what we have to say.” – Vicki Weeks, Dogwood Alliance

November 18, 2016, Department of the Interior
Secretary Jewell Announces Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Plan for 2017-2022

“The plan was informed by robust stakeholder engagement and the best available science.” – Abigail Hopper, Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management Director.

November 17, 2016, Georgia Water Coalition
DIRTY DOZEN LIST 2016: DIRTY ENERGY PRODUCTION POLLUTES GEORGIA’S WATER

“Our families’ and communities’ futures are at risk. We can be part of the solution by speaking out and asking our officials to protect our water.” – Jennette Gayer, Director of Environment Georgia.

November 8, 2016, Savannah Morning News
Matthew provides a lesson on storm surge

“We’re not trying to predict exact numbers at exact spots we’re trying to provide a reasonable worst case scenario to people trying to make decisions.” – meteorologist Robert Bright

October 28, 2016, The Golden Isles News
Environmental group calls on local agencies to join coal ash fight

“I want to make sure that I’m not talking to you about the use of coal to produce our electricity,” she added. “I’m talking to you about how to figure out how to store the waste (coal ash) that is generated from the production of electricity from using coal.” – Megan Desrosiers, One Hundred Miles President / CEO

October 27, 2016, Tribune and Georgian
Senate holds hearing on Spaceport plan

“The County should be looking for ways to invest in economic development that give it the most bang for its buck. – Megan Desrosiers, One Hundred Miles President / CEO

October 26, 2016, The Golden Isles News
Opposition to space flight act continues

“Working now to pass a participant waiver is like knowing a hurricane is coming and rushing around to hang out your laundry instead of to shutter your windows,” she said. “It’s the wrong thing to do and a waste of limited time when there are many other options available for promoting the space sector in Georgia.” – Megan Desrosiers, One Hundred Miles President / CEO

October 24, 2016, The Atlanta Journal Constitution
Georgia to vote on new coal ash disposal rules 

“The EPD is taking steps in the right direction, but it needs to go further. Beyond Georgia Power’s tremendous stockpile of toxic coal ash, Florida and the Carolinas are already using Georgia as a dumping ground for dangerous waste those states don’t want. Shouldn’t that tell us something?” -Dink NeSmith, leading the anti-ash fight at the Broadhurst Environmental Landfill near Jesup

October 21, 2016, The Golden Isles News
Senate committee hears spaceport arguments

“It is has been demonstrated by FAA data and studies that with all of the costs and risks – economic, environmental, and human – an investment in a new coastal Georgia spaceport is not the best or even the only option for growing Georgia’s space economy.” – Megan Desrosiers, One Hundred Miles President / CEO

October 2, 2016, The Golden Isles News
Sea Island beach project stalled with Army Corps

“From a state perspective, it’s not on hold,” – Bill Sapp, attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center

September 28, 2016, Connect Savannah
One Hundred Miles and artist Elizabeth Slater team up to engage and inspire

“We want to engage more businesses and artists, and the best way to do that is to celebrate the places and people that make our coast unique.” – Kelly Patton, Membership and Outreach Coordinator

September 16, 2016, The Golden Isles News
Book club aims to turn new page of outreach

“The book club is one way to inspire friends and supporters of our organization, and members, to connect with us,” Patton said. “It’s a way to celebrate our coast, expand our outreach and inform people about issues that are affecting our 100-miles in a fun way.” – Kelly Patton, Membership and Outreach Coordinator

September 14, 2016, The Golden Isles News
Spaceport subcommittee meets in Kingsland

“Who will be responsible for the known contaminants and any new contamination discovered? You must consider all the possible risks. They are still finding areas of concern. It’s about the unknowns that may pop up in the future.” – Ashby Worley, Satilla Riverkeeper

September 14, 2016, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We have a literal world of evidence that climate change is real

“Under high-range projections, floods exceeding 4 feet – a level not seen in the past 100 years – become every-year events by 2060” all along the Georgia coast, the study warns. Savannah, Sea Island, Tybee Island — all would be threatened.” -Jenny McGuire, a research scientist at Georgia Tech and co-author of a new report on climate-change adaptability.

September 3, 2016, The New York Times
Flooding of Coast, Caused by Global Warming, Has Already Begun

”I’m a Republican, but I also realize, by any objective analysis, the sea level is rising,” said Jason Buelterman, the mayor of tiny Tybee Island, one of the first Georgia communities to adopt a detailed climate plan.

