Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve management plan final management plan

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Sapelo Island
National Estuarine Research Reserve
Management Plan

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Sapelo. Island
National Estuarine Research Reserve
Management Plan

Final Management Plan

Prepared by the

Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Atlanta, Georgia 30334

~qIn~Cooperation with the

U.S. Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Washington, D.C. 20235~

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With Review and Recommendations~'by the
Reserve's -Advisory Committee:

Dr. Vernon J. Henry, Chair Dr. Forest E. Kellogg, III
Dr. Joe L. Key Mr. David Earl Lane
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Dr. Benjamin F. Lewis Mr. Jerry McCollum
Mrs. Jane Yarn
Ms. Kathleen Varnell

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U S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES iv

LIST OF APPENDICES iv

FOREWORD v

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY vi

1. INTRODUCTION

Ii. RESERVE ENVIRONMENT 5

A. Regional Setting 5
1. Georgia's Coastline 5
2. Economy of Coastal Georgia 5
B. Sapelo Island: Location and Access 8
1. Location 8
2. Access 12
C. Resources 12
1. Environmental Conditions 12
a. Climate 12
b. Topography 12
C. Geology and Soils 12
d. Watershed and Hydrology 14
2. Habitat Types 16
a. Sand-sharing System 16
b. Coastal Marshlands 16
3. Cultural and Historical Resources 17
D. Current Uses of the SINERR 18
1. Recreation is
a. Boating
b. Wildlife -oriented Recreation 18
C. Hiking 19
d. Swimming and Beach Use. 19
e. Public Tours 19
2. Residential Use 19
3. Industrial Use 19
4. Research 19
a. Ecological Research 19
b. Cultural Resource Investigations 20
C. Wildlife and Fisheries Research. 21
d. Current Research Goals 21
5. Trend Monitoring 22

6. Education and Interpretation 24
a. Onsite Activities 24
i. SINERR Tours 24
ii. Nature Trail. 25
W. Visitors' Centers 25
iv. Primitive Camping 25
V. Publications 25
vi. Exhibits 25
b. Offsite Activities 26
7. Forest Management and Transportation 26
E. Existing Jurisdictions and Management 27
1. Administrative Structure. 27
a. Game and Fish Division 27
b. NOAA. 27
C. SINERR Advisory Committee 27
d. Board of Regents 30
e. McIntosh County Chamber of Commerce 30
2. SINERR Staff 30

ACTION PLAN 32

A. Overall Management and Development Concept 32
B. Resource Protection 32
1. General Context for Management 32
2. General Policies 32
3. Enforcement and Monitoring 34
a. State Land Ownership 34
b. General Regulatory Powers of the State 34
4. Habitat Management 36
a. Forest Resources 36
b. Landing Field 37
C. Coastai Marshlands and the
Sand-sharing System 37
5. Relationship to Other Program Areas 37
C. Research and Monitoring. 38
1. Research Mission 38
2. Monitoring Mission. 39
3. Guidelines for Administering the
Research and Monitoring Programs 39
D. Education and Interpretation 40
Context for Management 40
2. General Policies '41
3. Interpretive Message and Themes 41
4. Printed Materials 41
5. Audiovisual Materials 41
6. Signs and Exhibits 42
7. Program Activities and Services 42
a. Future Onsite Activities 42
b. Future Offsite Activities 42

E. Public Access and Recreation 43
1. Context for Management 43
2. Access Policies 43
3. Wildlife-oriented Recreation 43
4. Boating 43
5. Hiking and Camping 43
6. Swimming and Beach Use. 44
7. Land Acquisition 44

IV. FACILITY DEVELOPMENT AND STAFFING 45

A. Facilities 45
1. Meridian Dock 45
2. Marsh Landing Dock 45
3. Residences 46
4. Marine Institute 46
5. R. J. Reynolds Mansion 48
6. Game and Fish Division Regional Office 49
7. Landing Field 49
8. Moses Hammock Hunting Camp 51
9. Kenan Field Timber Dock. 51
10. Orientation and Interpretive Center 53
11. Interpretive Trails 53
B. Personnel Requirements 54
1. SINERR Staff 54
2. Marine Institute Staff 55
3. DNR Research and Monitoring Staff 55
4. McIntosh County Chamber of Commerce 55

V. ADMINISTRATION. 56

VI. LITERATURE CITED 58

FIGURES
Figure Title Page
1 National Estuarine Reserve Research System 2
Sapelo Island Property Inventory 4
3 Schematic Cross-section of Coastal Georgia,. 6
4 Hypothetical Cross-section of a Georgia
Barrier Island 7
5 Barrier Islands of Georgia 9
.6 Sap6lo Island's Major Geological Features 10
7 Sapelo Island Management Units 11
8 Meridian Dock 13
9 Geologic Ages of Barrier Islands. 15
10 SINERR Organizational Chart 28
11 Marine Institute and Nearby Facilities, 47
.112 Post Office Creek Tract 50
13 Moses Hammock Hunting Camp 52

APPENDICES
Referenced on
Appendix Title Page(s)
A Lease between DNR and Board of Regents- 20, 22, 30
B Operating Agreement': between DNR and
Board of Regents 20, 30
C Grant Award Agreement for SINERR Land
Acquisition 21
D Memorandum of Agreement 27
E Members of SINERR Advisory Committee
and Task Forces 29
F Agreement between DNR and McIntosh County
Chamber of Commerce 30, 55
G Goals and Objectives for Research
and Monitoring 38
H Goals and Objectives for Education
and Interpretation 40
I Sapelo Island Access Policies 43
J Estimated Costs for Recommended Improvements
in Research and Education at the SINERR 57
K Public Comments on the Management Plan 57
L Operating Policy for Tours 24

FOREWORD

The Duplin River estuary fies between Sapelo Island and the mainland in
coastal Georgia. It remains in a largely natural state. In late December 1976,
the State of Georgia acquired and began protective management of this estuary
and nearby lands. The U.S. Department of Commerce then added the site to
the National Estuarine Sanctuary System. The Georgia Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) manages the area as the Sapelo Island National Estuarine
Research Reserve (SINERR).
Sapelo Island was the second estuarine sanctuary designated as part of
the national system. These protected estuarine areas are now known as the
National Estuarine Reserve Research System. It includes 18 reserves
representing areas of the United States which differ in their geology and
biology. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration administers the
national program for the U.S. Department of Commerce.
This plan describes the resources and management, of the SINERR. It
includes general policies about resources and resource use. These policies will
guide the staff who manage the site during the next several years. The plan
also tells the public what the SINERR is and how DNR will manage it.
The draft management plan dated November 22, 1989, received public
review through.January 1990. This final plan incorporates changes made as a
result of comments received from individuals and organizations during the
review period. Further public comment on this plan and the management of the
SINERR are welcome at any time.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The nation's estuaries are extremely valuable. Human activities such as
dredging and filling have damaged many.estuaries in modern times. The United
States Congress became concerned for these areas. The Congress enacted the
Coastal Zone Management Act in 1972. In part., this Act offered federal aid to
states to set up and manage natural field laboratories for research and
education.
Georgia's Duplin River estuary lies in'McIntosh County. Throughout its
history, it has received protection.by public and private landowners. It and
.nearby lands have been the focus of archaeological and. ecological research since
the early 1950s. In 1975, Georgia proposed the Duplin River estuary as a
national estuarine sanctuary. The U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce)
studied and approved the State's proposal. The State completed land
acquisition, and the site received designation- as the Sapelo Island National
Estuarine Sanctuary in December 1976.
Since that time, Commerce has designated 17 other estuarine areas
nationwide as part of the National Estuarine Reserve Research Program. The
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) administers this
system for Commerce. As part of the national program, Sdpelo Island
represents the Carolinian biogeographic region. It is the focus for NERR
support of estuarine, scientific research and education in Georgia.
The Duplin River estuary includes unspoiled coastal salt marsh and tidal
creeks. Such areas are among the earth's most biologically productive systems.
They formed at their present location five to ten thousand years ago. The
ability of these marshes to produce food has attracted man since that time.
More recently, other people have come for recreation and scientific research.
The SINERR has two primary purposes: to protect natural and cultural
resources, and to allow scientists to investigate how such estuarine systems
function. Public education and compatible recreation are also part of the
SINERR's program. Three-thousand visitors a year now enjoy educational
activities at the SINERR. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources
(DNR), the University of Georgia and NOAA have a large public audience for
programs about estuaries. The SINERR is an excellent location to present these

programs.

The 16,000 acres which make up Sapelo Island include the SINERR. The
island has 10,572.44 acres of upland and 5,427.56 acres of marsh. Sapelo
represents a direct investment of $4,835,000 in State and Federal funds. The
Sapelo Island Research Foundation also gave the State of Georgia property
valued at $3 million.
The SINERR occupies nearly one-third of Sapelo Island. Its 5,905 acres.
contain the Duplin River, the estuary and a few small upland tracts. Commerce
made a grant of $1.5 million to help buy 2,094 acres of the SINERR.
Primary management goals for the SINERR include:
(a) maintaining the integrity of the SINERR for research and
educational programs,
(b) protecting its lands and waters from stress and alteration,
(c) promoting increased public access for nature interpretation
and low. intensity recreation, and
(d) promoting and encouraging improved scientific understanding
of estuarine ecosystems.
DNR has administrative offices within the SINERR. The University of
Georgia Marine Institute also has a major research center within the SINERR.
Protective management techniques are in place. Visitor activities include
guided interpretive tours, hunting, fishing, nature study, and camping.
DNR is the State's manager for the SINERR. Its Game and Fish Division
manages wildlife and forest resources and enforces conservation laws. DNR
also runs the ferry, which is the primary means of access to Sapelo Island and
the SINERR. DNR operates visitor-use facilities and presents educational
programs for visitors. DNR's Coastal Resources Division and Environmental
Protection Division help with scientific monitoring.
The Marine Institute employs full-time scientists, technical and support
staff. They perform ecological research within the SINERR. This research
helps us understand how salt-marsh estuaries work. In 1987, the Director of
the Marine Institute reported that 80% of its research was conducted within the
SINERR.

vii

1. INTRODUCTION

6
An estuary s an area in which upland drainage mingles with the waters
of an ocean, bay or other large body of water. In their natural condition,
estuaries are extremely productive biological systems. Along the southeastern
coast of the United States, fresh water from rivers and streams enters salty
ocean water. The brackish areas where fresh and salt water mix support
various plant species which tolerate salt. The plants vary depending on such
factors as salinity, tidal range, solar radiation, soils, and annual temperature
changes.
Estuarine areas have great, but often unrecognized, economic value. A
Marine Institute publication lists several important functions of Georgia's coastal
marshlands:
(a) Marsh provides a home for oysters, clams and other
organisms that spend all of their lives in the estuary. Young shrimp,
crabs and some fish use the estuary as -a nursery ground.
(b) Marsh protects the shorelines from erosion. It also cleans
coastal waters by filtering out many pollutants.
(c) The death and decay of marsh grasses provide food for
plants and animals that live in the estuaries and just offshore.
Much of the nation's population lives within one-hundred miles of the
coast. In many places, people have filled estuaries to provide upland for
development. Dredging has occurred in other estuaries to improve navigation
.and waterborne commerce. Water pollution has damaged yet others.
By 1972, the United States Congress recognized the importance of
estuarine areas and the pressure to alter them. To protect remaining
estuaries, the Congress enacted (and later amended) the Coastal Zone
Management Act of 1972. The 'Act authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to help
states set up estuarine field laboratories. The National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) carries out this duty. The SINERR is one
of 18 sites that comprise the National Estuarine Reserve Research System,
shown in Figure 1.
Georgia's Duplin River estuary covers 3,300 acres between Sapelo Island
and the mainland in McIntosh County. In January 1975, Georgia proposed to
set up an estuarine sanctuary, using this estuary and nearby lands. To
succeed, the State needed to acquire some privately owned lands. The

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Secretary of Commerce, with DNR's help, prepared an environmental impact
statement which described the proposal and several alternatives.
After reviewing the alternatives and the public comments on them,
Commerce approved the State's proposal. In June 1975, Georgia received funds
from Commerce's National Estuarine Sanctuary Program to help purchase and
manage the SINERR. Georgia matched these funds with State funds and other
Federal monies. By December 1976, Georgia had bought 5,905 acres of land
(Figure 2). Commerce then designated this expanse of water, marsh and
upland as the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Sanctuary. Since its
designation, NOAA and DNR have worked together to provide the resources
needed to operate and manage the site. NOAA has contributed $250,000 to
support management activities and programs on Sapelo. The State matched
these funds dollar-for-dollar. NOAA has also provided more than $100,000 to
support research projects at the SINERR.

SAPELO, ISLAND PROPERTY INVENTORY

TRACT (Carrent Use) ACQ. ACREAGE FUNDI14G

Upland Marsh Total Price Source of Funds
C:
M Hog Hammock Community Private 434.00 434.00 N/A N/A
ba
R.J. Reynolds W.M.A. @1969 6,928.92 --- 6,928.92 $ 567,961 Pittman-Robertson funds'
I I (U.S.. Dep't of Interior)
M 189,320 State ofGeorgia
757,281 TOTAL'

Sapelo, Island Nat'l 1969 711.10 3,100.00 3,811.10 $ 58,289 Pittman-Robertson funds
Estuarine Sanctuary (U.S. Dep It of Interior)
1976 739.00 2,094.02 1,500,000 Nat'l Estuarine Sanctuary
funds (NOAA, Commerce)
1,450.10 4,455.02 5,905.12 1,519,430 State of Georgia
$3,077,719 TOTALS

1 4 d Natural 1976 1,759.42 972.42 2,731.96 $ 500,000 Land & Water Conservation
:9 Sapelo Islan
U.
Area Fund ( S Dep't-of Inter.)
500,000. State of Georgia
$1,000,000- TOTAL

Sapelo Island Totals 10,572.44 5,427.56 16,000.00, $4,835,000*

Meridian Dock 1969 86.00 60.00 146.00 Included in 1969 acquisition.
1976 9.08 9.26 18.34, Included in 1976 acquisition.

Meridian Dock Totals 95.08 69.26 164.34**

*Does not include $3,020,000 of property value donated by the Sapelo'Island Research Foundation.
**Meridian Dock acreage is not included in the Sapelo Island total.

