News Release

Cumberland Island National Seashore Finalizes New Comprehensive Visitor Use Management Plan

NPS Photo / Teodorski

News Release Date: August 31, 2026

ST. MARYS, Ga. — Cumberland Island National Seashore has finalized a new Visitor Use Management Plan that amends the 1984 General Management Plan and establishes clear, adaptive strategies for visitor access, recreation and resource protection to this historic and ecologically rich barrier island. The National Park Service issued a finding of no significant impact and decision record for the plan’s environmental assessment on Friday, August 28, 2026, the final step in this collaborative multi-year effort to develop a comprehensive use and protection strategy.

“The Visitor Use Management Plan provides a flexible and forward-looking framework that will help us protect and manage what makes Cumberland Island so extraordinary,” said Superintendent Melissa Trenchik. “Because the plan allows for measured implementation, we can adjust our management strategy as visitor use levels change. This is not something that happens overnight—it's a thoughtful, long-term approach that ensures we care for the island while still providing meaningful, memorable experiences for visitors.  I would like to extend a warm thank you to all our partners and engaged stakeholders whose support was vital in developing this plan.”

Cumberland Island National Seashore’s Visitor Use Management Plan provides a long-term framework to guide visitor access, ferry operations, camping capacities, interpretive and recreational opportunities and visitor safety. The plan is rooted in NPS policies and best practices for managing high value natural and cultural resources. Additionally, the park designed the plan to support sustainable use, respond to changing visitation patterns and uphold the island’s unique character as one of the nation’s premier protected landscapes.

The Visitor Use Management Plan was the NPS’s preferred alternative in the environmental assessment and included a suite of strategies focused on:

• enhancing visitor experiences
• improving wayfinding and circulation
• preserving wilderness character
• protecting natural and cultural resources
• implementing clear, consistent visitor use guidance across the island

Based on environmental analysis and extensive input from the public, Tribal nations, partner organizations, agencies and staff, the NPS determined that implementing the Visitor Use Management Plan would not lead to significant impacts on the human or natural environment, including natural and cultural resources, resulting in the FONSI determination.

The final Visitor Use Management Plan, EA and FONSI are now available on the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment website: ParkPlanning - Cumberland Island NS Visitor Use Management Plan.
 

nps.gov

 

About the National Park Service.  Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at www.nps.gov 

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