What We Do

Turning public accountability into practical stewardship for Coastal Georgia.

Our work entails several major types of activity. All of these are needed to ensure the most effective application of information to achieve more responsible use and stewardship of coastal Georgia's resources in the face of rapid growth.

The Center educates coastal communities about environmental conditions and trends.

Educate

Educate coastal communities, voters, landowners, and elected officials about the conditions and trends of coastal Georgia's environment - natural, cultural, and economic.

The Center will collaboration to research best possible outcomes.

Collaborate

Collaborate with other groups in advising citizens and interest groups about threats and opportunities relevant to safeguarding coastal resources and the many businesses that depend on them.

The Centers offers advise on your coastal issues.

Advise

Advise decision-makers and stakeholders about existing and potential economic value of naturebased business and jobs.

The Centers advocates for what is right.

Advocate

Advocate legislation and scientific research vital to improving the accountability and reliability of decisions significantly affecting the coastal environment.

The Center takes legal action to protect coastal resources.

Take Legal Action

Take legal action, as needed, to prevent or control unwise activities that threaten to impair the quality, capacity, or diversity of our region's resources.

Our Impact Over Time

Milestones & Accomplishments

February 24, 2014

Sea Island Spit Development Challenges

The Brunswick News, Greenlaw, and The Florida Times-Union report on environmental groups filing challenges to Sea Island Co.’s plans for the island’s south end.

February 17, 2014

Wrack & Ruin Exhibit

Docks, marsh wrack, and threats to healthy tidal marshes.

Dock-building along Georgia's coast is commonplace, but harmful consequences are not widely understood. Lengthy walkways to docks across the marsh can trap enormous volumes of shedded grasses, called "wrack," which is normally swept away by tidal flow. When dock structures restrict that flow, over time, trapped wrack can smother marsh beneath, destroying it.

An exhibit at UGA's College of Environment & Design, co-sponsored by the Center, resourcefully explains and portrays the serious implications of this problem. We urge our friends and members to explore the information and images and to attend the exhibit at UGA's Circle Gallery in Athens.

January 21, 2014

Citizens Beware: Development Standards

County sets irresponsible standard for coastal development. Efforts continue to ensure more accountable stewardship of Georgia's coastal resources.

2013 Recap

Public Advocacy & Editorial Work

Key highlights include the LTE Brunswick News "Dirty Dozen" (Dec), Jekyll Westin Hotel Op-Ed in the AJC (Sept), and commentary on Jekyll Island development limits being exceeded (April).

2012 Highlights

Sustainable Energy & Stewardship

Advocated for solar power as essential to our future (Nov) and completed the Annual Activities Report highlighting key conservation gains.

2010 - 2011

Policy Impact & Statements

Release of the 2010 Activities Summary and an informal statement by the Executive Director regarding pivotal coastal policy decisions.

2003 - 2006

Water Planning & Public Guides

Supported Senate Bill 180 (Georgia Water Planning Act) and published the "Citizens Guide to Development in Coastal Georgia" to empower local communities.

1997 - 2002

Founding & Early Milestones

From the Center's establishment to participation in the World Summit on Sustainable Development (2002) and major marshland protection cases.

Strategic Advocacy

Water Quality & Resource Protection

Key actions including the Water Quality Petition and Memo to the GA DNR, Marshland Protection Cases (PDF), and formal statements regarding the Floridan Aquifer in Bryan County and isolated wetlands policy.