II. RESERVE ENVIRONMENT

A. Regional Settin
1. Georgia's Coastline
The Georgia coastline, about 110 miles long, is relatively little
affected by man's recent activities, though man has been interacting with
Georgia's coast for thousands of years. In general, the coastline in Georgia
consists of a chain of barrier islands separated from the mainland by a four- to
six-mile-wide band of coastal salt marsh (Figure 3). The barrier islands
consist of an ocean-facing sand beach, a series of sand dunes, and a slightly
elevated upland interior which is forested and ma Iy be dissected by sloughs.
The salt marsh adjoins the islands' western edge in most places and extends,
penetrated by many winding tidal creeks, to the mainland shore. Figure 4
illustrates these characteristic features. At its eastern edge, the mainland is
only slightly elevated above sea level, but it is protected from the direct force
of storms by the marshes and islands which lie seaward.
At several points along the Georgia coast, major rivers empty into
the ocean through sounds, which separate the islands. A sequence of salt,
brackish and freshwater marshes follows the river channels upstream into
regions of decreasing salinity.
2. Economy of Coastal Georgia
Georgia's barrier islands and marshes have been less altered by
development pressure than is the case in most other coastal areas. The
economic and legislative history of the State help explain this fact.
Georgia's early economy depended chiefly on agriculture and the
forest products industry. The collapse of agriculture during the Civil War led
to an economic depression from which the region was slow to recover (Johnson
et al., 1974). The forest products industry has been important in coastal
Georgia's recent growth in prosperity. So too have commercial fishing and,
increasingly, navigation and waterborne commerce, especially through ports at
Savannah and Brunswick.
U.S. Highway 17, which connects the northeastern United States
with Florida, was completely paved through coastal Georgia in 1928. Despite a
growing flow of tourists during the post-World War II years, the Georgia coastal
area gained few economic benefits from tourism, partly because many beaches
were inaccessible to the general public. Most of the fourteen major barrier

EAST WEST
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ESTUARY & MARSHES MAINLAND
BARRIER ISLAND

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(Adapted from Georgia Department of Natural Resources, 1976,
Handbook: Building in the Coastal Environment, pp. 24-25.)
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W Dimensions and features vary from island to island.

A semi-stable dune or dune ridge is constant in terms of position on the shoreline,
I * but functions as part of the sand-sharing system.
Ps
A stable dune or dune ridge is a dune which has reached its peak elevation and is
M covered with woodland vegetation.

Source: Clement, C. D., 1971, "Recreation on the Georgia Coast: An Ecological
Approach". Georgia Business: Vol. 30 no. 11, p. 1-24. Adapted by Mr.
J. R. Richardson.

islands were in the hands of wealthy individuals who used them as retreats and
maintained privacy by not building causeways. Today, only four--Tybee, St.
Simons, Sea Island and Jekyll--have road access from the mainland. Seven of
the major barrier islands are in State or Federal ownership. They are used for
public recreation and wildlife purposes.
Estuarine areas have received substantial protection 'through State
ownership and legislative actions. The various forces--from historical accident
to deliberate regulation- -which led to the protection of Georgia's coastal
resources also created the opportunity to establish the Sapelo Island National
Estuarine Research Reserve (SINERR).

B. Sapelo Islind:.Location and Access
1. Location
Sapelo is one of Georgia's barrier islands (Figure 5), so called
because they absorb wind- and wave energy which would otherwise strike the
mainland. The ' State of 'Georgia owns nearly all the island, a total of 16, 000
acres. About 10,600 acres are high ground; the rest is marsh (Figures 6 and
7). Four and one-half.miles of salt marsh, estuarine and tidal creek systems
separate Sapelo from the mainland. The Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) provides access to the island by ferry.
The SINERR is located in McIntosh County, 7.5 miles northeast of
Darien, Georgia. Its core is the Duplin River estuary, a tidal drainage system
entering Doboy Sound from the north. Although the Duplin River watershed
occupies'most of the SINERR, the SINERR also contains various forest types,
sand dunes, a section of ocean beach, and developed areas.
DNR, which manages the SINERR, also manages more than half of
the Sapelo Island upland as the Richard J. Reynolds Wildlife Management Area
(WMA). The State-owned Reynolds WMA covers 6,,929 acres of high ground.
The third DNR-manage4 area on Sapelo is the Natural Area, a
2,732-a6re tract encompassing 1.5 miles of ocean beach, sand dunes and upland
lying east of the Duplin River watershed. It provides public recreation
opportunities, including hunting, fishing, beach use, and picnicking.
The Hog Hammock community, a 434-acre privately owned tract,
adjoins the Reynolds WMA and the Natural Area. It is home to 65 residents
descended from slaves on a 19th-century Sapelo plantAtion.

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Tybee
BRYAN CHATHAM Island
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St. Simons Island

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FIGURE 5: Barrier Islands of Georgia

SAPELO ISLAND

WINTOSH COUNTY

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FIGURE, 6: Sapelo Island's Major. Geological Features

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FIGURE 7: Sapelo Island Management Units

2. Access
The State-owned mainland departure point for Sapelo Island
(Figure 8) lies a seven-mile, half-hour ferry ride to the west of the SINERR.
This 164-acre tract of upland and marsh in McIntosh County, Georgia, borders
a tidal stream known as Hudson Creek. Access, parking and security facilities
are located on an 18-acre parcel acquired in 1976. The mile-long entrance drive
connects to Georgia Route 99, about 7.5 miles north of Darien and 22.5 miles
from Brunswick. The "Sapelo Queenil provides regular access between Meridian
Dock and Sapelo Island, making three round trips a day Monday through
Friday, and two trips on Saturday. Other boats operated by DNR, the Marine
Institute and Sapelo residents also frequently use Meridian Dock.
C. Resources
1. Environmental Conditions
a. Climmte
Coastal Georgia's climate is classified as subtropical. It
consists of brief, mild winters and humid, warm summers. In 1981,
Brunswick's 30-year annual average temperature was 68.91F., according to
U.S. Weather Service figures (National Climatological Center, 1981).
Sporadic, intense summer showers account for much of the Sapelo area's annual
precipitation, which averaged 51.7 inches for the 1972-1982 period. During the
same time, Brunswick's precipitation averaged 48.2 inches per year. In 1978,
NOAA's National Weather Service calculated Brunswick's 30-year average annual
precipitation as 54 inches (National Climatological Center, 1978).
b. Topography
Sapelo Island consists of broad, nearly flat areas separated
by gently sloping ridges (Figure 6). Its elevation ranges from sea level to
perhaps twenty feet on the higher sand dunes (Johnson et al., 1974).
C. Geology and Soils
Sapelo Island is the fourth largest of Georgia's barrier
islands. These islands are composed of sands brought to the coastal area by
rivers, such as the Savannah and the Altamaha, whose headwaters arise in the
Georgia piedmont and mountains. Island formation begins when wave and tide
action heap up sand in a longshore ridge. If the ridge is stable enough to
endure inundation during warm climatic periods, when reduced glaciation raises
sea levels, then a lagoon is formed between the dune ridge and the mainland,
and sediments are trapped there (Johnson et al., 1974). Under certain

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conditions, marsh develops in this lagoon, while part of the dune ridge remains
above sea level and gradually becomes inhabited by plants and animals capable
of surviving in this fairly rigorous environment.
Sapelo, like most of Georgia's other barrier islands, formed
during two consecutive high stands of the sea. Rising water, waves, winds
and currents moved the island's sediments inshore from the continental shelf.
Carbon dating of shells found in Sapelo Island sediments indicates that the main
part of the island formed some 30,000 years ago (Pleistocene), while the
seaward portion (Nannygoat Bea ch) is fairly young, dating some 4,000 to 5,000
years before the present (Holocene; see Figure 9). Sapelo Island shorelines
and beaches change constantly, eroding in some places and accreting in others,
in response to seasonal patterns of winds, waves and tides and occasional
hurricanes.
d. Watershed and Hydrology
The Duplin River drains;a tidal bay about six miles long, into
which there is little upland runoff. It is more accurately described as a large
tidal creek than a river (Kinsey, 1982). The 7.5-mile long river has an
estuary of 3,296 acres, of which 15% is submerged at mean low water (Johnson,
et al., 1974). Rain falling directly on the estuary is its only major source of
freshwater. Ti dal flow creates most of the Duplin River's current.
Mean tidal range at Sapelo Island is 6.8 feet; spring tide
range is about eight feet (National Ocean Survey, 1983). The twice-daily tides
differ generally by less than a foot and a half. The difference between daily
lows is usually less than half a foot.
As reported in Johnson et al. (1974), Ragotzkie and Bryson
studied the Duplin River in 1955. They found the water surface to be
relatively narrow at mean low water. When the water rises to six feet above
mean low water, however, it begins to leave the banks and flow in a sheet
across the marsh. Between one-third and two-thirds of the water which a
rising tide pushes into the estuary flows into the marsh. Fairly small increases
in tidal height impel significantly increased volumes of water into the estuary.
The tidal flow is consequently turbulent, promoting turbidity and thorough
mixing of fresh with salt water. Flushing is also incomplete, as there is little
fresh water entering the system. Much water in the estuary merely oscillates
back and forth, rather than draining away to be replaced (Kinsey, 1982).

TYBEEISLAND
Geologic Ages of
Barrief IslaMs WASSAW ISLAND

JgHoloiccene deposits
*Pieistocene deposits OSSABAW ISLAND

ST. CATHERINES ISLAND

BLACKBEARDISLAND

SAPELO ISLAND

LITTLE ST. SIMONS ISLAND

SEA ISLAND

ST. SIMONS ISLAND

JEKYLLISLAND

LITTLE CUMBERLAND ISLAND

CUMBERLAND ISLAND

0 5 10
rNles
Source: Hoyt, J. H., 1968, "Geology of the Golden Isles and Lower Georgia
Coastal Plain," in The Future of the Marshlands and Sea Islands of
Georgia. Edited by D. S. Maney, F. C. Marland, and C. B. West.
Published by the University of Georgia Marine Institute and the
CAPDC. pp. 18-34.
FIGURE 9: Geologic Ages of Barrier.161ands

2. Habitat Types
a. Sand-sharing System
Fine quartz sands Make up the beaches and dunes on
Sapelo's seaward side. These sands are shared with offshore sand bars, which
accumulate sand pulled off the island by storms and seasonal winds and which
return the sand to the beach and dunes at other times. Johnson et al. identify
four zones in the beach-and-dune area:

Shoreface: the narrow zone seaward from the low tide shore line
permanently covered by water, over which the beach sands and gravels
move with wave action.
Foreshore: the lower shore zone between ordinary low and high
water levels.
Backshore: the upper shore zone beyond the reach of ordinary
waves and tides, extending to the base of the dunes.
Dunes: ridges of windblown sand.
Waves, currents and wind constantly change the shape of these landforms.
Characteristic plant and animal communities have developed in response to the
salt spray, soils, wind, strong sunshine and high temperatures which pose
special challenges to life in these zones.
b. Coastal Marshlands
The salt marsh-estuarine ecosystem is typically an area of
high environmental stress. Tidal inundation becomes important for those flora
and fauna inhabiting the intertidal zone. Salinity, drainage, dessication and
temperature are considered to be the major factors limiting the diversity of the
salt marsh (Cooper, 1974). Despite the low diversity of the salt marsh, it is
believed to be one of the most productive natural areas on earth (Schelske and
Odum, 1962).
The primary basis for the food chain in the salt marsh is
detritus originating mainly from the dominant vascular plant, smooth cordgrass
(Spartina alterniflora). All life. requires fresh water to carry on metabolic
processes. The plants of the marsh have mechanisms which allow them to
extract fresh water from the salty estuarine waters. Smooth cordgrass has a
very efficient mechanism to handle salt and therefore can withstand twice daily
inundation by the tides. Other plants, such as sea oxeye (Borrichia
frutescens), groundsel bush (Baccharis halimifolia), and iva (Iva frutescens)
prefer to grow in sandy areas which are inundated less often. Other common

marsh plants include glasswort (Salicornia virginica), needle rush (Juncus
roemerianus), and salt marsh spike grass (Distichlis spicata).
Non-vascular plants are also abundant in the salt marshes of
Georgia. Most non-vascular plants are microphytes. with the largest groups
being the pennalean diatoms, mainly Navicula species. The diatoms, which
account for less than 10% of the primary production, give the marsh muds their
distinctive golden-brown hue. Macrophytic non-vascular plants are uncommon
in the marshes. The major types are Ulva lactuca, an Entermorpha species,
and several species of rhodophytes.
A large number of consumer species inhabit the salt
marsh-estuarine ecosystem. The major groups are: zooplankton, benthic
invertebrates, insects, fishes, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Benthic
macroinvertebrates are the most conspicuous of the consumers. This group
includes the fiddler crab (Uca species), marsh mussel (Geukensia demissa),
marsh periwinkle (Littorina irrorata), and oyster (Crassostrea virginica).
Consumers of past and present economic importance are included within the
invertebrates (oysters, crabs and shrimp), fishes (chiefly menhaden, shad,
and red drum) and mammals (raccoon, mink and otter).
All the consumers are important in an estuarine ecosystem's
functioning and must be considered whenever plans are made to alter that
system. Changing one component tends to have larger effects elsewhere
throughout the system. For this reason, modifications within the Duplin River
estuary will be made only after careful evaluation and assurance that they are
consistent with the goals and objectives of the SINERR.
3. Cultural and Historical Resources
The SINERR is rich in archaeological resources. There are tabby
ruins at Hanging Bull, slave quarters at Longrow Field, and a known but
unmapped prehistoric site. Little Sapelo Island, the marsh, and Mary, Jacks
and Pumpkin hammocks have not been surveyed for archaeological resources.
Long Tabby, DNR's main administration building, is the remains of
Thomas Spalding's sugar works, which flourished during the first third of the
19th century. The former curing and boiling house was eventually adapted for
office use. Ruins of the sugar mill are located just north of Long Tabby. To
its west lie the foundation of the storage house and the remains of Spalding's
dock in Post Office Creek.

