Keeping Cumberland pristine and honoring private rights – Savannah Morning News

Since last fall, all eyes have been on Cumberland Island, where private landowners within Cumberland Island National Seashore were granted a variance to subdivide 87 acres into ten lots. This action spurred a furious debate about the remaining roughly 1,000 acres of privately-held land on the island and how much, if any, development should be permitted. In response, Camden County officials recently announced they are entertaining proposals for a new zoning code for the island.

Now is the time for all who love Cumberland Island to advocate for the adoption of a low-density, residential zoning solution for the islands remaining private property.

Georgias entire 100-mile coast is a globally-significant model for conservation. Private and public partnerships have resulted in the protection of 10 of our 14 barrier islands, which serve as critical habitat for our most beloved wildlife while also preserving our cultural and historical heritage. Conservation of these islands, including Cumberland, would not have been possible without private landowners.

When Lumar, LLC, was granted a variance for 10 lots on 87 acres, it was apparent that Camden Countys Conservation-Preservation zoning category was not working for private property owners. The fact is that the zoning is not ideal for the park, either. Under the current zoning, one could lawfully build a marina, bait shop, or even a hotel; yet this same policy does not allow a private landowner to build even one single family home. Additionally, the Lumar tract variance was required not because the subdivision would have violated the zoning code, but because it normally requires a paved road.

For Cumberland, a responsible zoning solution is one that prevents high-rise hotels, marinas, and high-density residential development while preserving private property rights in a way that doesnt interfere with the publics use of the park.

This conversation signifies a turning point for Cumberland Island and we all have a role to play.

To the islands private landowners, who have helped to steward this great place: Deepen your legacy by working together to determine the realistic needs of future generations. For those thinking about long-term land conservation, now is the time to talk to a land trust. For others not yet ready for a commitment, I hope you will make low-density zoning recommendations to conservatively meet your needs.

To Camden County officials: You will make the biggest impact on the future of Cumberland Island. I recommend adopting zoning regulations that allow for an average density of one residential unit per 25 acres, with an incentive to cluster homes to reduce fragmentation of habitat, lessen the impact of impervious surfaces, and ensure safe management of the islands fire-dependent ecosystem.

To all lovers of Cumberland: We must offer constructive suggestions that will allow responsible land use without compromising the ecological and cultural significance of the park. With continued responsible use, private landowners will add to Cumberlands value far into the future.

It is possible to support both conservation and private property rights through responsible zoning. Now is the time for all of us to celebrate the value Cumberland adds to our coast and advocate for sound policies that preserve the islands past, present, and future for generations to come.

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Megan Desrosiers is the President and CEO of One Hundred Miles, a coastal conservation organization.

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Keeping Cumberland pristine and honoring private rights - Savannah Morning News