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A comment period for this project closes
Feb 6, 2026:
Days, Hours, Min.
Days, Hours, Min.
Cumberland Island NS Visitor Use Management Plan
Cumberland Island National Seashore » Cumberland Island NS Visitor Use Management Plan
Cumberland Island NS Visitor Use Management Plan
Cumberland Island National Seashore » Cumberland Island NS Visitor Use Management Plan
Friends,
In 2022, the Cumberland Island National Seashore (CUIS/Park) Visitor Use Management Plan and Environmental Assessment was published on the project website, https://parkplanning.nps.gov/CUIS_VUM_Plan for public review and commenting October 28, 2022 through December 30, 2022.
In March 2025, the planning process was reinitiated to update to the proposed action. Cumberland Island National Seashore (Park) is providing the public with a final opportunity to comment on the Visitor Use Management Plan from Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, to Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. The purpose of the plan is to provide appropriate opportunities for visitors to use, experience, and enjoy Cumberland Island National Seashore while ensuring the protection of natural, cultural, and scenic resources and values. The plan includes strategies to enhance visitor enjoyment and protect resources, while determining the appropriate kinds and amounts of visitor use for the Park.
You can find the plan in documents "Open for Comment" on the left. Once you've reviewed the plan, you can submit comments by clicking the "Comment Now" button on the "Open for Comment" page. To be considered official correspondence, comments should be submitted at this link by midnight on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, which is the preferred method, or mailed to 101 Wheeler St., St. Marys, GA 31558 with a post mark no later than Friday, Feb. 6, 2026.
Cumberland Island is a remarkable place that includes some of the finest natural habitats on the east coast, and a rich cultural history that dates back 4,000 years. It is Georgias largest barrier island, encompassing more than 36,000 acres of maritime forests, salt marsh, and beaches. The island is also home to more than 9,800 acres of congressionally designated wilderness.
The parks rich natural and cultural resources and uncrowded setting provides park visitors opportunities for solitude and exploration. The islands beaches, flora, fauna, trails, and surrounding waters, as well as its cultural sites, present opportunities for a broad array of interests and recreational pursuits. The parks mainland visitor center and mainland museum provide information for planning a trip to the park and learning about the islands meaningful history.
'We are happy to provide the Park with this updated plan that will increase visitor access and reflect updated management practices,' said Cumberland Island National Seashore Superintendent Melissa Trenchik. 'We encourage everyone to participate in this final round of public engagement and appreciate the feedback we have received from members of the public as well as collaborative consultations with our state and federal agency partners and federally recognized tribes.'
The goal of Cumberland Island National Seashores visitor use management plan is to establish a vision for the future by enhancing recreational opportunities for key visitor experiences, minimizing impacts to resources and experiences caused by visitor use, and determining appropriate kinds and amounts of access that protect the natural and cultural integrity of the park.
The following changes have been made to the updated plan. Changes are organized first by those removed, and second those that are new additions to the proposed action.
Actions removed from the proposed action:
Backcountry Beach Creek campsite (18 campers total) and the trail to it
South End Beach changes including the boat landing and anchorage area, Shorebird Protection Area, dogs not being permitted, no wake zone at Beach Creek, and the South End Trail connecting the Dungeness Marsh Boardwalk to portions of the existing trail.
Actions newly added to the proposed action:
Frontcountry campground at Nightingale beach (18 campers total)
Bike use prohibited 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise during turtle nesting season (May 1 to October 31).
Year-round bike speed limit of 20 MPH on park roads and the beach for all bike / e-bike use.
Following the public comment period, we will analyze and thematically summarize the comments. Amendments to the plan and environmental assessment will be made as needed and, if appropriate, a Finding of No Significant Impact will be prepared to document our plan and decisions.
Sincerely,
Melissa Trenchik, Superintendent
Cumberland Island National Seashore » Cumberland Island NS Visitor Use Management Plan
Friends,
In 2022, the Cumberland Island National Seashore (CUIS/Park) Visitor Use Management Plan and Environmental Assessment was published on the project website, https://parkplanning.nps.gov/CUIS_VUM_Plan for public review and commenting October 28, 2022 through December 30, 2022.
In March 2025, the planning process was reinitiated to update to the proposed action. Cumberland Island National Seashore (Park) is providing the public with a final opportunity to comment on the Visitor Use Management Plan from Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, to Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. The purpose of the plan is to provide appropriate opportunities for visitors to use, experience, and enjoy Cumberland Island National Seashore while ensuring the protection of natural, cultural, and scenic resources and values. The plan includes strategies to enhance visitor enjoyment and protect resources, while determining the appropriate kinds and amounts of visitor use for the Park.
You can find the plan in documents "Open for Comment" on the left. Once you've reviewed the plan, you can submit comments by clicking the "Comment Now" button on the "Open for Comment" page. To be considered official correspondence, comments should be submitted at this link by midnight on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, which is the preferred method, or mailed to 101 Wheeler St., St. Marys, GA 31558 with a post mark no later than Friday, Feb. 6, 2026.
Cumberland Island is a remarkable place that includes some of the finest natural habitats on the east coast, and a rich cultural history that dates back 4,000 years. It is Georgias largest barrier island, encompassing more than 36,000 acres of maritime forests, salt marsh, and beaches. The island is also home to more than 9,800 acres of congressionally designated wilderness.
The parks rich natural and cultural resources and uncrowded setting provides park visitors opportunities for solitude and exploration. The islands beaches, flora, fauna, trails, and surrounding waters, as well as its cultural sites, present opportunities for a broad array of interests and recreational pursuits. The parks mainland visitor center and mainland museum provide information for planning a trip to the park and learning about the islands meaningful history.
'We are happy to provide the Park with this updated plan that will increase visitor access and reflect updated management practices,' said Cumberland Island National Seashore Superintendent Melissa Trenchik. 'We encourage everyone to participate in this final round of public engagement and appreciate the feedback we have received from members of the public as well as collaborative consultations with our state and federal agency partners and federally recognized tribes.'
The goal of Cumberland Island National Seashores visitor use management plan is to establish a vision for the future by enhancing recreational opportunities for key visitor experiences, minimizing impacts to resources and experiences caused by visitor use, and determining appropriate kinds and amounts of access that protect the natural and cultural integrity of the park.
The following changes have been made to the updated plan. Changes are organized first by those removed, and second those that are new additions to the proposed action.
Actions removed from the proposed action:
Backcountry Beach Creek campsite (18 campers total) and the trail to it
South End Beach changes including the boat landing and anchorage area, Shorebird Protection Area, dogs not being permitted, no wake zone at Beach Creek, and the South End Trail connecting the Dungeness Marsh Boardwalk to portions of the existing trail.
Actions newly added to the proposed action:
Frontcountry campground at Nightingale beach (18 campers total)
Bike use prohibited 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise during turtle nesting season (May 1 to October 31).
Year-round bike speed limit of 20 MPH on park roads and the beach for all bike / e-bike use.
Following the public comment period, we will analyze and thematically summarize the comments. Amendments to the plan and environmental assessment will be made as needed and, if appropriate, a Finding of No Significant Impact will be prepared to document our plan and decisions.
Sincerely,
Melissa Trenchik, Superintendent