Kenan Field is the site of a 150-acre prehistoric village,
featuring evidence of 589 shell middens, two earth mounds, and at least two
complex community structures (Crook, 1980). It has been extensively
surveyed, but study of this site is not complete. No evidence of community
structures such as those at Kenan Field has yet been uncovered elsewhere on
the Georgia coast. This site provides a first view of a Savannah Phase
aboriginal site and will be a point of comparison with similar sites which may be
uncovered elsewhere. Since Kenan Field had agricultural use in recent times,
archaeological evidence in the surface layers has been disturbed. DNR has
consulted with the State Archaeologist to develop ways of managing the forest
without further altering the archaeological record.
Another large archaeological site is located below the surface in a
pecan orchard just south of the road to the southwest of South End House.
Moses Hammock and the airport also contain subsurface archaeological sites.
These sites have been tested but not exhaustively studied. Current use of
these tracts does not affect the archaeological resources.
D. Current Uses of the SINERR
This section describes current uses and program activities within the
SINERR. The action plan appearing in Chapter III describes how the State and
NOAA will jointly manage and enhance programs for the SINERR.
1. Recreation
a. Boating
The Duplin River is an approved oyster harvesting area, as
a result of the excellent water quality within the estuary. A federal
navigational servitude extends over the waters surrounding Sapelo Island.
Within the SINERR, the general public enjoys pleasure boating and recreational
fishing, including clam and oyster harvest. DNR has not measured the level of
these activities within the SINERR.
b. Wi1d1ife-oriented Recreation
I DNR holds eight managed deer hunts on Sapelo each year.
During two other periods (January through mid-March and mid-September
through mid-October) hunters may freely travel in the portion of the SINERR
which extends north of Barn Creek. Hunters who stay on Sapelo Island use
the Moses Hammock campsite.
Many SINERR visitors enjoy wildlife observation. Most
visitors will see alligators, deer, squirrels, crabs and a profusion of bird life.

Many will also see raccoons, otters and snakes on the island and porpoises in
the river. Wildlife observation and photography are significant recreational
activities in the SINERR.
C. 1111ring
Hiking includes guided nature walks led by SINERR staff,
primarily on the nature trail, and foot travel by hunters. Groups of students,
scouts and others with educational purposes who use the Cabretta campsite
sometimes hike into the SINERR guided by SINERR staff or the group's leaders.
General recreational hiking is not authorized within the SINERR.
d. Swimming and Beach Use
The public also uses for recreational purposes the wet beach
and other lands which the tides flood twice daily. Swimming is permitted within
the SINERR. The public tours include a short period at the beach for walking
and beachcombing, but not for swimming. The beach experience is
nevertheless an important recreational activity for tour participants.
e. Public Tours
The guided public tours of the SINERR have recreational as
well as educational benefits. Because the upland areas of the SINERR are
accessible.to the general public only during hunts and guided tours, however,
recreational use of the SINERR is limited.
2. Residential Use
Sapelo Island's population currently numbers about 100 people.
Ten permanent DNR employees and dependents live on the island. On average,
25 full-time residents, including permanent staff, researchers, and their
families, are associated with the Marine Institute. The Hog Hammock
Community, which lies outside the SINERR, has 65 residents. Most residential
use except for Hog Hammock lies within the SINERR. Existing residences are
described in Section IV. A. 3 below. The South End House receives overnight
use for conferences and other professional events.
3. Industrial Use
There is no industrial land use within or adjacent to the SINERR.
4. Research
a. Ecological Research
In 1953, R.J. Reynolds, Sapelo's owner, invited the
University of Georgia to establish a program of scientific research which could
benefit from the island's resources. Scientists from the world over have since

come to the University of Georgia Marine Institute, attracted by the opportunity
for studying estuarine and marine resources. Research at the Institute has
generated more than 600 publications. Many current theories about general
ecology and the flow of energy in natural systems are based on research
conducted here by the renowned ecologist Dr. Eugene P. Odum and others who
have used the Marine Institute's facilities over the years. Important studies
concerning the geological development of barrier islands and associated
shoreline processes also were carried out at the Marine Institute.
The Marine Institute is funded and staffed through the
University System of Georgia. As with any other research facility, some of the
financial support for the research is dependent upon funding which is available
from sources such as the National Science Foundation and NOAA's Sea Grant
and National Estuarine Research Reserve programs.
Staffing includes researchers, technicians, lab assistants,
research vessel operators, administrative support staff and
building-and-grounds crew. The staff now averages one visiting and eight
full-time scientists, supported by six to. eight technicians. Students,
researchers and visiting scientists also use the Marine Institute's facilities.
In 1976, the State of Georgia acquired from the Sapelo Island
Research Foundation the south-end lands which were designated as the SINERR
and those which became the Sapelo Island Natural Area. When DNR became the
manager of these lands, it and the Board of Regents entered into a 50-year
lease (Appendix A) and an agreement (Appendix B) whereby the Marine
Institute's basic scientific research program could continue to use 1,500 acres
of the SINERR without interrupting its research. SINERR designation offered
permanent protection for the Duplin River estuary and related lands, ensuring
that they would continue to be available indefinitely for basic science.
b. Cultural Resource Investigations
Archaeological research on Sapelo Island since 1898 has
identified many prehistoric and historic occupation sites. Since 1969, research
has provided information to DNR's Game and Fish Division so that activities
which disturb the so:H, such as setting up the hunting camp, would have a
minimal effect on Sapelo's cultural resources.
In most cases, the archaeologists have made detailed maps of
their findings. In some circumstances, they have made carefully controlled
surface collections of artifacts. In order to characterize the sites, they have

conducted limited excavations in certain areas. Much mapping, test excavation,
and detailed definition of other sites remains to be done on Sapelo and within

the SINERR.
Archaeological research at Sapelo Island has largely been
survey work rather than extensive excavation. Comparatively little surveying
has been done on the marsh islands, in the marsh itself, or within Sapelo's
upland areas in the southern half of the SINERR.
C. Wildlife and Fisheries Research
When the State of Georgia acquired the north end of Sapelo
Island in 1969, DNR began wildlife and forest management activities designed to
improve habitat diversity and increase populations of game and nongame wildlife
species. DNR's Game and Fish Division has performed various survey,
inventory and research tasks which are necessary for professional wildlife
management.. Game and Fish personnel have surveyed participants in managed
hunts, regarding their satisfaction with the hunts. Deer and wild turkey are
inventoried periodically. In 1975, Game and Fish personnel undertook a
three-year research p roject to determine the size and structure of the turkey
population, habitat used for nesting and brood rearing, and the role of
predators in nesting success.
DNR's Coastal Resources Division has periodically sampled
various fish populations within the Duplin River estuary. Until March 1988, the
Division performed quarterly trawls to characterize the composition of the
larger species of fish, crustaceans and larger bottom-dwelling animals in the
Duplin estuary. The-Division has ended this task, since the data it provided
were not useful for management purposes.
d. Current Research Goals
The management policy for the SINERR is designed to
promote and encourage attainment of the scientific objectives at the SINERR.
The primary scientific objectives of the SINERR are established by the 1976
grant award agreement between NOAA and DNR (Appendix C). They are:
(a) To enable a better understanding of estuarine ecosystems.
Studies may include productivity measurements, distribution and life
history studies of estuarine organisms, energy flow dynamics, modeling,
etc., as well as physical, chemical and hydrographic studies;

(b) To make baseline studies by defining the natural conditions
in this sanctuary, and by monitoring the sanctuary to detect subsequent
changes;
(c) To develop policy and management criteria, and to use the
Duplin River estuarine ecosystem as a control with which changes in
other estuaries can be compared as they may undergo development as
coastal zone management programs are implemented; and
.(d) To aHow any qualified scientist to conduct research,
provided that such research is compatible with (i) other research being
conducted in the Reserve, and (H) the management and other scientific
objectives of the Reserve as set out above.
DNR's 50-year lease with Regents (Appendix A) ensures the
research program wffl continue without interruption. The Commissioner of DNR
has also invited aU institutions in the University System of Georgia to perform
research on Sapelo Island and on other DNR lands, including Ossabaw Island.
Ecological research- in the SINERR is performed chiefly by
Marine Institute faculty, staff and associated scientists. Faculty research
interests include:
- Carbon, nutrient and energy flow studies in estuarine and coastal
systems,
Biogeochemistry of nutrients, trace metals, organic carbon, and
organic sulfur compounds,
- The role. of microbes and other tiny animals in nutrient and
energy recycling,
The productivity and trophic fate of microbes which drive the
cordgrass -decomposition system,
Population dynamics of estuarine microplankton, and
Population and community dynamics of estuarine macrofauna.
The main laboratory building houses offices and laboratories for resident and
visiting scientists, two modern instrument rooms and a flowing-seawater
laboratory. Eighteen research sites are active within the SINERR at present.
5. Trend Monitoring
Trend monitoring, as distinct from other kinds of research, is the
systematic collection of data over a long period of time. It provides information
on existing conditions--e.g., temperature, tide height, crab populations --and
on how these conditions change. Many environmental factors vary cyclically

with time; examples include rainfall,* sediment deposition and removal, dissolved
oxygen levels, and populations of plants and animals within the estuary. Some
of the cycles are decades long. Studies designed to characterize aspects of the
Duplin estuary should,continue until these cycles can be identified.
In the long run, such studies and other research findings permit
comparisons among estuaries which can help isolate the causes of changes in
estuarine systems. Trend monitoring can also help the SINERR Resident
Manager measure the effectiveness of DNR's management practices and
determine if changes are necessary. Despite these benefits, comparatively little
of the research performed in the Duplin estuary since 1950 has been trend
monitoring. Predictable sources of funding for long-term monitoring have not
been available. However, there are some continuing monitoring efforts at the
SINERR.
NOAA's National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station,
established in 1957 near the Marine Institute laboratory, reports daily high and
low temperatures and daily rainfall. Other meteorological data collected by the
Marine Institute since 1955 include barometric pressure, and wind speed and
direction.
The Marine Institute has placed equipment which continuously
monitors physical conditions at Marsh Landing and at Flume Dock, near Moses
Hammock. The Marsh Landing station has instruments to measure air
temperature and humidity, solar radiation, wind speed and direction, rainfall,
and water pH, salinity and temperature. The Flume Dock station has the same
instruments, except for the rain gauge, Data collection began late in 1984 by
electronic recording.
DNR's Environmental Protection Division in 1985 placed a monitoring
station in the Duplin estuary to collect data on a number of water-column and
tissue -accumulation parameters. EPD added another station in 1988. These
stations measure factors including dissolved oxygen, pH, conductance,
chlorophyll, 5-day biological oxygen demand, coliform bacteria concentrations,
water color and alkalinity, nitrogen (several measures), phosphorus, organics,
and metals. These are two of fourteen stations throughout Georgia's estuaries.
The other twelve generated data between 1972 and 1983, and have done so again
since 1985.

6. Education and Interpretation
a. Onsite Activities
DNR provides public 'education and interpretation at the
SINERR, chiefly through tours guided by DNR staff. At present, all visitors
participate in some type of organized activity or program. Tour participation
now averages 3,000 people per year. The tour capacity is limited during busy
months by bus seating and staff levels.
i. SINERR Tours
Each Wednesday and Saturday morning, SINERR
personnel take visitors on a three-hour driving tour of the SINERR, with stops
at points of educational interest. The guide provides an interpretive narration
during the tour. These tours expose visitors to marsh, upland and beach
environments and generate discussion. The tours are an introduction to the
SINERR, but they have a broader purpose as well: to acquaint visitors with
barrier islands. in general and with Sapelo's resources in particular. The
discussion of upland and beach ecosystems and of the Hog Hammock community
takes place outside the SINERR, for the most part.
During the summer season (the first Friday after
Memorial Day, through the first Friday after Labor Day), a third tour takes
place on Friday mornings. Another tour occurs on the last Thursday of each
month, and a six-hour walking tour is given on the last Saturday.
The Game and Fish Division offers special tours to
groups such as school classes and civic organizations. These tours are
conducted on days other than regular tour days and last approximately six and
one-half hours. During these tours such subjects as marsh ecology, food
webs, wildlife management, estuarine research, sand-sharing systems, and
beach ecology are discussed in more detail than the half-day tours allow.
These groups use equipment such as refractometers, cast nets, plankton nets,
and seine nets to obtain a first-hand look at the estuary. These tours are
tailored to the members' ages and areas of interest.
DNR must sometimes reschedule a tour, if it conflicts
unavoidably with other management needs. When this occurs, DNR as soon as
possible notifies the affected individuals or group of the change. The policy
for rescheduling tours appears in Appendix L.

ff. Nature Trail
SINERR visitors currently use one self-guided nature
trail in the Natural Area, which lies along a sand road parallel to the beach. It
is marked by numbered posts which correspond with numbers on the trail
brochure. The trail provides visitors a chance to learn at their own pace.
W. Visitors' Centers
Two visitors' centers provide public information. One
is located at Meridian Dock where visitors meet the Sapelo ferry. Visitors can
learn some general facts about the island and the SINERR before boarding the
.ferry. Another visitors' center/exhibit room is located at the Game & Fish
Division offices on Sapelo Island. This center serves as a theatre for films and
slide shows, and as a lab when working with classes of students.
The Marine Institute is one stop on tours of the SINERR.
The ground floor of the laboratory contains exhibit space which displays
organisms found in the SINERR and information about coastal geology and
research projects.
iv. Primitive Camping
The nature trail and beaches give visitors an
opportunity for passive recreational activities. Viewing wildlife and habitat
adds to the learning experience. During warm weather, classes and other
groups participate in seining and cast-netting along the beach. Primitive
camping on Sapelo Island for organized groups is available on a very limited
basis. The camp is currently located near Cabretta Beach in the Reynolds
WMA. During their stay, such groups are exposed to the variety of plants,
animals and habitats found along the coast.
V. Publications
DNR has developed several brochures and fliers which
inform the general public about the SINERR, surrounding coastal areas, and
educational activities offered through the SINERR. Most of them are somewhat
outdated and need revision.
vi. Exhibits
The SINERR now has three exhibit areas: interpretive
graphics at Meridian Dock, several cases of preserved estuarine animals at the
Marine Institute, and a few graphic materials and hands-on exhibits at DNR's
office at Long Tabby. These exhibits were developed at different times; they
lack consistent themes and design standards.

Though the Meridian Dock exhibits are the most
modern, they need updating. The exhibit area in the Marine Institute
laboratory is also a main hallway used by Institute staff. Tour visits interfere
with research., since the exhibit area was not intended for use by groups as
large as the tours. The exhibits in DNR's office are teaching aids rather than
professionally designed exhibits.
b. Offs1te Activities
A mainland exhibit area is available to the public at the
Brunswick headquarters of DNR's Coastal Resources Division. Exhibits,
including aquaria, displays and programs offered at this office also serve as an
introduction to the SINERR program.
The Resident Manager occasionally gives slide presentations
and other talks at local schools and meetings of civic organizations, as time
permits. A 20-minute film entitled "The Spirit of Sapeloll is the main audio-
visual material which DNR uses. It provides an excellent overview of Sapelo
Island's people and resources, including much information about the SINERR.
The Education Coordinator also assembles slide shows for presentations to
school groups and community organizations.
SINERR staff members and the DNR Communications Office
encourage media coverage of the SINERR and its programs. Many reporters
and writers have visited, Sapelo, Island and the SINERR. DNR periodically
sends news releases to all media, publicizing programs and special activities
offered at the SINERR.
7. Forest Management and Transportation
DNR manages forest resources on Sapelo, Island, including those
within the SINERR. Forest management practices are discussed in detail in
Section III. B. 4. a below.
Several roads through the SINERR give island residents and
visitors access to the island from Marsh Landing dock. The grass airstrip,
used for official purposes, receives about one flight per week.
DNR manages forest resources and transportation activities so they
are consistent with the primary purposes of the SINERR as a national estuarine
sanctuary, namely research and education.