September 2, 2016, Savannah Morning News
Reusable bags distributed to 15 businesses on Tybee Island 

“Litter and plastic bags are of tremendous import to Tybee. We see the ill effects every day. Every one of these reusable bags is going to replace hundreds of those single-use bags.” – Tybee Councilman Bill Garbett

August 28, 2016, Savannah Morning News
Lester Jackson: Say ‘No’ to seismic airgun blasting off Georgia’s coast

“Pursuing seismic airgun blasting is dangerous and short-sighted. I call upon my fellow Georgians to join me in expressing opposition to offshore exploration and drilling.” – Senator Lester Jackson, Savannah

August 26, 2016, The Golden Isles News
State judge rejects environmental appeal of Sea Island beach project

“We are disappointed in the decision, as new groins have no place on the Georgia coast. Regardless of today’s outcome, we remain committed to enforcing necessary protections for Georgia’s coastal resources and its wildlife, and the beaches of Sea Island and St. Simons Island that are beloved by locals and visitors alike.” – Megan Desrosiers, One Hundred Miles President/CEO

August 26, 2016, The Atlanta Journal Constitution
Judge allows development on Sea Island “spit”

“Permitting Sea Island to build this groin sets a dangerous precedent for this who enjoy Georgia’s unique coastal environment.” – Steve Caley, legal director at GreenLaw

August 4, 2016, Savannah Morning News
Hundreds attend Brunswick meeting to bash coal ash storage

“Coal ash is not the same as a banana peel. Just because the federal government downgraded coal ash doesn’t mean we should treat it the same way as any old household waste. I think coal ash coming into our municipal solid waste landfills is a game changer.” – Megan Desrosiers, One Hundred Miles President/CEO

August 1, 2016, Atlanta Journal Constitution
Climate change killing Georgia’s salt marsh

“A decrease in the growth of marsh plants likely affects all of the animals that depend on the marsh, such as juvenile shrimp and crabs, which use the marsh as a nursery.” “These decreases in vegetation may also affect other marsh services, such as stabilizing the shoreline, filtering pollutants and protecting against storm damage.” -Merryl Alber, Director of the Marine Institute.

July 30, 2016, Savannah Morning News
Worries rising for coal ash buried in Coastal Georgia

“We live in a state with really porous soil. Groundwater moves fast. When there’s a release and you don’t measure for three or four months you don’t catch it.” – Megan Desrosiers, Chief Executive Officer

July 26, 2016, Savannah Morning News
Lawmakers oppose noisy oil exploration

“The quality of life we enjoy in coastal North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia is a major driver of economic growth opportunities, attracting international manufacturers as well as new residents. Even a cursory look at the oil industry in the Gulf of Mexico clearly demonstrates the onshore infrastructure necessary to support offshore drilling are wholly incompatible with existing land uses along our beautiful coast.”

July 22, 2016, Oxford American Magazine
Ravaged Beauty

“To encounter Georgia’s pristine barrier islands is to step directly into a space where the strange collides with the beautiful. It seems that every lovely thing is tinged with mystery, danger, or complexity,” writes Megan Mayhew Bergman in her profile of Cumberland Island National Seashore.

July 14, 2016, The Brunswick News
Judge hears closing statements on Sea Island permit

“They have the right to defend their property, but obviously the Shore Protection Act was an effort by the Legislature to say you don’t have an unfettered right (to protect) private property,” Steve Caley, GreenLaw Attorney, said during closing arguments.

July 14, 2016, Savannah Morning News
Sea turtles nest in record numbers during ‘insane’ season on Georgia beaches

“These loggerheads won’t come off the endangered species list until researchers have more proof the entire population has met the goal of a 2 percent annual increase in population. Dodd is confident loggerheads will be a conservation success story much like that of the bald eagle, which recovered well enough to be delisted in 2007, though they still enjoy other special protections. ‘We’re on road to doing that with loggerheads,’” Mark Dodd, Sea Turtle Biologist, GADNR

June 22, 2016, Coastal Illustrated Magazine
A Passion for the Sea

“Everyone is tied to the ocean. The health of our oceans is inextricably linked to our own sustainability, from the food that we eat to the air that we breathe,” Patton said. “The ocean drives weather, regulates temperatures and ultimately supports the life of all living organisms. Here on our coast, we depend on the ocean for a bolstering economy, both recreational/tourism and commercial. A healthy ocean maintains our unique coastal identity that brings people to this place. We’re finding new species every day and getting a better understanding of ways that our oceans and its marine life can in turn, help us.” – Kelly Patton, Membership and Outreach Coordinator

June 20, 2016, The Brunswick News
Rotary welcomes environmental organization representative

“Kelly Patton, Membership & Outreach Coordinator for One Hundred Miles recently visited Rotary of the Golden Isles and spoke about their program’s mission.”

