National Parks Conservation Association State of the Parks Report: Natural Resource Assessment Cumberland Island National Seashore, Camden County, Georgia

摘要: The National Parks Conservation Association through their Center for the State of (NPCA-SOTP) is currently performing natural resource assessments nation’s national parks. As a part this program, I was contracted to do assessment Cumberland Island Seashore (CUIS) in Camden County, Georgia. CUIS barrier island located off coast Georgia just north Florida border. It has been subject anthropogenic use at least 4000 years, with major occupations beginning arrival Spainards 1500s. After changing hands several times, became property Park Service 1972 (16 U.S.C. 459i et seq) under authority Organic Act 1916. also includes Congressionally-designated wilderness area that established 1982 1131 seq.) Wilderness 1964. There are 18 retained-rights estates within boundaries seashore, as well 2 tracts land still held private property. management regime park general plan published 1984. new being drafted park, which policies cultural resources, and area. A fire 2004, dictates allowance fires except where humans or buildings threatened. maintains good habitat structure exception few areas were modified over years human use, including modifications made agriculture presence buildings. Some allowed regain state, while some preserved by NPS landscapes. function island’s ecosystems have changed response pressure introduction feral species, mainly hogs horses, continues profound effect upon ability recuperate. periods occupation resulted extirpation all top predators, black bears bobcats. This likely an alteration fundamental predator-prey processes. primary recommendations include immediate reduction horse population, ideally confining remaining individuals southern end continuing hog eradication regulating visitation island, particularly visitors via personal watercraft. Impacts should be considered mitigated surrounding County developed. Finally, increased monitoring funding Island’s program critical understanding mitigating current future impacts.