E. E@dsting Jurisdictions and Management
1. Admini trative Structure
a. Game and Fish Division
The Director of DNR1s Game and Fish Division is the overall
SINERR Advisory Committee liaison and coordinator (Figure 10). He indirectly
supervises the Regional Game Management Supervisor for Georgia's coastal
region, to whom the SINERR Resident Manager reports. The Resident Manager
implements on a day-to-day basis DNR's policies, plans and procedures for the
SINERR. His office is located on Sapelo Island. Three permanent Game. a nd
Fish Division employees assist the Resident Manager: the Interpretive
Assistant, who is assigned full-time to SINERR duties, a Wildlife Technician III
and a Wildlife Technician II. A mechanic also supports the SINERR by making
equipment repairs and providing logistics for the camping area at,Cabrfitta.
DNR1s Coastal Resources Division and Environmental Protection Division assist
with baseline monitoring.
b. NOAA
DNR manages the Reserve in conformance with the applicable
NOAA regulations for the National Estuarine Reserve Research System (NERRS)
and with a memorandum of agreement between the two agencies (Appendix D).
The Resident Manager consults with NOAA personnel regarding the NERRS
policies and program guidance. The State matches on an equal basis all federal
financial assistance which the NERRS system provides. NOAA reviews and
approves such projects under the terms of the grant award. NOAA provides
direct support for land acquisition, reserve operations, research, education
and monitoring projects.
C. SINERR Adv1sory Committee
The Commissioner of DNR named an eight-person Advisory
Committee to make recommendations to DNR regarding several broad functions
at the SINERR:
a overall management principles and practices,
- research and monitoring,
- educational and interpretive programming, and
- public access and recreation.

GOVERNOR

@AT7 BOAM OF NATIURAL
BOARD OF REGENTS RESOURCES

COMMISSIONER
PRESCENT, UNN. OF NATURAL
OF GEORGIA RESOURCES

F-
OFFICE OF VICE ENVIRONMENTAL GAME AND FISH COASTAL FIE=f!ON
PRESIDENT FOR PROTECTION DIVISION RESOURCE
RESEARCH DIVISION DIVISION AND HISTORIC
SITES DIVISION

MARNE SCIENCE GAME STATE HISTORIC
PROGRAM OFFICE MANAGEMENT PRESERVATION
SEClION OFFICER

REGION VII STATE
MARINE INSTITUTE SUPERVISOR ARCHAEOLOGIST

SINEAR VALDLJFE
RESIDENT
MANAGER BIOLOGIST III

WLDUFE
TEOHNIICIAN "I

INTERPRETIVE FE
ASSISTANT LAN 11

IC UTILITY WORKER
TOR
O2@

FIGURE 10: SINERR OrganiZatiOnal Chaft

The SINERR Advisory Committee's members are as follows.:
0 Dr. Vernon J. Henry, Chairman, Department of Geology, Georgia
State University
a Dr. Forest E. Kellogg, III, Research Associate, Southeastern
Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study
0 Dr. Joe L. Key, Vice President for Research, University of Georgia
0 Honorable David Earl Lane, Chairman, Board of Commissioners,
McIntosh County
Dr. Benjamin F. Lewis, Founder and former Chairman, Hog
Hammock Community Foundation
Mr. Jerry McCollum, Executive Director, Georgia Wildlife
Federation
Ms. Kathleen Varnell, Secondary Schools Science Consultant,
Georgia Department of Education
Mrs. Jane Yarn, conservationist and citizen member
Biographical information for these individuals appears in Appendix E.
In general, the SINERR Advisory Committee will meet once a
year, though it held two meetings during 1989, its first year. At the inital
meeting, the Advisory Committee received a briefing on current issues from
NOAA, DNR and the Marine Institute. Dr..Benjamin Lewis discussed the Hog
Hammock Community. The Committee also toured the SINERR and other parts of
Sapelo.
DNR named two technical task forces to prepare
recommendations to the Committee. One addressed research and monitoring;
the other reviewed educational and interpretive programming. The task force
members are listed in Appendix E, following the Committee members'
biographies.
The recommendations took the form of mission statements,
goals and objectives for each program area, and included practical ideas for
implementation. The Advisory Committee received the task force
recommendations at its second meeting and approved them with few changes.
DNR will continue to rely on the task forces and Advisory
Committee for guidance and advice during implementation. These volunteer
groups are integral to successful implementation of this plan.
The meetings of the task forces and Advisory Committee are
open to the public. Persons who wish to receive individual notice of these
meetings should contact any,staff member at:

Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve
Sapelo Island, Georgia 31327
Phone: (912) 485-2251
d. Board of Regents
The 50-year lease and the operating agreement (Appendices
A and B) between the Board of Regents. and DNR guide the use of State-owned
facilities leased to the Board of Regents. These documents and the SINERR
goals and objectives establish the management and research responsibilities of
the two agencies on Sapelo Island.
e. McIntosh County,Chamber of Commerce
A separate agreement between the McIn tosh County Chamber
of Commerce and DNR (Appendix F) lets the Chamber help provide public
access to Sapelo Island by handing reservations for public tours. The Chamber
of Commerce does not operate the tours. The tours are planned and conducted
by the Education Coordinator and the Interpretive Assistant.
2. SINERR Staff
The following positions are.currently assigned to the SINERR

program:
Resident Manager: The Resident Manager oversees administration of
DNR's plans, policies and procedures for the SINERR and has day-to-day
responsibility for managing the SINERR. The Manager directly supervises the
Education Coordinator (to be hired in State Fiscal Year 1990) and the Wildlife
Technician III, who manages the Reynolds WMA. The Manager has primary
responsibility for communication with NOAA's Office of Ocean and Coastal
Resource Management and with the Marine Institute. The Manager also serves
as the primary law enforcement officer on Sapelo Island.
Interpretive Assistant: The Assistant acts as a guide on many
interpretive tours. The Assistant also helps schedule visitor use of Sapelo
Island; develop, prepare and distribute educational and informational materials;
and design and construct exhibits.
Wildlife Technician III: The Wildlife Technician III supervises the
day-to-day operations at the Reynolds WMA; supervises hunting and fishing
within the SINERR; directs the habitat-, forest- and wildlife-management
activities occurring within the SINERR; and directs wildlife-related research.
This position also supervises the Wildlife Technician II.

Wildlife Technician 11: The, Tech II, at the direction of the Tech
III, helps administer managed hunts; carries out habitat, forest and wildlife
management activities, including prescribed burning and the construction and
maintenance of wildlife openings; performs wildlife surveys; and prepares
necessary maps associated with the other duties.
Mechanic: The Mechanic keeps the SINERR equipment in operating
order and helps with logistics for the camping groups.

III. 'ACTION PLAN

A. Overall Manaaemeut and Development Concept
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has prepared this plan after
consulting with many individuals, organizations and governmental agencies.
There is agreement that resource protection is the highest priority for SINERR
management. Protection of the Duplin River estuary accomplishes three major
purposes which are central to the existence of the SINERR:
- It allows scientists to learn how an unaltered estuary functions.
o It allows educators to communicate the benefits of estuaries to
governmental and private managers of coastal resources and to the
general public.
* It allows the Duplin River estuary to continue providing the
environmental benefits in the future which it has provided in the past.
SINERR management can.be divided into five broad program areas:
resource protection, research andmonitoring, education and interpretation,
public access and recreation, and land acquisition. These will be discussed in
detail in the sections which follow. Facility development, staffing and
administration are required to carry out the program activities. They will be
discussed separately.
B. Resource Protection
1. General Context for Management
Protection of the SINERR's resources is necessary if the area can
continue to serve the scientific and educational purposes for which it was
designated. The resource protection program includes:
- Publicizing and enforcing existing regulations which govern uses
in the SINERR.
Managing visitor use to minimize adverse effects.
Restoring selected areas where former land uses have altered
habitats. '
- Revising regulations as needed, in light of new scientific
knowlege about estuaries.
2. General Policies
The State holds fee simple title to nearly all the lands and waters
within the SINERR. It therefore has broad administrative authority to regulate

uses within the SINERR to ensure resource protection. In practice, DNR
regulates uses in the SINERR in accordance with guidelines to which the State
and NOAA have agreed and -with the applicable program regulations.
The primary management goals for the SINERR, as set forth in the
grant award conditions, are:
(a) To maintain the integrity of the Reserve for research and
educational purposes and to protect it from both internal and external
sources of stress which may alter or affect the nature of the ecosystems.
The management policy sh all be designed to reduce, minimize or avoid
artificial or manipulative management control or techniques, to promote
and protect natural processes and systems, and to promote and encourage
attainment of scientific objectives.
(b) To manage the Natural Area for overall DNR objectives,
where the objective is to preserve the scenic or natural values, including
the areas of physical or biological importance and wildlife areas, in such a
manner that it complements and is compatible with the purposes of the
Reserve and under such rules and regulations as the Board of Natural
Resources may promulgate. These areas must be open to the general
public for outdoor recreation use to the extent that the natural attributes
of the areas will not be seriously impaired or lost.
To further these objectives and the management goals of the
SINERR, DNR regulates uses of SINERR lands. Among the allowed uses are:
research, including archaeology; education and nature interpretation; and
low-intensity recreation, including hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and
esthetic enjoyment. Othe r uses are allowed on a restricted basis within the
upland areas of the SINERR: residential use; motor vehicles; the use of
pesticides, herbicides, blocides and fertilizers; prescribed burning; and
commercialtimber harvesting. The SINERR Resident Manager regulates these
uses in accordance with provisions of the designation agreement, applicable
NOAA program regulations, and direction from the Director of the Game and
Fish Division.
Uses prohibited within. the SINERR include all restricted uses listed
above unless. they are specifically authorized by the Resident Manager;
dredging; mineral removal; control of predators through. use of poisons;
depositing fill in any marsh or estuary; chemical or pollutant discharge except
as permissible under Georgia water quality laws; and other alterations of the

33.

natural environment or cultural resources which are inconsistent with the
purposes for which the SINERR was established. Prohibited uses are those
which are not specifically authorized and which are inconsistent with the
purposes for which the SINERR was established and is managed under this
plan.
3. Enforcement and Monitoring
Resource protection for the SINERR is based on three sources of
authority:
� Federal grant award conditions and Federal law:
- Estuarine Research Reserve grant and applicable
program regulations
- Land and Water Conservation Fund grant
- Pittman-Robertson Fund grant
- Federal historic preservation requirements
� State ownership and management of all SINERR.lands
� State regulatory authority over resource uses
which could affect the SINERR
a. State Land Ownership
The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA), in Sections
27-1-6 through 27-1-20, empowers DNR to enforce conservation laws and
protect resources on State property.
The State, acting through DNR, "reserves to itself the
exclusive right ...of exploring, excavating, or surveying all prehistoric and
historic sites" on State-owned lands, except for property under the jurisd iction
of the Board of Regents (OCGA Sec. 12-3-52(a)). The State Archaeologist
directs and coordinates archaeological research on State-owned lands and
cooperates with the Board of Regents in research on land under its control
(OCG Sec. 12-3-53). DNR encourages archaeological research throughout the
SINERR and Sapelo Island prior to any land-disturbing activity or any
alteration to'a structure or landscape.
b. , General Regulatory Powers of the State
The State also regulates certain resource uses on all lands in
Georgia, whether State-owned or not. Several State environmental laws have
special relevance to the SINERR. The Coastal Marshlands Protection Act of
1970 authorizes DNR to regulate the alteration of coastal marshlands (bCGA
SOa@i 12-5-200 et seq.). This authority, plus the State's claim to own all
marshlands except those for which a Crown or State grant can be proved,

allows DNR to prevent detrimental alteration of marsh in the vicinity of the
SINERR. The Shore Assistance Act of 1979 (OCGA Sec. 12-5-230 et seq.)
regulates alterations of coastal sand dunes, beaches, sandbars and shoals, to
maintain their recreational value and their ability to protect real and personal
property and natural resources from the damaging effects of floods, winds,
tides and erosion. The Game and Fish Code', a compilation of laws regarding
fish, wildlife, and protected plants (OCG Title 27), allows DNR to regulate the
time and place of taking animals and fresh- and salt-water fish species.
Another State law protects sea oats, a species of plant which is important to the
stability of the sand-sharing system (OCGA Sec. 12-5-310 et seq. ).
Several State laws protect water quality. The Water Quality
Control Act requires a permit for discharge of pollutants into Georgia waters
and sets standards for wastewater treatment. The Erosion and Sedimentation
Act of 1975 requires permits for land-disturbing activities, defined as any land
change which may result in soil erosion and the movement of sediments irito
State waters or onto lands within the State. The Georgia Health Code requires
a permit to construct any type of individual sewage disposal system and
regulates the kinds and designs of systems which may be used.
The State of Georgia claims owmership to the high water mark
in all navigable tidewaters. As authorized in OCGA Sec. 50-16-61, the
Governor has general supervision over all the properties of the State, with
power to make all necessary regulations for the protection of those lands.
The Resident Manager enforces the Game and Fish Code and
administrative policies of DNR. The Manager and other SINERR staff travel
throughout the SINERR on a daily basis. They observe human use and visible
evidence, if any, of changes which such use may have on the SINERR. They
recommend changes which may be required to protect SINERR resources
adequately from overuse by residents and visitors.
Education is an important part of law enforcement.
Brochures, signa'ge and interpretive programs which DNR develops for the
SINERR will describe the resources and the regulations which are in place, to
protect them. At present, the public visits the SINERR primarily on guided
tours and managed hunts. Controlling public use and its impacts is not
difficult under these conditions, but tour guides can teach visitors to minimize
the local impacts of their presence at tour stops. The tour guides also learn

much about visitors' awareness of estuarine resources- -information which helps
in designing brochures, signage and other educational tools.
4. Habitat Management
a, Forest Resources
Special condition l.e(2)(d) of the SINERR grant award
authorizes commercial timber harvesting at commercial maturity in the area of
the existing pine plantation. The forest resources are harvested on Sapelo
Island using best management practices and in accordance with an approved
timber management plan. Following this harvest, the area is to be managed
with the objective of encouraging succession to a typical climax oak forest.
DNR will perform commercial harvest of pine trees on upland areas within the
SINERR about every eight years, depending on forest conditions. Harvest will
be timed to prevent destructive outbreaks of disease, pests or fire. Consistent
with special condition I.c(l), DNR will minimize manipulative management of
these forests. Areas in which pines are harvested will not be planted back to
pines. Instead, succession to climax hardwood stands will be encouraged on
suitable sites.
The major insect threat to pine forests on Sapelo Island is
the southern pine beetle. Minor outbreaks can be addressed by removal of the
affected trees, but major infestations may require that an entire stand be
removed to prevent spread to adjacent stands. Trees under stress are most
susceptible to this pest. Thinning mature stands to a basal area of 70-80
square feet per acre is very effective as a control. During thinnings, trees
infected with fusiform rust or other diseases can also be removed. Such
preventive measures will help protect the forest on Sapelo, Island.
A major threat to life and property is wildfire, which occurs
when litter on the forest floor burns uncontrollably, destroying trees or
improvements. The danger is greatest in pine forests, which produce a large
amount of combustible litter each year. . ldve oak leaves, by contrast, are
relatively incombustible, but a live oak forest interspersed with pines or
adjacent to pine stands can be damaged if enough pine tinder has accumulated.
Wildfire can be effectively prevented by the technique of
controlled burning, in which fires are set while the litter build-up is still
slight. Controlled burning is feasible during periods of high humidity and low
wind speed, when a "cool" fire can be maintained.