June 9, 2016, Columbia Journalism Review
In Georgia, a small-town newspaper owner take on a goliath waste company

“We feel like, as one of the pillars of the community, it’s our place to keep people informed, and raise hell when necessary.” – Dink NeSmith, Owner of The Press-Sentinel in Jesup, Georgia.

June 4, 2016, The Brunswick News
Groups unite for World Oceans Day Celebration and beach clean up

“The list goes on,” Patton said. “The ocean impacts our lives in so many way, for so many reasons. We need to take as good a care of it as possible.” –  Kelly Patton, Membership and Outreach Coordinator

May 9, 2016, The Brunswick News
Appeals hearing for Sea Island beach project begins today at Old City Hall 

“I do believe one of the reasons we’re going out to the spit is to discuss the alternatives to this, and the alterations it will have on the sand sharing system,” Derosiers said. “I think the whole thing is really going to be interesting. It’s fascinating that we’re going to have a whole week to look at this issue.” – Megan Desrosiers, CEO

May 7, 2016, The Brunswick News
Park Service expressed concerns about proposed spaceport

The legislated purpose of the National Park Service is to conserve natural and historic sites and wildlife for the enjoyment of future generations.“The proposed launch facility and its associated activities could potentially have an impact on the NPS responsibility and ability to achieve that purpose.” – Sam Austin, Southeast region director for the Park Service

May 5, 2016, The Brunswick News
St. Simons project works to support sea turtles in nesting season

“This is a volunteer-based initiative that has been around for a long time, and its volunteers have dedicated huge chunks of time to ensuring that sea turtles have a habitat on St. Simons to nest,” Ridley. “We are an area that loves sea turtles. We even call them ‘our turtles.’ This season and for nesting seasons to come, the goal is to increase those effort specifically on St. Simons, where sea turtle nests sometimes can be ignored.” – Catherine Ridley, VP of Development and Communications

May 3, 2016, Golden Isles Magazine 
Looking back, looking ahead: One Hundred Miles

“One Hundred Miles is dedicated to celebrating our coastal identity, inspiring pride for our natural resources, and working together to ensure a magnificent coast for generations to come. . . [through] innovative ideas that will lead to effective solutions and a future of which our children will be proud.” – Megan Desrosiers, OHM Chief Executive Officer

April 2016, Federal Aviation Administration
National Park Service Spaceport Camden EIS Scoping Comment Letter Released

“We strongly recommend the consideration of other alternative site locations to determine the extent to which other areas would be considered prudent and feasible.” – Sam Austin, Southeast region director for the Park Service

April 3, 2016, Savannah Morning News
Steven Sanderson: Seismic testing still threatens Georgia’s coast

“If our elected officials cannot hear the voices of science and their constituents, perhaps they should tell us who they’re listening to instead. They should be the most ardent advocates for our 100-mile coastline. Why aren’t they?” – One Hundred Miles board member, Steven Sanderson

March 29, 2016, Connect Savannah
Toast to the Coast: Signature cocktails raise funds for One Hundred Miles

“Partnering with some of our wonderful coastal businesses that focus on fresh, local ingredients shows why this is such a special place.” – Kelly Patton, Membership and Outreach Coordinator

March 18, 2016, The Brunswick News
Spartini event set to spark marshland and coastal preservation

“We want this to be a way to incorporate our community, our business owners and their clients, who are all served by our coast, to celebrate the beauty of it and help protect it.” – Kelly Patton, Membership and Outreach Coordinator

March 15, 2016, The Florida-Times Union
Glynn County Commission takes a pass on resolution opposing seismic testing for oil off coast

“The County Commission still has an obligation to carry the voice of the people of Glynn County forward,” she said, noting that 2,200 residents had signed a petition asking for the resolution. “If they choose not to, they’ve missed an opportunity to really represent the citizens.” – Alice Keyes, One Hundred Miles VP of Coastal Conservation

March 15, 2016, The New York Times
Obama Reverses Course on Drilling Off Southeast Coast

“This moment has come because Atlantic coast communities, businesses and citizens have all spoken up to protect their beaches, treasured marine life and President Obama listened.” – Rachel Richardson, Environment America

March 14, 2016, Vice News
U.S. – Canada Climate Change Agreement Signals Potential Hurdles for Offshore Atlantic Drilling

“We’ve got a $2 billion tourism industry here on the Georgia coast,” Keyes said. “We don’t want to jeopardize that for such a dirty investment.” – Alice Keyes, One Hundred Miles VP of Coastal Conservation

