Wilderness, wildness, and visitor access to Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia

Abstract

Cumberland Island National Seashore (CUIS), located off the coast of Georgia, was created in 1972 to preserve the island's ecosystem and primitive character. CUIS management staff has recently been charged with developing a Transportation Management Plan (TMP) to provide better access to the northern portion of the island, where several sites of historical significance are located. This assignment has created a conflict between providing transportation and preserving the island?s naturalness. Proposals include providing transportation by passenger vehicles, trams, horseback, and even a horse and carriage. A total of 2,227 public comments on the proposals were received from individuals and organizations and have been analyzed to help guide the decision-making process. Eighty-one percent of the comments expressed opposition to or offered only conditional support for the proposed TMP. Hence, CUIS is facing a delicate state of transition and will need to further consider the balance between preservation and use of the island.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 2008 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium

Citation

Sharp, Ryan L.; Miller, Craig A. 2009. Wilderness, wildness, and visitor access to Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia. In: Klenosky, David B.; Fisher, Cherie LeBlanc, eds. Proceedings of the 2008 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium; 2008 March 30 - April 1; Bolton Landing, NY. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-42. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 216-222.