The Resident Manager will ensure that the SINERR forests.
are inspected as often as necessary to evaluate their health and the amount of
combustible material which is on the forest floor. The DNR forester, after
coordinating with the Resident Manager, will schedule thinnings, major cuts,
and controlled burns as required to minimize the risk of disease, insects or
wildfire to Sapelo's forests and improvements.
The hardwood forests within the SINERR will be excluded
from harvest. Individual trees which die will be left as feeding, nesting and
perch sites for the many types of wildlife which use them.
As part of the SINERR's research program, DNR will
encourage scientists to submit proposals to study possible effects of the forest
management program on the SINERR's aquatic resources. Such applied
management studies are a major objective of the National Estuarine Reserve
Research System.
b. Landing Field
DNR will mow the landing field as needed to keep it usable
for the infrequent aircraft use it now receives. Every several years DNR will
burn it to prevent the accumulation of combustible litter. Burnings will be
scheduled to allow monitoring of nutrient flows into the marsh, to determine
what effects planned upland burning may have on the estuary.
C. Coastal Marshlandia and the Sand-sharing System
The Coastal Mars.hlands Protection Act and the Shore
Assistance Act are important pieces of legislation for the protection of marsh
and the sand-sharing system statewide. State ownership of the SINERR
ensures that the Duplin River estuary and the beach will not be altered by
developmental activity.
5. Relationship to Other Program Areas
Resource protection depends upon the findings of scientific
research, the translation of relevant findings into management guidelines,
enforcement, and educating SINERR users about the need for continued
resource protection. In turn, resource protection is necessary for success in
research and monitoring, the educational and interpretive programs, and
continued recreational and other benefits derived from the Duplin River
estuary. DNR recognizes the central role of resource protection in managing
the SINERR.

C. Research and Monitoring.
1. Research Mission
DNR has adopted the Advisory Committee's recommended mission
statement for the SINERR research and monitoring program. The SINERR
Advisory Committee has recommended it in this form:
(a) Provide long-term protection to the SINERR, to support and
promote basic and applied scientific research.
(b) Provide researchers and managers with baseline data on
certain physical, chemical and biological parameters obtained through an
onsite monitoring program.
(c) Communicate the significant results of research to the public
and to coastal managers and decision-makers, through a program of
information and education.
DNR has also adopted the recommended research and monitoring
goals and objectives. They appear in full in Appendix G. The research goals
are as follows:

Cultural-resource research:. Assess the cultural resources within

the SINERR.
Water processes: Increase knowledge of the basic processes
involving water movement, water mixing and natural variations in water
parameters within the SINERR.
Sediment processes: Increase knowledge of how sediments are
transported and transformed within the SINERR.
Nu trients and other chemical inputs: Increase knowledge of the
natural variability of nutrients and other chemical inputs to the salt
marsh, and of the mechanisms by which the undisturbed salt marsh within
the SINERR functions.
Primary and secondary production, and fishery habitat require-
ments:.Improve knowledge of life cycles of important species which
depend upon salt-marsh estuaries, and quantify the importance of the
salt marsh and related upland areas.
Management -related research: Evaluate the effects of management
decisions on the health and stability of the SINERR's ecosystem.
Data storage and retrieval system:@ Establish a comprehensive
database of baseline and research data, which allows rapid access to

historical and future research and monitoring information gathered within
the SINERR.
2. Monitoring Mission
. DNR has adopted the following goals for trend monitoring, as
recommended by the SINERR Advisory Committee:
Meteorological monitorin : Collect meteorological data on an hourly
basis at several locations in the SINERR.
Hydro gical monitorin : Collect hydrological data at various
sampling sites in the SINERR.
, Biological monitorin : Collect biological data at various sampling
sites within the SINERR.
Data management, analysis and reportin : Make historical
monitoring data available to scientists, and analyze the data collected to
enable SINERR managers to detect unusual changes within the SINERR.
3. Guidelines for Admini tering the Research and Monitoring Programs
DNR recognizes that the monitoring program is a very long-tenn
undertaking. DNR and the Marine Institute will coordinate their monitoring
efforts to ensure that data collected are useful, compatible, timely, stored in an
easily. retrievable manner, and accessible to all interested parties, including
scientists and resource managers. The current level of data collection will be
regarded as a practical minimum. DNR and NOAA will discuss additional
monitoring tasks which may become desirable as research needs change.
Single-event monitoring, such as..sampling runoff from prescribed burns within
SINERR forests, will occur to give managers information about the effects of
management practices.
The SINERR research objectives describe areas of research which
DNR and NOAA believe would be valuable to explore. The SINERR will s olicit
research proposals from the Marine Institute and other research entities to.
submit to NOAA for competitive funding under the Reserve Program and other
sources of funds. Scientists who perform research within the SINERR with
funds from sources outside the Reserve Program will notify DNR of the scope
and timing of such projects.
DNR and the Marine Institute have the authority to approve
research performed within the SINERR. The Marine Institute must authorize
research proposed to be done under its auspices or within the Regents lease at
the south end of the SINERR. DNR must authorize research performed within

the lands under its control. DNR also coordinates peer review of research
projects for which NOAA funds are requested, and NOAA too must approve
these projects. The research objectives describe the general areas within
which research is desired. They enable DNR to set research priorities with the
help of the SINERR Advisory Committee and to work with the Marine Institute to
communicate to the research community opportunities which will be consistent
with desired research projects. They also help NOAA, DNR and the Marine
Institute to set priorities for the use of research funds or other scarce

resources.
It is anticipated that the State Archaeologist and the faculty and
students of West Georgia College will take the lead in performing archaeological
survey work on Sapelo, as they have done in the past. DNR will request the
State archaeologist to coordinate closely, as necessary, with the University of
Georgia regarding archaeological efforts on lands within the Board of Regents
lease.
D. Education and Interpretation
1. Context for Management
The SINERR serves a valuable educational purpose. The site-gives
the public a chance to learn about the complex nature of an estuarine system,
how it functions and how humans affect it. DNR has adopted the following
mission statement for education and interpretive programming, as recommended
by the SINERR Advisory Committee:
Communicate to various publics, through the SINERR, the value of
estuarine areas and the roles they play in the quality of life, so that
informed decisions can be made about the use of estuarine areas.

2. General Policies
DNR has adopted the Advisory Committee's recommended goals and
objectives for education and interpretive programming. These appear in
Appendix H. The goals are as follows:
Content: Through SINERR programs, develop the message that
Georgia's coastal area is a product of natural forces, modified by human
activities which require effective, long-term management.
"Multiplier" Audiences: Concentrate educational and interpretive
resourc es on reaching audiences who will communicate their knowledge about
estuarine and other coastal resources to many other people.

The General Public: Communicate with the general public through
effective educational and interpretive programming.
Educational and Interpretive Resources: Extend the SINERR's
educational and interpretive program by cooperating with other organizations
which perform related tasks.
Program Evaluation: Evaluate, through the SINERR annual report,
the effectiveness of the educational and interpretive program and its effect on

SINERR resources.
3. Interpretive Message and Themes
The content goal states the message for the SINERR: the coastal
area is a product of natural forces, modified by human activities which require
effective, long-term management.. To communicate this message, DNR will use
the following themes in its educational and interpretive programming: a
description of the SINERR's natural history, the human activities which have
occurred within the SINERR and how these activities have modified the natural
system, and how decisions are made about the use of Georgia's coastal

resources.
4. Printed Materials
Current publications would benefit from a review and possibly
revision. Additional publications will be developed to reach specific "multiplier"
audiences: press packets and news releases for media, summ ries of
management -related research findings for public officials, and a periodic
newsletter for "alumni" of visits to the SINERR. Information provided. in such
publications will reach more people than will the publications given to individual
members of the general public.
Placing printed curriculum materials in primary and secondary
schoo Is will reach tomorrow's citizens with important knowledge about estuarine
resources. DNR will work with educators to develop classroom materials similar
to Project WILD activities- -materials which can be used in @the classroom alone,
or as part of a class visit to the SINERR.
5. AudIOVWual Materials
DNR will develop additional audiovisual materials, as a means of
reaching more people with existing staff. An arcbive of slides and presentation
texts will be prepared for personal delivery by SINERR staff, by volunteers, or
(with audiocassette narration) for useby classroom teachers and by members of
community organizations in their meetings. DNR will also develop three ten-

minute videotapes: a SINERR overview for elementary-school students, a similar
overview for older audiences, and an introduction to the history and
significance of the research which the Marine Institute has performed at Sapelo'
Island since 1953.
6. Signs and Exhibits
Signage in the Meridian Dock exhibit area introduces the visitor to
the SINERR. DNR.wifl place interpretive signs on the Sapelo Queen to continue
this introduction. Signage at Marsh Landing Dock will describe the monitoring
station there. DNR will also develop a new nature trail which interprets the
upland forest, estuarine area and beach-and-dune systems through which the
trail passes. Interpretive signage will appear at key locations on the trail.
DNR plans to build an interpretive center in the SINERR. It will
include an exhibit area to replace, visitor use of the exhibit areas at the Marine
Institute and Long Tabby. DNR will add to the professionally designed exhibits
at Meridian Dock and the. interpretive center which convey the educational and
research themes at the SINERR. Outdoor exhibits will be placed at several
locations, including the Marsh Landing dock, to interpret the monitoring station
there. One or more traveling exhibits will be developed for use in schools and
other offsite locations.
.These exhibits will be designed and built under the guidance of the
Education Coordinator. The Interpretive Assistant will use them as part of the
guided activities for tour groups. The exhibits will serve self-guiding groups,
as well.
7. Program Activities and Services
a. Future Onsite Activities
DNR will build an interpretive center on Sapelo Island, which
an interpretive- trail will connect to Marsh Landing dock and Nannygoat Beach.
DNR will place a primitive campground in the Natural Area, connected to the
interpretive trail. These facilities are described in detail in Sections IV.A.10
and IV.A.11. The center and trail will-serve groups guided by DNR staff and
by DNR-trained leaders. The campground will serve organized groups guided
by leaders whom DNR has trained.
b. Future Offsite Activities
DNR will develop and distribute curriculum materials for
classroom use. These will introduce the SINERR to students preparing to visit

the island, but they will be designed. to serve groups who will not visit, as
well.
DNR will evaluate current SINERR 'publications to determine
what revisions are needed. DNR will also decide whether new SINERR
publications are required for the general public or. special markets.
Once the Education Coordinator has taken charge of
educational and interpretive programming onsite, the Resident Manager will be
able to make more offsite presentations about the SINERR and estuarine
resources generally. The Coordinator will assist by preparing program
materials for the Manager. The Coordinator will also make presentations offsite
as needed.

E. Public Access and Recreation
1. Context for 8
Estuarine education must be enjoyable to be effective. Recreation
within the SINERR has teaching value, and the educational program has a
recreational component. DNR will manage most recreationa I use of the SINERR
to increase its educational value@; Management will be designed to avoid adverse.
effects on the estuary and on research projects.
2. Access Policies
' 'Adcesst to Sapelo Island uplands will be closely regulated., DNR has
prepared access policies which generally allow island residents, their visitors,
and individuals engaged in official. state business to use the uplands. Official
state business* includes authorized SINERR tours, group camping, and public
hunting. A copy of these policies appears as Appendix I.
3. Wildlife-oriented Recreation
Hunting, fishing and wildlife observation will continue to be a part
of SINERR programming.
4. Boating
Recreational boating will continue within the SINERR.
5. Hiking and Camping
The planned nature trail will lead from Marsh Landing dock
eastward past the proposed interpretive center and end at Nannygoat Beach.
It will pass through upland forest, estuarine, and dune-and-beach
environments, with interpretive signs and exhibits at suitable locations. The
trail will serve groups who prefer a closer look at the SINERR than is possible
on the driving tours. All users will be members of groups which are

accompanied by DNR staff or a leader trained. by DNR. There are no plans to
allow unguided recreational hiking within the SINERR. Such use could damage
estuarine resources and research projects.
The Cabretta camping area is beginning to show signs of overuse,
particularly in the fragile dune areas. DNR plans to build a primitive camping
area with restrooms in the Natural Area for use by educational groups. The
Cabretta campground will then be closed to regular use.
The new camp will be accessible from the trail but some distance
away from it, to separate the campers from day-use groups. The camping
groups must also have leaders trained by DNR to use these facilities.
Requiring that group leaders be trained will enable DNR to reduce staff time
now spent with camping groups, and it will minimize, the risk of misuse by
group members.
6. Swimming and Beach Use
Swimming and beach use at the SINERR will continue at present
levels, but DNR will not increase its emphasis on these activities.. Groups
using the proposed campsite and nature trails will make more recreational use of
the beach than the SINERR tours are capable of doing.
7. Land Acquisition
State ownership of the SINERR lands is an important protection
tool. The State owns nearly all of this property. The only known title
exception concerns the lighthouse tract, about 200 acres at Sapelo's south end.
An heir of one of R. J. Reynolds' wives has asked DNR to make a settlement of
a one-half undivided interest she claims in this tract. DNR is negotiating with
the heir's representatives to resolve the claim.
From time to time, other individuals have claimed title to lands
within State ownership boundaries. DNR will evaluate the evidence presented
to support these claims and will request assistance from other agencies as
required to resolve them.

