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A comment period for this project closes
Oct 16, 2026:
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Voluntary Land Exchange Environmental Assessment - Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cumberland Island NS » Voluntary Land Exchange Environmental Assessment - Cumberland Island National Seashore
On September 9th, Cumberland Island National Seashore announced a 30-day public comment period on two voluntary proposed land exchanges. Under the proposals, the National Park Service would acquire privately owned parcels in ecologically sensitive areas of Cumberland Island. In exchange, the NPS would transfer federal land to the landowners, protected by conservation easements. These easements would permanently limit development, prohibit subdivision and ensure strong natural and cultural resource protections for generations to come.
'Cumberland Island is a cherished part of the National Park System, and these proposed, voluntary land exchanges offer an important opportunity to strengthen that protection,' said Superintendent Melissa Trenchik. 'Through this proposal process, we have collaborated with landowners to ensure that if the federal government approves the voluntary land exchange, permanent conservation easements would be placed on any land leaving federal ownership. This would safeguard sensitive habitats, preserve the islands wilderness character and improve long term stewardship across the seashore. We know the public has been eager for more information, and this comment period allows us to share details and address many of the outstanding questions. Public input is essential, and we encourage everyone to review the environmental assessment and provide feedback.'
How to Participate
• Review the Environmental Assessment: Starting September 9th, the EA—which evaluates potential impacts of the proposed land exchanges on the islands natural, cultural and human environment—will be available for review and comment on this website. Please click the "open for comment" button on the left side of this page.
• Attend the Public Meeting: The NPS will conduct an in-person public meeting on Sept. 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Santa Maria Venue, 611 Osborne St., St. Marys, GA 31558. NPS staff will present details, answer questions and guide visitors through the EA and comment process.
• Submit Comments: The public comment period will be open from Sept. 9 through Oct. 16, 2026.
There are several ways to submit comments:
o Online (preferred)
Use the "open for comment button" on this page to submit comments in the Planning, Environment, and Public Comment system.
o By Mail
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Attn: Proposed Lands Exchange EA
101 Wheeler St., St. Marys, GA 31558
Cumberland Island will only accept comments through the methods listed above. Bulk submissions or digital files outside of the online system will not be considered. Comments, including personal information, may be made public. You may request your personal information be withheld, but NPS cannot guarantee confidentiality.
'Cumberland Island is a cherished part of the National Park System, and these proposed, voluntary land exchanges offer an important opportunity to strengthen that protection,' said Superintendent Melissa Trenchik. 'Through this proposal process, we have collaborated with landowners to ensure that if the federal government approves the voluntary land exchange, permanent conservation easements would be placed on any land leaving federal ownership. This would safeguard sensitive habitats, preserve the islands wilderness character and improve long term stewardship across the seashore. We know the public has been eager for more information, and this comment period allows us to share details and address many of the outstanding questions. Public input is essential, and we encourage everyone to review the environmental assessment and provide feedback.'
How to Participate
• Review the Environmental Assessment: Starting September 9th, the EA—which evaluates potential impacts of the proposed land exchanges on the islands natural, cultural and human environment—will be available for review and comment on this website. Please click the "open for comment" button on the left side of this page.
• Attend the Public Meeting: The NPS will conduct an in-person public meeting on Sept. 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Santa Maria Venue, 611 Osborne St., St. Marys, GA 31558. NPS staff will present details, answer questions and guide visitors through the EA and comment process.
• Submit Comments: The public comment period will be open from Sept. 9 through Oct. 16, 2026.
There are several ways to submit comments:
o Online (preferred)
Use the "open for comment button" on this page to submit comments in the Planning, Environment, and Public Comment system.
o By Mail
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Attn: Proposed Lands Exchange EA
101 Wheeler St., St. Marys, GA 31558
Cumberland Island will only accept comments through the methods listed above. Bulk submissions or digital files outside of the online system will not be considered. Comments, including personal information, may be made public. You may request your personal information be withheld, but NPS cannot guarantee confidentiality.