News Release

Inflation Reduction Act to invest $760,000 in restoration and resilience in Cumberland Island National Seashore

Date: August 17, 2023
Contact: Steve Theus, [phone] ext 280 

National Park Service News Release 

For Immediate Release  

Contact: Steve Theus, [phone] ext 280  

Inflation Reduction Act to invest $760,000 in restoration and resilience in Cumberland Island National Seashore 

ST. MARYS, Ga. – Cumberland Island National Seashore will increase efforts to reduce the feral swine population this year with $760,000 from the Inflation Reduction Act. In fiscal year 2023, President Biden’s Investing in America, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, will provide $52 million to the National Park Service (NPS) to fund projects throughout the country related to ecosystem resilience, restoration, and environmental planning needs.  

This project is part of a nationwide effort to restore natural habitats and protect native species, such as Loggerhead sea turtles. This project will allow Cumberland Island National Seashore to increase control efforts of feral swine populations that disrupt natural ecosystems by damaging habitats, preying on native wildlife, and transmitting disease(s). Feral swine damage is linked to the decline of nearly 300 native plants and animals in the U.S., many of which are threatened or endangered species. Protecting sensitive natural and cultural resources, limiting the spread of feral swine-associated diseases, and minimizing the impacts of economic loss due to feral swine damage is of high priority of the NPS. This project will increase Cumberland Island’s capacity for feral swine management and the park’s ability to assist other NPS units in the region.  

“The staff at Cumberland Island National Seashore have taken great strides in reducing the impacts of feral swine on native species and habitats, resulting in an almost 90 percent reduction in predation of Loggerhead sea turtle nests since 2002,” said Acting Superintendent Steve Theus. “This project will increase our efforts to protect Loggerhead turtles and other threatened species and habitats while allowing us to support nearby parks whose resources are suffering.”  

The projects announced today infuse much-needed funding to put people to work addressing critical ecosystem needs to restore healthy and resilient park lands while benefiting communities surrounding parks. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, the National Park Service is working to address the impacts of the climate crisis, including intensifying drought, wildfires, flooding and legacy pollution in national parks and other public lands. Resources are making significant strategic investments to repair critical facilities and infrastructure and enhance conservation through ecosystem restoration and recreation opportunities.    

The full lists of fiscal year 2023 projects are available online: IRA Restoration and Resilience projects and BIL Ecosystem Resilience projects. www.nps.gov  

About Cumberland Island National Seashore. Cumberland Island is the largest barrier island off the coast of Georgia, encompassing more than 36,000 acres of maritime forests, salt marsh and beaches. The island is also home to over 9,800 acres of congressionally designated wilderness. The island’s natural and cultural resources provide a rich and diverse habitat for wildlife and offer a glimpse into the long history of coastal Georgia. The seashore is accessible by pedestrian-only passenger ferry from the historic community of St. Marys.  Learn more at www.nps.gov/CUIS and on Facebook. 

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 425 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.