IV. FACILITY DEVRWPMENT AND STAFFING

A. FaciUties
1. Meridian Dock
Development on this tract includes a 25x6O-foot wooden platform on
pilings with a floating dock attached; the asphalt entrance drive and unpaved
parking for 75 vehicles; two garages, for 3 and 16 cars; and a multipurpose
building-
The Meridian Dock tract will continue to be the.primary point of
departure from the mainland. This purpose will guide its use and development.
Parking and traffic flow have become less satisfactory as SINERR visitation has
increased. A contributing factor is the use of buses to transport some tour
groups to Meridian Dock. DNR will redesign parking to improve traffic
circulation.
All visitors to the SINERR have an opportunity to view the
introductory exhibits in'the multipurpose building. These exhibits have become
outdated. DNR will evaluate and renovate exhibits in the visitor center at
Meridian Dock. DNR will also prepare exhibits such as interpretive graphics to
place on the ferry for visitor use.
24 Marsh Tanding Dock
The Marsh Landing dock is a partially roofed structure without
sides, built on a wooden platform supported by wooden pilings, and connected
by ramps to a floating dock. Facilities at the dock include a dock house,
water-well pump house and restrooms. About three-tenths of a mile to the
southeast, on the upland, are a frame residence with a garage and utility
building. These are occupied by one of the two DNR vessel captains.
An asphalt road connects Marsh Landing with the rest of Sapelo
Island. It runs southeasterly across Sapelo, ending at Nannygoat Beach.
Connecting roads provide access to the rest of the island.
DNR will continue to operate Marsh Landing as the primary
passenger access point for Sapelo,Island. DNR will maintain in operational
condition the residence, dock and support facilities at Marsh Landing. It win
be necessary to redesign parking at Marsh Landing to improve traffic
circulation. The proposed nature trail will begin at Marsh Landing. Visitors
will walk to the interpretive center to be built in Skeet Field, about one-half

mile east of the dock. Here they will: receive an orientation about SINERR
resources and uses, including guidelines for their group's activities.
3. Residences
Four DNR residences face the estuary's east side just north of
Barn Creek, and another is located near the greenhouse at the south end of the
island.
The Marine Institute's Director lives in Azalea Cottage, near the
Marine Institute (Figure 11). Permanent staff at the Marine Institute occupy
two residences at Post Office Creek. A garage, a utility building and two
docks serve these houses. Five staff houses, a small group of mobile homes
and a utility building occupy a tract known as Shell Hammock, which overlooks
Doboy Sound. Several apartments and a dormitory in the Marine Institute
laboratory complex, and a second group of mobile homes nearby, house visiting
researchers and students.

4. Marine Institute
The Marine Institute is located on. a 1,500-acre parcel of upland,
marshland, sand dunes and beach which. encompasses almost the entire southern
end of Sapelo Island (Figures 7 and 11). This parcel also contains most of the
major structures on Sapelo, Island. It was subject to the 50-year lease between
DNR and the Board of Regents. The other 75 acres leased by the Marine
Institute lie within the Natural Area. The lease provides that the Marine
Institute will use the premises to conduct scientific research and educational
activities.
Five staff houses, a small trailer complex, and a utility building
occupy a tract of high ground known as Shell Hammock, which overlooks Doboy
Sound just west of a diked enclosure built by R. J. Reynolds. To the east of
this enclosure lies the hub of research activity: the Marine Institute
Laboratory, which occupies a large brick dairy barn also built by Reynolds.
Support facilities for the laboratory include:
- a general-purpose storage building, two equipment storage
buildings, two garages, two gas and oil storage structures, and a filling
station for retail fuel sales to all island residents,
� one inoperative power plant', and a microwave building and tower,
� a carpenter shop and two m achine shops,

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,-"7S`a1'dinP,(
Pi

21-25 Shell Hammock staff houses 40 apartment building
53
26 utility building 41 "Jage 54
27 trailer housing areas 42 filling station 55
Au. 28 Marine Institute storage 43 gas & oil storage 56
29 microwave building & tower 44 oil storage 57
58
30 auxiliary power plant 45 power plant (inop.)
31-32 equipment storage 46 bast house 59
33 carpenter shop 47 dormitory so
34 machine shop 48 South End House 61
35 marine railway building 49 pump house 62
U" machine shop 50 laundry 63
SHELL 36
51 electric/plumbing shop 71
37 Marine Institute lob 52 mobile radio eqpt. bldg. 73
HAMM0CK\sI' y 36 wrap
to 39 CaFfillp hOUN/OffiCe 79
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� a marine railway, support building, and boat hoist,
� two residential structures: a building with four apartments and a
30-bed dormitory,
- two administrative/ storage buildings, and
- two small house trailer complexes.
The Marine Institute uses docking facilities at the south end of Sapelo for heavy
freight and fuel.
The Marine Institute will continue to use and maintain the
structures on this tract for scientific, educational and residential purposes as
stipulated in the approved lease and operating agreement between DNR and the
Board of Regents. The tours will pass the laboratory complex but will no
longer visit the exhibit space in the laboratory building. This will give the
visitors a view of the facilities without disturbing the Institute's scientific
work.
5. R.J. Reynolds Mansion (South End House)
East of the laboratory complex about three-tenths of a mile is R. J.
Reynolds' former mansion, the South End House, including a pump house and a
mobile radio equipment building. The South End House is the most imposing
structure on Sapelo Island. It can provide lodging for 25-30 people. The
two-story structure, a composite of homes constructed by three former owners
of Sapelo Island, was clearly designed for entertaining. It has two swimming
pools, a ballroom, a bowling alley, and murals by Athos Menaboni, a noted
Georgia artist. The Marine Institute now administers this house for conferences
and other professional gatherings.
A paved road runs southeasterly from the South End House and
ends on Nannygoat Beach beside a restroom, a boardwalk- dune crossing, a
raised picnic pavilion, and three small cabanas. A large prehistoric
archaeological site is located below the surface in a pecan orchard just south of
the road, southwest of South End House.
The South End House needs repairs to make it suitable for
continued occupancy. Its wiring and plumbing date from the 1930s and it
contains asbestos. DNR and Regents have agreed to determine what would be
required to preserve the building and restore it for day use as an historic site
managed by DNR. According to a preliminary study by consulting architects
and engineers, such reuse is feasible.

DNR and Regents will propose to restore the Main House for day
use only if the current conference activities can be relocated suitably. A
second preliminary study suggests that Long Tabby and surrounding buildings
may be adaptable for conferences without loss of meeting, dining or sleeping
space. If DNR and Regents agree on a plan for all these changes, they will
have to seek funds from the General Assembly to carry it out.
6. Game and Fish Division Regional Office
The regional office and several residences occupy a 28-acre upland
tract which lies between the northwest end of the landing strip and Post Office
Creek, just south of Riverside Canal (Figure 12). The creek takes its name
from the Sapelo Island post office, which is located on this tract. DNR's
administrative center is here.' Permanent staff at the Marine Institute occupy
residences at Post Office Creek which are known as Ashantilly and the airport
residence. A garage, a utility building, and two docks complete the list of
structures located here.
Long Tabby, measuring about 25x100 feet, is DNR's main
administration building@ It contains modest resource exhibits and an
audiovisual room which is also used as a laboratory when school groups are
visiting.
Associated with Long Tabby are three storage buildings, a wood
shop and an unusable swimming pool. Boat traffic at the docks consists chiefly
of inboard and outboard vessels less than 27 feet in length, which make one or
two trips a day.
DNR will continue using the Post Office Creek tract for
administrative, educational, residential and related purposes. It will maintain
the docks and other structures in operational condition. A new regional
administrative center is being built in Brunswick. It is scheduled for
completion during 1990. When it is ready for occupancy, the Game and Fish
regional office will move to Brunswick.
Long Tabby will continue to serve as the SINERR administrative
office until the proposed interpretive center is built. When DNR no longer
maintains offices in Long Tabby, the building can be put to other uses. DNR
and the Marine Institute will discuss possible uses of the building.
7. Lending Field
This 170-acre upland tract lies on Sapelo Island's west side about
one-half mile northeast of Marsh Landing (Figure 12). It consists of a

..........
RIVERSIDE C A N A L
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ow ------

'o
-10
ow-, 411 .101
fill:
t
@Behavior Cemetery.
co,

Ashantilly 16 Marsh Lending restdq@
2 st0rage building 16 garegisfutilitt,
3 .0
"O:d-rk sftp 17 pt tfice
4 go building Pump house CL
9 k,tcah*n 11: lavato isill
10 Long Tabby 20 - L- I
d.., house,
I airport MidewA so Aftrsh Lending dock
:2 garage/utility so
13 Barn Crook dock
anstri hanger 70 Long Tabby dock
14 Punipph= 74 Ashantilly dock
75 sioviontning pool

sit--
* I *. @,% - ( . ",,
10 R% \
Jx

lo,

FIGURE 12: Post Office Creek Tract

50 In

north-south grass airstrip with landing lights, a short taxiway and a 75x75-foot
steel hangar. The Federal Aviation Administration limits access to aircraft
which have specific State business and which must obtain prior permission from
the SINERR Resident Manager. The most frequent users of the airstrip are
DNR1s Game Management and Law Enforcement personnel, and Marine Institute
staff. Because of its surface and length, the strip generally serves only
helicopters or small, fixed-wing, propeller- driven aircraft. The average
number of flights using the strip is les's than one a week. This level of .
operation appears to have no adverse effects on the Duplin River estuary.
An untested archaeological site appears to underlie the airstrip.
The State Archaeologist has determined that, aircraft operation is not likely to
harm this cultural resource. Testing would require digging, which would make
the airstrip's surface unsafe for fixed-wing operations. DNR will continue
restricting aircraft traffic using the field to persons having DNR permission
and having legitimate State business on Sapelo, Island, when boat travel i6 not
feasible. The landing surface will be maintained in a usable condition.
8. Moses Hammock Hunting Camp
Hunters on Sapelo Island stay at a camping area on Moses
Hammock, a small island near the Duplin River's upper end which is con nected
to Sapelo by an earthen causeway (Figure 13). It consists of a grassy clearing
under trees, where the hunters pitch their tents. Amenities include a dock, a
hunter checking station, a generator house, a well, a cooler and restrooms.
DNR will continue to use the Moses Hammock camping area for
hunters. DNR will monitor use of the camping area for possible effects of such
use on the Duplin River estuary.
9. Kensin Field Timber Dock
This 10-acre tract of upland and marsh lies on the west side of
Sapelo Island, about two miles north of Marsh Landing. It is the point from
which timber harvested on the Reynolds WMA leaves by barge for the mainland.
The only improvement is a dock which extends 90 feet from shore, with a
15x50-foot working platform and two loading ramps. The barge loads timber
harvested on the island at this area.
The timber barge travels at any stage of the tide. The tug and
barge may vary in size and length, according to the contractor's daily
requirements. Normally, the barge measures about 25xlOO feet. The mainland
offloading point is on private property at Valona, Georgia. DNR will continue

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using the Kenan Field timber dock to remove timber harvested on Sapelo Island,
using sound protective practices.
10. Orientation and Interpretive Center
So far, DNR has used guided tours as the core of the SINERR
interpretive program. This approac h has made it easy to keep group members
away from fragile resources and research projects, and it has been possible to
adapt the contents of each tour somewhat to address the members' interests.
Many visitors come away from the SINERR tours feeling a personal sense of
involvement with the SINERR.
This approach is very labor-intensive, however. DNR could inform
only 3000 tour visitors about the SINERR during 1988. SINERR staff need to
develop materials and programs to take offsite. Time is too limited for a
significant level of offsite activity at present.
With proper training, some individuals can become docents to guide
their own groups once they arrive at the SINERR. DNR will use the
interpretive center and trail to train volunteer leaders and to orient and
educate qualified self-guiding visitor groups.
DNR will build a center for orientation and interpretation near
Marsh Landing. It will include exhibits about the SINERR and the Marine
Institute, a small theater for audiovisual presentations and lectures, classroom
and laboratory space, an information and sales area, and public restrooms.
SINERR staff will have offices in this building. The Sapelo Island post office
will also be housed in the center.
11. Interpretive Trails
After receiving an orientation in the center, visiting groups win
continue on a system of interpretive trails. Trailside graphics and outdoor
exhibits will teach visitors about estuarine systems, research and management
by pointing out resources and management activities. The group leader will
have received training to provide more information and answer some questions
which group members are likely to ask.
DNR will first build one trail which interprets the island's
geological development, the estuarine environment, the upland forests, and the
beach and dune system. , DNR will monitor the trail to protect against overuse
and to determine the need for improvemen ts. If the trail proves to be effective
when used by self -guided groups with a trained leader, DNR will evaluate the
possibility of extending the trail into a system.

DNR and the Marine Institute are discussing possible locations for a
camping area not far from Nannygoat Beach. The Cabretta campsite is showing
signs of overuse, and an alternate campsite would be desirable. Connecting a
camping area to the interpretive trail with a side trail for use only by the
campers will enable them to carry their own equipment rather than requiring
DNR personnel to 'transport them.. It will also give the campers easy acce ss to
the interpretive resources of the center and the trail.

B. Personnel Requirements
1. SINERR Staff
The Resident Manager will continue to have day-to-day
responsibility for managing the SINERR. The Interpretive Assistant will
continue to handle tour scheduling and to present tours. The Assistant will
also orient visitors and give interpretive programs at the center and, on some
occasions, in the camping area and on the trail. The Wildlife Technician III,
the Wildlife Technician Il and the Mechanic will continue their present duties.
DNR will hire a Marine Educator qualified to implement the
educational and interpretive program. DNR will consider having this person
interpret the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary as well as the SINERR,
since the two programs are closely related, geographically and conceptually.
The Marine Educator will develop and present training programs to
certify volunteer guides, who then are authorized to lead groups in the
SINERR. These guides will include teachers and instructors, members of
conservation and civic organizations, docents to guide the general public on
walking tours, and students from the Governorl.s intern program. The Marine
Educator will refine the content of the general public tours and add more
discussion of the Marine Institute's research programs. The Marine Educator
will help DNR's cinema unit develop three brief video programs for use at the
orientation center and offsite.

