Center Accomplishments: Highlights Mid 2002 - Present
Challenged the Corps of Engineers in two separate legal actions -
based on major procedural violations of federal law that put public
resources at risk by circumventing regulations.
With the legal
assistance of the Southern Environmental Law Center, filed two appeals
of Marshlands Protection Permits with the Georgia Department of Natural
Resources. We are seeking to raise the standard of assessment in
analyzing the impacts of building three bridges to marsh hammocks and a
marina. Permits were issued to the applicants without adequate
evaluation of their projects. [Note the first appeal case was heard in
late October, and a ruling is expected by January 2002. We are confident
that this case will help establish more rigorous analysis of permit
review, and require permit applicants to provide more justification for
their projects. The result will be better protection of coastal
resources, including water and wildlife habitat.]
Raised important
issues in comments submitted to the Economic Development Administration
and the National Marine Fisheries Service, questioning the use of public
funds to support development of a 7,000-acre site near the Altamaha
River that could jeopardize flow of freshwater serving critical habitat
of the short-nosed sturgeon, federally listed as an engendered species.
Documented and introduced forceful arguments for supporting and
protecting aquatic ecosystems and sustainable coastal nature-based
business, which brought compelling and unprecedented focus on economic
considerations consistent with environmental protection.
Collaborated with several other Georgia non-profit organizations in
winning wide endorsement of the Georgia Water Bill of Rights, a
statement of public-trust principles intended to be used as a means for
evaluating the acceptability of alternative water-management proposals.
Collaborated with the University of Georgia's Marine Extension
Service, the Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia Department of
Natural Resources, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in analyzing
fisheries trends.
Developed recommendations on proposed
environmental permits and permit-review procedures;
identified
priority issues and scientific research needed for evaluating project
proposals that use or otherwise affect valuable coastal resources, and
used this information to raise awareness of the public, and elected
officials in action alerts, conferences, and public meetings.
Continued analyzing and commenting on the proposed Savannah harbor
expansion project, which jeopardizes half of the remaining freshwater
wetlands in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, and threatens to
degrade fisheries habitat and reduce water quality, while risking
further shoreline damage.
Center executive director was appointed
to the Glynn County Greenspace Advisory Committee and elected
vice-president of that group. In this capacity he is advising county
officials on areas to be considered for acquiring as open space to help
protect water quality and wildlife habitat.
Submitted comments to
Governor Barnes recommending policies for addressing Georgia's water
quality problems, with special emphasis on coastal concerns.
Submitted a petition on water quality with over 130 signatures to
the Board of Natural Resources, along with a memo endorsing actions that
should be taken by the state to reduce current trends threatening these
resources, particularly on the coast.
Contributed two policy
proposals for the Georgia Legislative Briefing Book that will be used by
conservation groups to advise political leaders about needed
improvements in resource protection.
Organized a coastal
environmental forum attended by 16 representatives from 13 environmental
organizations involved in various aspects of coastal Georgia issues.
Presented a policy paper on natural resource protection at the 2001
Georgia Water Resource Conference at the University of Georgia.
Developed and implemented a website for the Center
[sustainablecoast.com], which is being used to educate and inform a wide
range of the coastal public about important natural resource issues.
Spoke at various public meetings and press conferences on issues
affecting the future of coastal Georgia.
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