ST. MARYS, Ga. — The National Park Service on Wednesday opened a 30-day public comment period today on two proposed voluntary land exchanges at Cumberland Island National Seashore.
Under the proposals, the park service would acquire privately owned parcels in ecologically sensitive areas of the island. In exchange, federal land would be transferred to landowners under permanent conservation easements that permanently limit development and prohibit subdivision.
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Melissa Trenchik, superintendent of Cumberland Island National Seashore, said in a news release that the proposed exchanges would safeguard habitats and preserve the island’s wilderness character.
“Cumberland Island is a cherished part of the National Park System and these proposed, voluntary land exchanges offer an important opportunity to strengthen that protection,” Trenchik said. “Through this proposal process, we have collaborated with landowners to ensure that if the federal government approves the voluntary land exchange, permanent conservation easements would be placed on any land leaving federal ownership. This would safeguard sensitive habitats, preserve the island’s wilderness character and improve long‑term stewardship across the seashore. We know the public has been eager for more information and this comment period allows us to share details and address many of the outstanding questions. Public input is essential and we encourage everyone to review the environmental assessment and provide feedback.”
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The Environmental Assessment evaluates the potential impacts of the proposed exchanges on the island’s natural, cultural, and human environment. The public can review the assessment online on the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment website.
Comments can be submitted online through the park service website or by mail to Cumberland Island National Seashore, Attn: Proposed Lands Exchange EA, 101 Wheeler St., St. Marys, Ga. 31558. Park officials stated that bulk submissions or digital files sent outside the online system will not be considered and submitted comments may be made public.
An in-person public meeting is scheduled for Sept. 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Santa Maria Venue at 611 Osborne St. in St. Marys, where park staff will present details and guide visitors through the assessment. The public comment period will close Oct. 16.
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