The Marine Educator will extend offsite activities in several other
ways. With help from the Marine Extension Service and other sources, the
Educator will develop curriculum materials for classroom use. The Educator win
seek the assistance of the Department of Education to distribute these
educational materials and video programs to public school systems, private
schools and colleges.

The Marine Educator will extend public outreach of the SINERR
educational program. He or she will help develop the slide archive and presen-
tation texts which the Educator and the SINERR Coordinator will use offsite.
The Educator will develop exhibits and informational 'materials for placement at
appropriate mainland locations. The Educator will develop @ publications for use
by multiplier audiences such as the media, public officials and "alumni" of visits
to the SINERR.
DNR has used one student intern each year for SINERR activities.
It will now seek one student intern per quarter for the SINERR.
2. Marine Institute Staff
The numbers of Marine Institute employees and associated scientists
will vary to some degree with funding. The permanent managerial and research
staff are expected to remain at about nine persons. DNR encourages the hiring
of a public -information officer/ research coordinator for the Marine *1 fistitutewho
can translate SINERR research findings for use in the SINERR educational
program. This person may also help coordinate research projects and programs
in the SINERR. NOAA and the Marine Institute will explore funding such a
position, in cooperation with the DNR.
3. DNR Research and Monitoring Staff
The State Archaeologist and employees of the Environmental
Protection Division, the Coastal Resources Division and the Game and Fish
Division will continue to perform research and monitoring tasks as described in
the earlier sections on cultural-resource research and monitoring.
4. McIntosh County Chamber of Commerce
The McIntosh County Chamber of Commerce operates a welcome
center in Darien, Georgia. It will continue to publicize SINERR tours, notify
DNR of tour participants, sell tour tickets and send tour information to people
who have made reservations, as specified in the agreement between the
Chamber and DNR (Appendix F).

V. ADMINISTRATION

Establishing the Sapelo, Island National Estuarine Research Reserve
(SINERR) required cooperation between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) and other federal, State and local agencies. In 1969,
the State received funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to buy lands
and waters at Sapelo Island. Some of the upland and all of the marsh so
acquired were later included in the SINERR. In 1976, the Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) received funds from NOAA. These funds helped set
up the SINERR. Since that time, other NOAA g-rants have supported operations
and research in the SINERR.
All agencies involved have important duties regarding the SINERR. The
U.S. Department of Commerce administers the National Estuarine Reserve
Research program through NOAA's Marine and Estuarine Management Division.
NOAA provides policy guidance from the national program perspective. The
SINERR may request. financial support from NOAA's various categories of
reserve funding. Through these grants, NOAA personnel work directly with
the Resident Manager to accomplish the program objectives of the grant.
Pursuant to Sections 312 and 315 of the Coastal Zone Management Act,
NOAA may periodically conduct perform nce evaluations on the operation and
management of the SINERR. These evaluations ensure that the SINERR is
meeting applicable grant conditions and national policies. The evaluations also
acknowledge and support ongoing programs which address SINERR management
needs.
DNR has direct responsibility for managing the SINERR. It manages the
site in accordance with applicable NOAA policies, grant award conditions, this
management plan and the Regents lease and.operating agreement. Through the
Reserve program, DNR prepares annual reports on SINERR activities. When
combined with grant performance reports and site visits by NOAA, these annual
reports provide the basis for program evaluations.
The Board of Natural Resources prepares specific policies for DNR and
the SINERR. It also approves DNR's budget requests, including funds and
positions for the SINERR.
DNR also relies on the SINERR Advisory Committee for professional
advice about research, education and management of the SINERR. The
Committee reviews goals and activities each year and recommends useful

.56

changes. The technical task forces prepare'recommendations for the Advisory
Committee to consider. The Committee gave its first recommendations to DNR in
1989. Estimated costs to carry out the proposed improvements appear in
Appendix J.
Public comment is an important source of ideas for managing the SINERR.
DNR made a draft of this management plan available for public review from
November 1989 through January 1990. , Many individuals and organizations made
comments at two public meetings, one in Darien, Georgia, on December 6, 1989,
and one on Sapelo Island on January 10, 1990. DNR also received written
comments about the plan. Appendix K summarizes these comments.and the uses
which DNR will make of them in SINERR programs.
Since 1953, the University of Georgia has done research within the Duplin
River estuary. T he Georgia Board of Regents is the University's parentI
organization. In.1976, the Board of Regents received from DNR a fifty-year
lease and an operating agreement for the,south end of Sapelo.
Permanent staff and visiting scientists perform'research at the Marine
Institute. They publish research findings in professional journals. The
Institute"also hosts meetings of scientists, educators and students on Sapelo
Island.,

VL REFERENCES. CITED

1. Anonymous. Climatological Data Annual Summaries, 1972-1982. National
Climatological Center, U.S. Department of Commerce, Asheville, North
Carolina.

2. 1976. - Handbook:. Building in the Coastal Environment.
Georgia Departmeni'of Natural Resources, Atlanta. 119p.

3. 1983. Tide,Tables for the East Coast of North and South
America. National Ocean Survey, U.S. Department of Commerce,
Rockville ,Maryland.
4. Cooper, A W. 1974. Salt Marshes, pp. 55-98. In: H.T. Odum, B.J.
Copeland, and E.A. McMahan, (ed.s.), Coastal Ecological Systems of the.
U.S., Vol.. II, The Conservation Foundation, Washington, D.C.

5. Crook, M.R., Jr. 1980. Archaeological Indications of Community
Structures at the Kenan Field Site, pp. 89-100. In: D.P. Juengst
(ed.), Sapelo Papers: Researches in the History and Prehistory of SApelo
Island, Georgia, West Georgia College Studies in the Social. Sciences, Vol.
XIX., Carrollton. vii+114p.

6. Johnson, A.* H-. Hillestad, S.. Shanholtzer and.F. Shanholtzer. 1974.
An Ecological Survey of the Coastal Region of Georgia. National Park
Service, Scientific Monograph Series, No. 3."', 233p.

7. Kinsey, B. 1982. A Sapelo Island Handbook. University of Georgia
Marine Institute, Sapelo Island. 48p.

8. Richardson, J.R. 1975. Map adapted from Richardson, J.R., and S.
Worthington, 1975, Terrestrial Ecology of the Georgia Barrier Islands,
pp. 35-111. In: The Value and Vulnerability of Coastal Resources,
Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Atlanta. 321p.

9. Schelske, C.L. and E.P. Odum. 1962. Mechanisms Maintaining High
Productivity in Georgia Estuaries. Gulf Caribb. Fish. Inst. Proc. 14:
75-80.

Sapelo Island
National Estuarine Research Reserve
Management Plan Appendices

National Sapelo Island
Estuarine
Research
Reserve
Program
rM

U.S. Department of Commerce
Cn

Appendix A:

Lease between DNR and Board of Regents

STATE OF GEORGIA,

COUNTY OF FULTON:

LEASE AGREEMENT

THIS LEASE AGREEMENT made this 21st day of December
1976 by and between the DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESPIRCES, on

agency and department of the State Government of Georgia, acting

for and on behalf and in the name of the State of Georgia, whose

business address is 270 Washington Street* S. W., Atlanta, Georgia

30334 (hereinafter sometimes referred to either as "the Lessor"

or as "the Department*) and the BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY

SYSTEM OF GEORGIA, an agency of the State Government of Georgia,

whose business address is 244 Washington Street, S. W., Atlanta,

Georgia 30334 (hereafter sometimes referred to either as 'the

Lessee" or an the "Board of Regents*).

W I T N E S S E T H:
- - - - - - - - - -
WHERAS, by virtue of that certain December 8, 1975 Option

To Purchase Properties, as amended, granted by the Sapelo Island

Research Foundation, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as the Founda-

tion"), the State of Georgia acting by and through the Department,

has an option to purchase all of the real property, together with

all personal property located thereon (which is owned by the Foun-

dation); said real property constituting &,portion of what is

known as Sapolo Island and Meridian Dock Landing (except for that

area known as Hog Hammock); all of said properties being More

particularly described in said Option, and (except for said per-

sonal property) being hereinafter collectively referred to as

*the South End Properties"; and

WHEREAS, since July 1. 19S3 Regents, acting by and through
the University of Georgia, a unit of the University System of

Georgia, and pursuant to agreements between Regents and the

Foundation, has conducted an institute being located on the

southerly portion of the South End Properties which are located

Page 1 Of 18 Pages

Pages 1 Of 61 Pages

A-1

ou Sapolo Island; and

WHEREAS. the real property facilities utilized by the Regents

in the conduct of said institute are subject to the terms of

said Option and

WHEREAS. subsequent to the exercise of said Option. if any,

and a purchase by the State of Georgia pursuant thereto, if

any, all said real property and facilities, as well as the

personal property of the Foundation located thereon and therein.

shall be owned by the State of Georgia and shall be within the

custody, control and management of the Department; and

WHEREAS, the State of Georgia. the Foundation. the Depart-

ment and Regents mutually desire that Regents continue to utilize

said properties (both real and personal) and facilities in the

conduct of said institute for scientific research and educational

activities;

Now, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in the

State of Georgia and the Department by Co. Laws 1974. page 273

(Ga. Code Ann. 543-1707). in order to enable the Board of Regents

to continue said scientific research and educational activities

without interruption subsequent to the purchase. if any, of the

South End Properties by the State of Georgia, and in consideration

of the mutual covenants. conditions. obligations and agreements

herein contained. the parties hereto do hereby agree an follows:

1. DEFINITIONS. The following words and terms when used

In this lease agreement. shall have the following meanings unless

other meanings are otherwise clearly apparent from the context:

A. The work 'land" shall mean the real property referenced

in paragraph 2 hereof. and more particularly described in

EXHIBIT "A" hereof, together with all structures and other

improvements located under. on or above the land as of the

effective data Qf this lease agreement.

b. The word "premises".shall mean the land. together with

all and singular the rights, members and __________________

Page 2 Of 10 Pages A-2

thereunto belonging, or in any wise apimrta in qiqwi. -iqii.iqi I It%-

facilities (as the word "facilities" is defined herein and

the personalty (as the word "personalty" in defined herein,

all as more fully described in EXHIBIT "A".

C.. The word 'facilities" shall mean any and all structures

and other improvements which are now (as of the effective

date hereof) or which may hereafter be located upon the land

described in EXHABIT "A".

D. The word 'Personalty" shall man all of the personal

property located on the land described in EXHIBIT "A"

hereto and which will be conveyed to the State of Georgia by

that certain BILL Or SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY, the form

of which is attached to said Option as EXHABIT "D-1" there-

to and a copy of which is labeled EXHABIT "c", attached

hereto and by reference incorporated herein.

Z. The words "terminate" or *termination" shall mean the

end of this lease agreement whether due to the expiration

of the term hereof or to an earlier end of the term,

whether by reason of an uncured default hereunder or other-

wise.

2. LAND & PERSONALTY LEASED. Lessor, for and in considera-

tion of the rents herein reserved, and the covenants. agreements,

duties and obligations heroin made and agreed to be performed,

observed and kept by the Lessee. and subject to the provisions,

terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, and subject to the

disputed outstanding claim of an undivided one-half interest in

that area of the South End Properties commonly known and referred

to as the "Lighthouse Tract" by Marianne O'Brian Reynolds Meyers

and subject further to those title exceptions set forth in said

December 8, 1975 option as amended. as Permitted Title Exception.

as well as to any other exceptions to title which may be waived

by the State Of Georgia prior to its purchase of said South

End Properties, has let. leased and demised and by these present=

does let. lease and demise unto the Lessee and the Lessee

Page 1 of 10 Pages
A-3

does hereby take. lease and hire from the Leasor,

upon the covenants, agreements, duties and obligations heroin

made and agreed to be performed, observed and kept by the

Lessee. and subject to the provisions hereinafter set forth.

and land more particularly described om EXHIBIT "A" attached

hereto, incorporated in and by reference made a part hereof,

together with the personalty.

3. TERM. This lease agreement shall be for a term of So

years beginning an the effective date hereof. unless sooner

terminated as hereinafter provided.

4. EFFECTIVE DATE. The effective date of this lease agree-

ment if any there be. shall be the second calendar day following

(and not including) the day upon which the State of Georgia,

acting by and through the Lesser, shall accept delivery of one

or more warranty deeds, conveying to the State of Georgia the

South End Properties. notice of the effective date hereof shall

be given to the parties by the State of Georgia Department of Law.

5. ESTATE FOR YEARS. It is the specific intent and agree-

ment of the parties hereto that this lease agreement, as of the

effective date hereof. grants and conveys from the Lessor and

vests in the Lease* an estate for years in the promises.-

6. RENTS. Lessee covenants and agrees to pay as rental

during the full term of this lease agreement, the sum of $1.00

per year, said sum to be paid on the effective date of this lease

agreement and an or before the anniversary thereof for each

year thereafter during the term hereof.

7. PURPOSES FOR WHICH THE PREMISES ARE LEASED. it is

understood and agreed by and between the Lessor and the Lessee

that the promises are leased solely for the purpose of enabling

the Lessee to conduct scientific research and educational activity

projects. Lessor agrees that it will cooperate with and will

aid and assist Lassoe's scientific research and educational

Page 4 Of IS Pages

Page 4 Of 61 Pages

A-4

activities by taking such action as shall be coasonably

necessary to provide security for Lessee's scientific research

4 and educational activities projects against damage. destruction

or other interference at interruption. Lessor further hereby

agrees that Lessee my permit persons. other than personnel oc-

Less** to use the promises an a limited basis; provided that any

such use is restricted to uses in furtherance of the conduct of

said scientific research and educational activities. Except

as may be herein otherwise provided. no other use whatever

shall be made of the promises by any person. including the Lessee,

without the prior written consent of the Lessor.

a. mAnprENANCE APQ USE OF PRFXISVS.

A. Losses accepts the land in its present condition as

suited for the use intended by the Lessee. Lessee shall not

commit or suffer to be committed any waste upon the promises

and Lessee shall, at its own cost and expense, maintain the

premises in good order and repair. Upon termination of

this lease. the promises shall be returned to the Lessor

in as good or better condition than when received pursuant

hereto, natural woor and tear of the facilities and per-

sonalty excepted. Lessee agrees that all personal property

of Lessee an the promises is located thereon at Lessee's

own.risk and Lessor shall not be liable for any damage

thereto or loss thereof.

