Honestly, it boils down to this: people's selfishness.
One Hundred Miles is watching out for that, too, especially when such actions threaten the salt marshes of Georgia, and the flora and fauna that call those areas home.
I again answered the call to action!
Please consider doing the same, using this link.
Many thanks!
Here is what I wrote.
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Dear Ms. Jill Andrews [of the Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources],
I write to voice my concern regarding the Coastal Resources Division (CRD) proposed changes to state regulations regarding the upland component of projects affecting our coastal marshlands (Chapter 391-2-3-.02).
The buffer areas of our coastal marshlands are critically important to the overall health of Georgia’s salt marsh. I support CRD’s continued regulation of the 50-foot buffer for marinas, community docks, commercial docks, fishing piers, boat ramps and bridges over coastal marshlands. But I believe CRD should continue to regulate or oversee smaller projects that affect our marshes—especially shoreline stabilization projects.
Buffers play in an essential role protecting the form and function of marshlands. Buffers allow the marsh to migrate as sea level rises, they filter pollutants, and they defend our uplands from storm surge and rising seas – important ways to protect upland property and structures. Hard shoreline stabilization projects like bulkheads, however, separate the marsh from the uplands and can cause major problems for neighboring property owners who choose not to harden their shoreline.
The Coastal Marshlands Protection Act states activities must be regulated to ensure the values and functions of the coastal marshlands are not impaired. CRD should continue to play a role in permitting shoreline stabilization projects within the 25-foot buffer behind the marsh.
Please do not proceed with the proposed rule change until:
- The amended rules offer greater clarity on the diverse roles of regulatory responsibility for protecting our marsh buffers,
- CRD retains some oversight of approving activities that will affect the health of the marsh, such as shore stabilization projects.
- The agency convenes a task force to develop recommendations to present to the DNR Board.
Do not leave the health of our marshes and the security they offer at risk by rushing forward with this rule change.
Sincerely,
Faustina Smith
[ CC: GA Dept. of Natural Resources Board of Directors ]
I write to voice my concern regarding the Coastal Resources Division (CRD) proposed changes to state regulations regarding the upland component of projects affecting our coastal marshlands (Chapter 391-2-3-.02).
The buffer areas of our coastal marshlands are critically important to the overall health of Georgia’s salt marsh. I support CRD’s continued regulation of the 50-foot buffer for marinas, community docks, commercial docks, fishing piers, boat ramps and bridges over coastal marshlands. But I believe CRD should continue to regulate or oversee smaller projects that affect our marshes—especially shoreline stabilization projects.
Buffers play in an essential role protecting the form and function of marshlands. Buffers allow the marsh to migrate as sea level rises, they filter pollutants, and they defend our uplands from storm surge and rising seas – important ways to protect upland property and structures. Hard shoreline stabilization projects like bulkheads, however, separate the marsh from the uplands and can cause major problems for neighboring property owners who choose not to harden their shoreline.
The Coastal Marshlands Protection Act states activities must be regulated to ensure the values and functions of the coastal marshlands are not impaired. CRD should continue to play a role in permitting shoreline stabilization projects within the 25-foot buffer behind the marsh.
Please do not proceed with the proposed rule change until:
- The amended rules offer greater clarity on the diverse roles of regulatory responsibility for protecting our marsh buffers,
- CRD retains some oversight of approving activities that will affect the health of the marsh, such as shore stabilization projects.
- The agency convenes a task force to develop recommendations to present to the DNR Board.
Do not leave the health of our marshes and the security they offer at risk by rushing forward with this rule change.
Sincerely,
Faustina Smith
[ CC: GA Dept. of Natural Resources Board of Directors ]
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