Center for a Sustainable Coast

Coastal Georgia Greenway: Project Update

Imagine...you are traveling south on I-95, and you have the opportunity to step away from your car and travel on foot, bicycle, or horseback through coastal Georgia. You wind through arches of live oak trees as you discover pristine marshes, pine forests, and historic sites, on your way to an almost hidden small cafe where you enjoy a delicious southern-style lunch. Does it seem too good to be true? The Coastal Georgia Greenway, well into the planning phase, offers these opportunities and more.

A series of public meetings continues to give the public opportunities to discuss the Greenway's plans for a 450-mile trail network providing alternative modes of transportation that will link coastal Georgia towns to major natural, recreational, educational, and historic sites. As Jo Hickson, Project Director, recently commented, "These events are so vital to the project's success. People attending the meetings can see the detailed maps and plans, they can raise questions and voice concerns, and they can offer their suggestions for improvements."

A recent meeting in Hinesville addressed alternative routes for the proposed multi-purpose trail in Liberty County that would include an equestrian trail. People in attendance discussed the pros and cons of the two suggested routes and proposed a third alternative. All comments were recorded and are being thoroughly evaluated before a final decision is made. At present, further public meetings are scheduled as follows.

Public Meetings to Review Detailed Design of County Demonstration Projects
Coastal Georgia Greenway (times and places to be determined)

The Coastal Georgia Greenway is the first state coastal trail plan in the Southeast, extending from the South Carolina border to the Florida state line. It meets the criteria of the East Coast Greenway, proposed by the East Coast Greenway Alliance, to stretch from Maine (and Canada) to Key West, Florida. Georgia's trail will offer opportunities for environmental education and enhanced outdoor recreation, as well as economic benefits through expanded tourism business.

The project is administered by a Steering Committee with representatives from all six coastal counties and four non-profit organizations. The Center is a founding member of the Steering Committee and has provided administrative and funding assistance for the Coastal Georgia Greenway since the project's master plan was completed in 1997. The master plan was prepared by the Coastal Georgia Land Trust using federal funds administered by the Georgia Department of Transporation.

The Steering Committee is actively seeking financial contributions to be used as matching funds toward additional grant assistance for designing and building the Greenway. All contributions are tax deductible. Anyone interested in supporting the project, as a contributor or as a volunteer, is encouraged to call the Center at (912) 638-3612 or Jo Hickson at (912) 236-0845.

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