Proposed Land Exchange

More Information

 

Thank You for Your Comments on the Cumberland Island National Seashore (CUIS) Land Exchange Environmental Assessment. Your input is an important part of this process, and we appreciate the time and thought you put into your comments.

The proposed land exchange would bring sensitive private land into National Park Service (NPS) ownership. In return, some federal land would go to private owners, but with strict, permanent rules. These rules:
• prevent subdivision and commercial use,
• protect beaches, wildlife habitat, cultural areas, and wilderness areas,
• ensure visitor access, and
• limit single-family home development to small areas that already have utility access.
The NPS would also keep a right of first refusal if the land is sold in the future, helping protect the Seashore over the long term.

The comment period is now closed, and the NPS will begin reviewing all substantive comments received. This review will take time. We will be looking at feedback on topics such as:
• environmental effects,
• development limits,
• alternatives, and
• proposed safeguards.
The substance of the feedback—not simply the number of comments for or against—will inform the review.

As the process continues, the NPS may:
• keep the current proposal,
• revise it,
• do more analysis,
• or choose the no action alternative.
Any final decision must follow environmental requirements, public input, the law, independent appraisals, and the public interest.

Updates will be shared as the review progresses. Materials remain available at Park Planning website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?ProjectID=124458.
Thank you for supporting the stewardship of Cumberland Island National Seashore.