Spaceflight Act passed Judiciary Committee
February 25, 2016, The Tribune and Georgian

“As a property owner on Little Cumberland Island, I am concerned about my personal investment if rockets go over our island and have a problem, but as a Georgian, I am concerned about the fundamental day-to-day change by the frequent test firings of rocket engines over at this facility.” – Dick Parker, Little Cumberland Island Property Owner

Documentary film marks impact of plastics; hopes to spark conversation locally
February 25, 2016, The Brunswick News

“Every time you use a plastic bag, you are making a vote,” DiVincent said. “You are choosing to not be a part of the solution, but continue on as part of the problem. This one plastic bag you use for a minute or two, it takes generations to dispose of properly and if not disposed of properly, can become another piece in a much bigger problem.” – Jared DiVincent, Founder/Manager of Social Compass

February 19, 2016, The Brunswick News
Buddy Carter defends his pro-offshore drilling position

“There are a lot of communities he represents that have signed resolutions. More are considering this every month. I hope he hears the voices of the people on the Georgia coast.” – Alice Keyes, VP of Coastal Conservation

February 12, 2016, Savannah Morning News 
Board the bus to protect the coast

“We cover as much ground as we can when we get there.” – Debra Power, 3rd grade teacher at Gould Elementary.

February 8, 2016, Savannah Morning News
Sea turtle strandings trend down in Georgia

“All the metrics used for assessing their population status are good. Strandings are down. Nesting continues to increase. I’m feeling good about it.” – Mark Dodd, biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Division

February 3, 2016, The Outer Banks Voice
Fisheries managers go slow on approving seismic tests

“We are encouraged that both the National Marine Fisheries Service and BOEM (the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management) have taken the time to review the new science and really gain a new understanding of the eco-system in the Atlantic.”
– Ingrid Biedron, marine biologist for Oceana

January 26, 2016, NOAA Fisheries Press Release
NOAA expands critical habitat for endangered North Atlantic right whales

“With two decades of new information and improved understanding since we first designated critical habitat for the species, we believe the expansion will further protect essential foraging and calving areas to further improve recovery of this animal.” – Eileen Sobeck, assistant NOAA administrator for NOAA Fisheries

January 23, 2016, The Brunswick News
Peaceful protestors rally at Carter open house to oppose offshore drilling 

“There are too many negative effects linked with offshore drilling to support the idea,” Sabbe said. “Home values, the tourism industry, the overall beauty of our coast, all of these bright features would be harmed by offshore drilling. I can only hope Representative Carter hears our message.” – Kate Sabbe, Brunswick resident

January 21, 2016, WABE Atlanta’s NPR Radio Station
Federal Government Considers Oil Drilling Off Ga. Coast

“Our coast is unlike any place on the planet. There are so many unspoiled and scenic places.” – Alice Keyes, One Hundred Miles Vice President of Coastal Conservation

January 17, 2016, Savannah Morning News
Alice Keyes: More reasons to oppose drilling off Georgia’s coast

“We coastal Georgians do not want to risk the health of our home for claims of jobs and revenue that will never be realized.” – Alice Keyes, One Hundred Miles Vice President of Coastal Conservation

January 16, 2016, Savannah Morning News
Georgia perfects the lonely oyster

“We hope to grow the oyster industry and allow farmers to produce oysters in a faster, more cost-effective way.” – Mark Risse, director of UGA Marine Extension

January 13, 2016, The Florida-Times Union
Bill to limit liability for noise and passenger injuries at proposed Camden County spaceport

“The price of enticing industry to Georgia should not be to limit people’s rights,” – Bill Clark, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association

January 12, 2016, The Brunswick News
Proposed legislation under fire

“Spencer wants to limit money if a piece of rocket falls off and hits someone’s house,” Weinkle said. “That’s potentially un-American. “It’s not a good example.” – Steve Weinkle, Harriett’s Bluff resident

January 7, 2016, The Brunswick News
Rep. Atwood asks for second look at Sea Island beach groin

“We are so pleased and grateful that Rep. Atwood takes seriously the harm a new groin will cause to wildlife and public and private property, and the negative precedent it would set for our coast,” Derosiers said. “I hope the committee members will grant his request.” – Megan Desrosiers, One Hundred Miles Executive Director

January 4, 2016, Southern Environmental Law Center
SELC plans to challenge harmful beach hardening project approved in Georgia

“The groin would jeopardize the integrity of the southernmost portions of the Sea Island spit, an idyllic area with great ecological importance. The move would also set a terrible precedent that could open up other parts of Georgia’s coast to these destructive projects.” – SELC Senior Attorney, Bill Sapp