The Horses of Cumberland Island

On September 14^th, Cumberland Island Superintendent Gary Ingram set off a fire-storm of debate when he, while speaking at a public forum, mentioned the volatile subject of the feral horses on Cumberland Island. 

This issue has been coming up since 1988 and it needs to be handled with both the well-fare of the existing horses and the integrity of the Island in mind. While the horses are much-beloved by local citizens and tourists alike, there are many factors to consider - including the short life-expectancy of the horses due to pest infestations, disease, and a very rugged environment. 

Cumberland Island’s feral horses feed heavily on Spartina alterniflora - the primary plant of the tidal areas on the mainland side of the Island. These areas already reveal extensive grazing-damage. Perhaps even more detrimental to the marsh are the impacts of trampling: as the horses graze in these areas, their hooves compress and churn the soil, impeding the marsh’s ability to regenerate. Marsh grazing also reduces the number of fiddler crabs: a crucial species in the salt marsh ecosystem.

The horses also threaten Cumberland’s fragile dune system by reducing sea oats – a vital stabilizing plant. (In 1975, dune erosion was identified as a serious problem on Cumberland. Measures such as the removal of free ranging livestock (cattle), prohibition of foot and vehicular traffic on the dunes, and erection of sand retention fences have been partially successful in helping to stabilize Cumberland’s dune system but the horses create significant and ongoing damage.)

The horses are not indigenous to Cumberland Island and multiple studies have revealed that the optimum herd-number would be 50 - 70. It is estimated to number approximately 170 at this time. For the sake of the Island and the horses themselves, various options (including contraception) should be explored.
This is not without precedent. http://www.chincoteague.com/ponies.html http://www.nps.gov/asis/upload/feralhorsemanag.pdf

With the assistance of experienced herd management specialists and agencies, the issue of the feral horses of Cumberland Island could be addressed responsibly, compassionately, and with the utmost sensitivity to both environmental stewardship and public sentiment.