The Wilderness of Cumberland Island

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Dear Superintendent Ingram, I am writing to support the immediate removal of all feral hogs from Cumberland Island. Feral hogs have caused widespread damage to Cumberland Island. They often destroy the nests of endangered sea turtles and ground-nesting birds. The foraging and rooting of hogs have also greatly disturbed various plant communities and plant patterns of succession; interfered with essential nutrient cycling; and in some areas removed dune stabilizing vegetation. Feral hogs have been found to heavily feed on long leaf pine seedlings, affecting the regeneration of this valuable key plant species. The disruption of the island flora also directly impacts the island fauna dependent on those various plant communities for food, shelter, and nesting. Thousands of feral hogs roam the island, posing a danger to hikers and island visitors as well. The Park Service acknowledges that all feral hogs should be removed from the island, but they have not implemented a plan to remove the hogs. Please act quickly to remove the feral hogs from Cumberland Island.

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Dear Superintendent Ingram, The removal of Wilderness designation for the Main Road and beach areas in 2004 has negatively impacted the delicate ecosystem of Cumberland Island. It has also negatively impacted the visitor experience for those who seek and understand the true value of Wilderness. It never should have been allowed, particularly without an opportunity for public comment. I urge you to consider your greater responsibility to the American people. You have both the power and responsibility to ensure protection of Cumberland Island’s delicate ecology, as well to protect the visitor experience. Mandated vehicular tours are doing damage to the island; to continue to turn a blind eye to it is to neglect your primary responsibility. Re-establishing the original Wilderness boundaries is the only way to ensure protection of both the island’s ecology and the visitor experience. I strongly urge you to support this endeavor. Sincerely,

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Dear Superintendent Ingram, I find it abhorrent that the greatest number of beach driving permits in Georgia have been issued on Cumberland Island, a National Seashore that contains a designated Wilderness Area. Driving along the beach for anything other than scientific research purposes poses danger to sea turtle hatchlings, nesting and migrating shorebirds, and more. Private landowners may have retained the right to traverse the island by vehicle, but adequate oversight and enforcement of those rights is virtually impossible, given the isolated nature of Cumberland Island. I ask for your oversight in ensuring these permits are issued (and restrictions are enforced) appropriately. Sincerely,

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Dear Superintendent Ingram, I oppose any increase to the daily visitor limit on Cumberland Island, now or in the future. When Cumberland Island was established as a National Seashore, Congress directed the National Park Service that “no development of the project or plan for the convenience of visitors shall be undertaken which would be incompatible with the preservation of the unique flora and fauna” (section 5b). Increasing the number of visitors will directly increase human impact on the island’s already fragile ecosystems, and would contradict the very purpose for which Cumberland Island was preserved as a national seashore. I urge you to consider what makes Cumberland Island special — its diverse ecosystems and its opportunities for solitude -- while protecting nature — and to manage it accordingly. Sincerely,

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Dear Superintendent Ingram, When Cumberland Island was established as a National Seashore, Congress directed the National Park Service that “no development of the project or plan for the convenience of visitors shall be undertaken which would be incompatible with the preservation of the unique flora and fauna” (section 5b). That means recreational development is to take place ONLY to the extent that the island's primitive character and ecosystems are not compromised. It is clear that the proposed VUMP will adversely impact the island’s already-fragile ecosystems. I have yet to encounter any natural area that benefits from amplified traffic, even if diverted differently, ‘better’, or ‘more efficiently’ as you have allotted for in your plan. Increasing ferry trips and visitor limits, creating more 'comfort stations' and campsites, selling merchandise and supplies on the island - it is all unconscionable and it's reprehensible that it's even being considered. I urge you to consider what makes Cumberland Island special — its diverse ecosystems and its opportunities for solitude -- while protecting nature — and to manage it accordingly. I oppose the proposed 2019 VUMP developed by the NPS and implore you to take this feedback seriously. Sincerely,

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