[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 112 (Friday, July 25, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9973-S9974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. CHAMBLISS (for himself and Mr. Miller):
  S. 1462. A bill to adjust the boundary of the Cumberland Island 
Wilderness, to authorize tours of the Cumberland Island National 
Seashore, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and 
Natural Resources.
  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the 
Cumberland Island National Seashore Wilderness Boundary Act. With the 
introduction of this important legislation, we will be able to better 
preserve and manage one of Georgia's unique islands. The purpose of 
this bill is to allow for more efficient management of the Cumberland 
Island National Seashore and to preserve the historical and ecological 
significance of the island.
  As one of Georgia's Golden Isles, Cumberland Island is truly a 
historical and ecological masterpiece encompassing 36,415 acres. The 
island contains a 5000-year history of human habitation that is 
inscribed into the natural landscape of the island. This history can be 
seen by visiting the early Indian burial grounds to the vast 
plantations that were once home to abundant corn, cotton, and rice 
fields, as well as the workers who tended the land. And we cannot 
forget about the rich ecological environment found on Cumberland 
Island. It is one that many sea turtles, marsh microorganisms, and 
abundant shore birds call home amongst the numerous dune fields, salt 
marshes, and maritime forest areas. These historic and natural 
resources are important elements of Cumberland Island's past, present, 
and future.
  As many of you know, I am an avid outdoorsman and conservationist. I 
am a supporter of sound wildlife management and the preservation of our 
Nation's unique and complex history. Another key point that I wish to 
make is that this history has been preserved for all of us to see and 
experience. Under the enactment of Public Law 97-250, 96 Stat. 709, in 
1982, Congress designated approximately 8,840 acres of Cumberland 
Island as wilderness under the national wilderness preservation system 
and authorized an additional 11,718 acres to be designated as potential 
wilderness. Currently, the main road on the island passes through the 
designated wilderness area. Due to the location of the designated 
wilderness area, access to historic settlements such as: Plum Orchard 
Mansion and Dungeness, both former homes of Andrew Carnegie 
descendants; the First African Baptist Church established in 1893 and 
rebuilt in the 1930s; as well as the High Point/Half Moon Bluff 
historic district, is severely restricted.

[[Page S9974]]

Such restrictions make it extremely difficult for visitors to 
experience this unique collection of Georgia's history and diverse 
ecology. I believe that history and nature can best be appreciated when 
one is given the opportunity to experience it first hand. It is vitally 
important for the unique history and ecology of Cumberland Island to be 
properly managed and protected so that many generations to come will be 
able to experience this beautiful treasure found in the State of 
Georgia.
  The nature and history of Cumberland Island needs to be preserved and 
managed in such a manner that will allow many generations to experience 
this golden treasure of Georgia. The Cumberland Island National 
Seashore Wilderness Boundary of 2003 will do just that. This bill will 
allow for greater access to key areas of the island by removing the 
Main Road, the Spur Road to Plum Orchard, as well as the North Cut Road 
from the previously designated wilderness area. Further, the bill 
allows for the addition of 210 acres to the wilderness area upon 
acquisition by the National Park Service. I should clarify and stress 
that this bill does not suggest that we open this land to the public 
for further habitation and degradation of the area's natural history 
and ecological habitats. The purpose of this bill is very simple--I 
want to improve the management and preservation of Cumberland Island's 
history and diverse ecosystem so that others in the future will be able 
to experience and learn about the treasures of the Golden Isles and all 
that they represent.
  It is crucial that Cumberland Island's history and unique ecosystem 
is properly managed and protected. We want to ensure that these 
treasures are available to all of our Nation's citizens to experience 
and enjoy. This bill allows Congress to address this issue and to make 
the necessary changes so that Cumberland Island can remain as one of 
Georgia's treasured Golden Isles for many years to come.
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