Stewardship of Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cumberland Island National Seashore is a place of legend. Its tidal marshes, undeveloped beaches and dunes, and lush maritime forests make it one of America’s most unique, spectacular and memorable barrier islands and National Parks. Its protection remains one of the Georgia Conservancy’s top priorities.
In September 2024, the National Park Service (NPS) made public a proposal to exchange public lands on Cumberland Island National Seashore so that it may acquire four tracts of privately-owned land on the island. The proposed land exchange is the public’s first glimpse into the ongoing conversations and negotiations between NPS and the island’s private landowners.
In 2022, the National Park Service (NPS) released its proposed Visitor Use Management Plan (VUM Plan) & Environmental Assessment (EA) for Cumberland Island National Seashore.
The update of the VUM Plan presents the NPS with the unique challenge of balancing the conservation of resources with judicious use and access.
If you have any questions about our stewardship of Cumberland Island, please contact Georgia Conservancy Communications Director Brian Foster at bfoster@gaconservancy.org or Georgia Conservancy Coastal Director Courtney Reich at creich@georgiaconservancy.org
Our eight-month-long Cumberland Island Restoration Project led dozens of service groups into Cumberland’s backcountry to restore existing trails, allowing for the safe exploration of wilderness by hikers and backpackers. The Project resulted in the creation and printing of the Georgia Conservancy Cumberland Island Trail Map.
Cumberland Island is woven into the history of the Georgia Conservancy. From our earliest advocacy efforts that facilitated the establishment of the National Seashore to our annual service weekends and trail restoration project, not a day goes by when the Georgia Conservancy isn’t focused on the stewardship of Cumberland Island
start your georgia outdoor adventure
Explore It.
Understand It.
Protect It.
Subscribe for trip announcements, conservation wins, and ways to get involved – your journey starts here.