|
|
 |
|
6/25/2009
Coastal land conservation project underway |
|
The Coastal Georgia Land Conservation Initiative, a partnership of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Georgia Conservancy and Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG), aims to preserve critical coastal lands and promote sustainable growth and development in the state's fast-growing coastal region. Fully implemented, this initiative will help sustain healthy coastal ecosystems and local economies by promoting growth patterns in harmony with the region's unique natural resources.
Objectives
The three-year initiative will provide data, technology and training to help governments and residents in the region make sound land conservation and land-use decisions. Specific objectives include:- Identify and map critical natural areas in 11 coastal-area counties
- Develop tools to analyze conservation needs, development patterns and compatible land uses
- Provide training and support for local groups and communities to use these tools
- Establish a coastal conservation network to coordinate and target conservation efforts to critical areas
- Provide outreach and education on sustainable land-use and development practices
Area of coverage
The CGLCI covers 11 southeast Georgia counties, including Effingham, Chatham, Bryan, Liberty, McIntosh, Glynn, Camden, Long, Wayne, Brantley and Charlton.
Background
While this region's population is expected to double in the next 20 years, growth already is reshaping this environmentally rich area, featuring 2,500 miles of tidal waterways and the East Coast's greatest expanse of maritime forest. The coastal habitat supports wildlife diversity, protects drinking water supplies, helps control pollution and underpins the commercial seafood industries and recreational businesses.
More information on high-priority habitats and species and effective tools for assessing threats and developing conservation plans are necessary for making sound development decision. Overall, collaboration between coastal land conservation organizations; local governments; state, regional and federal agencies; the development community; and residents of the 11-county coastal region is critical
for success.
Current Status
The agreement to begin this three-year initiative was signed by the partners in February 2008. To date, DNR biologists have completed draft habitat mapping of Jekyll, St. Simons, Little St. Simons and Sea islands. Habitat mapping of the remainder of Glynn County is beginning and will be followed by the mapping of Camden County. Counties bordering the coast will be surveyed first, and outreach to area stakeholders such as the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center, local governments, private landowners and environmental groups is underway.
For more information contact Jacob Thompson at 912/481-7944 or Eammon Leonard at 912/262-3150.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Adobe Acrobat
Reader is required to view .pdf files. Obtain a free copy by
clicking here |
|
