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Cumberland Island National Seashore/Variance Appeal

A statement from the Board of the St. Marys EarthKeepers:

To Whom it may Concern,

In the matter of the Cumberland Island National Seashore (CINS)/Lumar Hardship Variance Appeal, the Board of the St. Marys EarthKeepers has voted, unanimously, to withdraw from the legal challenge mounted by the Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf of our organization and the National Parks Conservation Association. 

We withdraw not because we no longer oppose the variance or the development of the Lumar tract but because we wish to be able to freely disseminate information to the public and rally the citizens in support of a solution to the issue of the 1,000 acres of fee-simple land: a solution that will adhere to, and honor, the CINS enabling Congressional legislation. 

We cannot fulfill our organization's mandate - "To actively inform, encourage and galvanize the residents of St. Marys and the surrounding area in matters of effective environmental stewardship" - if we are constrained by engaging in a potentially-litigious process. 

The St. Marys EarthKeepers will continue to liaise with all involved parties and to mobilize the citizens of Camden County and beyond in service to the wellbeing of Cumberland Island National Seashore. 

We urge all parties involved to allow the National Park Service the time necessary to explore every avenue in their efforts to craft a solution to the conundrum that has long plagued those who cherish Cumberland Island. We have full faith in the intent and abilities of Superintendent Gary Ingram and wholeheartedly support him in his efforts to forge a path that will safeguard the Island – now and for generations to come.

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Cumberland Island National Seashore Rezoning

For ongoing updates regarding Cumberland Island, please visit https://www.facebook.com/SaveCumberlandIsland/

Cumberland Summary...Thus Far

http://folioweekly.com/zone-offense,17219 

Update

As many of you know, at the County’s request, the April 4th Hardship Variance hearing has been postponed in order to allow all parties time to explore every option.
Please know that we (The Southern Environmental Law Center, The National Parks Conservation Association representative, and the St. Marys EarthKeeper) are working tirelessly - leaving absolutely no stone unturned in our efforts to protect and preserve the Island.

Cumberland Island Update

Please know that we (The Southern Environmental Law Center, The National Parks Conservation Association, and the St. Marys EarthKeepers) are in the process of exploring every possible option. 

1,000 acres of Cumberland inholdings (fee-simple land, the yellow portions of the map below) are at stake: enough to change the essential character of the Island for all time. There is a very real possibility that if the County does not repeal the hardship variance - granted despite the applicant’s (Lumar, LLC) failure to meet any of the five requirements – dozens of houses may be built on those 1,000 acres (most of which are on the mid-to-south portion of the Island.) We are already hearing of other property-owners who wish to follow Lumar’s lead. 

At the Planning Commissioner meeting, Sam Candler (a member of Lumar) stated, “I have every intention to keep it a holy and majestic place and my other family members do, too.” I fail to see how turning the Island into yet another high-end gated community will keep it “holy.” 

The Public Hearing was postponed until April 4th in order to allow us more time to investigate any and all avenues. I’m grateful for your patience: I know that so many of you want to actively defend Cumberland Island and “do something to help.” You can:

* If you haven’t already submitted comments to the County Clerk (to be sent to the Commissioners) please do: kberry@co.camden.ga.us

* Write a “letter to the editor” of your local paper.
* Sign one or both of the petitions: https://www.change.org/p/citizens-opposed-to-the-10-lot-dev… AND https://www.addup.org/…/prevent-development-of-cumberland-i…

* Share this information.

Map:
Dark green – Federal land
Light Green – The Nature Conservancy
Yellow – Private Inholdings
Yellow Outlined in Red – Lumar LLC
Orange Outline – Wilderness Boundary
Blue Outline – Cumberland Island National Seashore Boundary