B. Notwithstanding Lessee's obligations to maintain the

premises. an net forth En !;uIJ(I-aroiqr-tph II(A) Aiuvl-,

@shall not be obligated to maintain the roads.-r0ad ditches,

bridges. and tide gates at bridges, all of which the Lessor

hereby agrees to maintain in good order and repair during

the torm hereof.

Page 5 Of le Pages

Pago S Of 61 PaqeS

A-5

C. Xt shall be the responsibility Of Losses. at its own

cost and expense. at all time during the term her oaf. to

pay the premium and to take such other actions as may be

necessary to cause the promises to be insured against loss

or damage by fire or other casualty. Lessor acknowledges

and agrees that said insurance shall be obtained by Lessee

through the State of Gmwqia insurance program: provided

howevert that said insurance shall insure both the Lessor aml

the Lessee as their respoctiv* interests in the premises

any appear. Lessee agrees that it will not do or permit

to be done in. on. upon. from. to or about the premises,
any act or thing whioh would inval idate any insurance

contract-pertaininq to the premises.
FA
0. In the event the facilities shall be wholly or partially

damaged or dostroyedby fire, lightning, windstorm, hurrican,

tornado. cyclone, hail, explosion. riot. civil convwtion.

aircraft. smoke. land vehicle. boiler explosion or any other

I like or different type or kind of catastrophe during the

to= of this leas* agreement, Losses shall, unless the partic;

shall mutually agree otherwise, at its sole cost and expense

and within a*reasonable period of time following such

damage or destruction, repair. restore or replace the

damaged or destroyed facilities in accordance with plans

and ipecifications which shall be developed by the Lessee.

but Which shall be subject to the approval of the Lessor.

In the event that Lessor and Lessee shall mutually agree

that any such damaged or destroyed facilities should not

be repaired or replaced. all insurance proceeds received

by the Lessee on account of such damage or destruction shall

be paid by the Lessee to Lessor. Notwithstanding the fore-

Pago 6 Of 18 Pages

Pago 6 Of 61 Pages
A-6

going to the contrary. if the facilities shall be whoLly

or partially damaged or destroyed an a result of any of

the.'catastrophas hersinabove mentioned during the last

fLve (S) years of the term hereof. it shall be the option

of Lessee, by notice to the Lessor within thirty (30) days

of the date of settlement of the claim for such damage or

destruction. to pay over to Lessor the entire sum of in-,

surance proceeds payable an account of such loss or dams. go,

or to repair or rebuild the damaged ok destroyed facilities

Ln accordance with plans and specifications developed by the

Leaseis and approved by the Lessor.

Z. In tho event of damage or destruction of any of the lease

personalty as a result of any of the aforementioned catas-

trophies, Losses shall repair or replace the same or shall

pay over any insurance proceeds payable to Lessee upon such

loss or damage to the Lessor, at the option of the Lessor.

F. It is understood and agreed between the parties that the

term *waste" as used in subparagraph S(a) above, shall not
include -he *fellinq of trees by the Losses if necess Ltated

by Losses's scientific research and educational activities

and so long as such falling is consistent with accepted (in

the reasonable opinion of the Lessor) forestry management

practices and Lessor hereby expressly reserves the right to

onter upon the promises for the purpose of applying such

accepted forestry management practices. includinq..but not

limited to the felling of trees when. in the reasonable

opinion of the Lessor, such entry and application of forestry

management practices are necessary in order to protect the
property within Lessor's custody, control and manaqcmcllt.
G. Lessee covenants and agrees that it shall no*t, Without

the prior writtbn consent of the Lessor, utilize the Mariiie

Page 7 Of 19 Pages
Page 7 Of 61 Pages
A-7

Railway. designated by the number "79" on EXHIBIT "D" hereto.

for any craft except craft being use, by the Lessee directly

In connection with and in support of Lessee's scientific

and educational research. However, Lessor and Lessee agree

that Lessor shall have. upon request and if available, the

right to utilize the Karin* Railway for the drydocking, re-

pair and maintenance of craft used by the Lessor in connec-

tion with its custodial duties and obligations with respect

to the South End Properties. as well as that property earlier

acquired by the State of Georgia and located on the northern

portion of Sapelo Island (said South End Properties and said

northern portion being hereinafter collectively referred to

as "the Sapelo Island area*).

H. Lease* shall be solely responsible for and shall pay

promptly when due any and all charges for utilities incurred

or assessed in connection with Lessee's use and occupancy of

the promises.

9. MUTUAL USES OF PREMISES.

A. Marina Railwav. Use of the Marine Railway by the Forties

shall be as set forth in paragraph 8(G) hereinabove.

B. Marine Laboratorv AAUDITORIUM. Lessee hereby agreed that

it will permit Lessor. upon request, and if available. to

use the Marine Laboratory Auditorium.

C. "Big House". Lessee agrees that subject to Lessee's in-

ternal policies and regulations, it will permit the Lessor,

upon Lessor's request and if available and upon payment by

Lessor to Lessee of a user fee therefor. to utilize that

building designated by number "48" on EXHIBIT "B" hereto,

commonly known and referred to as the "Big House", for

official functions of the Lessor.

Pago a of 10 Pages
page 8 of 62 pages A-8

0. South End Boat nanin ntilkhrad. Lessee cuvenantr. anti

k agrees to permit Lessor at all times during the term hereof

Wua* the bulkhead located at th* South End Bodt Basin

fat Lessor's docking purpor-en.

9. Residences. Lease* covenants and agrees to permit the

Lessor to utilize. for occupancy by Lessor's personnel,

upon Lessor's request and if available, not more than one

(1) residence and related outbuildings) located an the

leased promises, on a temporary basiso The specific terms

of such use and occupancy shall be such as are mutually

agreeable to the parties' respective resident r4.-prc-.--,,ntativt,:;

provided however that in any event. Lessor shall be solely

d responsible for.maintaininq said residence in good order

and repair at all times, during any occupancy thereof by

Lessor's personnel. All other housing facilities located on

the leased promises shall be used and occupied exclusively

by personnel of the Lessee (and their immediate families.

if any), and by Le see's official visitors (and their im-
mediate families, :f any).

F. Wildlife Management. Lessor hereby reserves the right

and Lessee hereby agrees that Lessor, its members, officers,

agents and employees, have the right at all times during

the term hereof, to enter upon the leased premises and to

conduct wildlife surveys, research and manaqement, to trap

wildlife: to collect birds and mammals for scienti!ic study

and to remove and dispose of diseased or injured wildlife.

Lessor further hereby reserves the right for itself, its

0 members, officers. agents. employees and authorized (by

Lessor) visitors, and Lessee hereby agrees that r,cssor. its
4 members, officers, agents, employees and authorized (by
Lessor) visitor's, shall have the right, as frequently as

Pago 9 Of 10 Pages

Page 9 Of 61 pages
A-9

my be necessary, to enter upon the leased promises for

purposes of fulfilling the requirements of federal grant pro-

grams. Provided however, that the foregoing reservation

by the Lessor of the right to enter upon the premises is

not intended nor shall be construed as in any way limiting

or modifying Lessor's obligations, as set forth in paraqraph

7 hereof, to provide security for Lessee's research projects.

and the exercise of the right hereinabove reserved by Lessor

shall at all times be only such as shall be reasonably

necessary and shall not unreasonably interfere with Lessee's

use of the promises for scientific research and educational

activities.

10. LAW ENFORCEMENT. The Lessee hereby acknowledges that

Lessor will patrol all of the Sapelo Island Area, including the

leased premises. for law enforcement and security purposes; pro-

vided, however. that nothing contained herein shall be deemed or

construed to limit in any way the law enforcement powers of

either the Lessor or the Lessee under the laws of the State of

Georgia.

11. COVENANT OF OUIET ENJOYMENT. Lessee paying the rents

heroin reserved and fully performing. observing and keeping the

covenants. agreements. duties and obligations by it to be per-

formed obbserved and kept, may peaceably Possess. enjoy and use

the leased promises during the term of this lease agreement free

from any claim or interference by Lessor. except as herein pro-

vided. or from anyone claiming by. under or through Lessor.

12. DISPOSITION OF FACILITIES AND PERSONALITY. In the

event that at any time during the term hereof, the Lessee shall

determine that any of the leased facilities or personalty is no

longer of any vslue Lessee's program of scientific

research and educational activities. the Losses shall notify the

Lessor in writing of Lessee's determination and shall recommend

to Lessor the disposition of such facility or such personality.
Page 10 of 18 Pages Page 10 of 61 Pages

A-10

or both. upon the written authorization of Lessor, Lessee shall

proceed with the authorized disposition in a timely manner..

provided however. notwithstanding Lessor's recommendation and/or

Lessor's authorization, Lessee shall take only such action with

respect to such facility or personalty or both as Lessee shall

be authorized by law to take and only in a Manner authorized

by law.

13. INGRESS AND EGRESS. Lessor hereby expressly covenants

and agrees that the Lessee shall. at all times during the

term hereof, have such right of ingress and egress to and from the

leased permises, over the Sapelo Island area, as shall be necessary

to the Lessee's full use and enjoyment of the leased premises.

In connection herewith, the parties acknowledge that certain Opera-

tin Agreement also entered into by the parties on the date first

above written. which.Operating Agreement shall be effective as

of the effective date hereof and which supplements the terms

hereof in providing, among other things, the rendering by each

of the parties hereto to the other of certain services necessary

for the mutual enjoyment by the Lessee and the Lessor of the res-

pective portions of the Sapelo Island area possessed, used and

occupied by each. Said Operating Aqreem nt is hereby incorporated

and made a part hereof; a copy of the same being labeled EXHIBIT

"D" and attached hereto. it is expressly understood and agreed

by and between the parties that the terms and provisions of said

Operatinq Agreement shall at all times be subject to and controlled

by the terms of the Lease Agreement.

14. TERMINATION BY LESSEE. In the event that at any time

during the term hereof the Lessee shall determine that it is no

long feasible for Lessee to continue its proGram of scientific

research and educational activities upon the leased premises,

Lessee may terminate this lease agreement upon 90 calendar days

written notice to Lessor of Lessee's determination. Upon

the termination of this lease aqreement, the Lessee shall promptly
Page 11 of 18 Pages A-11

vac the primises removing all of Lessee's , personal

property. and trade fixtures. if any. therefrom. Any holding

over of the promises by the Lessee after the termination of this

agreement shall cause the Losses to be a tenant at sufferance

and not a tenant at will.

15. DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY ON TERMIATION. Upon termina-

tion of this lease agreement all rights and interests of the Lesse

in the premises shall wholly cease and determine and the premises,

including but not limited to, all facilities and leased person-

alty, as well as all fixtures. objects and.articles or whatever

nature attached to the premises shall thenceforth constitute the

unencumbered property of the State of Georgia, under the custody

and control of the Lessor. without further act or conveyance

by the Lessee.

16. GENERAL CONDITIONS, COVENANTS, AGREEMENTS, PROVISIONS,
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS LEASE AGREEMENT.

A. The captions which appear preceding the text of each

paragraph of this lease agreement are for the purpose of

convenience only and shall be completely disregarded in

construing this lease agreement.

B. Whenever the signular or plural number. or masculine,

feminine or neuter gender is used in this lease agreement,

it shall apply to, extend to and include the other.

C. All time limits stated herein are of the essence of this

lease agreement.

D. It is mutually covenanted, understood, and agreed by and

between Lessor and Losses that each of the covenants,

provisions, duties, obligations. terms and conditions of

this lease agreement shall apply, extend to, be binding

upon and insure to the benefit of not only the Lessor and the

Lessee but. subject only to the provisions of paragraph 19

hereof, to the successors and assigns of the Lessor and to

the successors and assigns Of Lessee and shall be deemed

and treated an covenants real. running with the premises

Page 12 of 18 pages
Page 12 of 61 Pages

A- 12

during the term hereof. Subject only to the provisions

of paragraph 19 hereof, whenever a rference to the Lessor

or Lessee is made, such reference shall be deemed to include

the successors and assigns of the Lessor and the successors

and assigns of the Lessee.

E. No failure of Lessor or Lessee to exercise any right or

power given to Lessor or Looses under this lease agreement,

or to insist upon strict compliance by the other party

vith its covenants, agreements, duties and obligations

under this lease agreement, and no custom or practice of

the Lessor or the Losses at variance with the covenants,

agreements, duties, obligations, terms and conditions provide d

for in this lease agreement, shall constitute a waiver of

either Lessor's or Lessee's right to demand exact and

strict compliance by the other party with the party's cove-

nants, agreements, duties, obligations, terms and conditions

of this lease agreement.

F. The word "notice" as used in this paragraph 16(G) shall

include not only notices in the general sense, but also

statements, demands, requests, consents, approvals and au-

thorizations. Any notice given by either Lessor or Lessee

to the other Shall be in writing and shall be served by

sending by United States Certified Mail, postage prepaid

to the party to be notified addressed as follows:

To Lessor Commissioner
Department of Natural Resources
270 Washington Street. S.W.
Atlanta. Georgia

with a copy to: Regional Came Supervisor
Game and Fish Division
Department of Natural Resources
Sapolo Island, Georgia 31327

To Lessee. President
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia 30602

with a copy to: Director
University of Georgia
Marine institute
Sapelo Island. Georgia 31327

The day upon which any notice is no mailed shall be treated

as the date of service thereof. Lessor and Lessee may from time
Page 11 of 18 Pages Page 13 of 61 Pages A-13

to time by notice to the Other designate a different address

-,..to which-notice hereunder shall be sent.

0. Zxcept only for causes beyond the Lessee's control,

P and except as provided in paragraph 14 hereof, Lessee shall

occupy the premises continuously throughout the term of

this lease agreement and shall not for any cause whatever

desert, abandon or cease its use of the premises.

X. Lessor reserves unto itself, its successors and assigns,
all mineral rights of any nature what;olvcr. However, L#-,r.:;ur

covenants and &graea that any exploration for or extraction

of any such minerals shall be conducted from surface points

outside the boundaries of the leased premises (unlesx other-

wise authorized in writing by the Lessee) and in such m-Anner

as will avoid damage to the premises or substantial inter-

ference with Lessee's operations on the premises.

17. ASSIGNFMNT AND SUBLETTING. Except by operation of law,

neither party hereto, without the prior written consent of the

other party first having been had and obtained, shall assign or

h sublet to any other person, firm, association, corporation,

agency, department, political subdivision, or any other legal

entity, this loase agreement or any interest herein or any right

or privilege appurtenant hereto. Any such assignment or sub-

letting without the consent of the other party shall be void and

shall, at the option of the other party, and upon notice to tha

assigning or subletting party of the other party's election to

exorcize this option, terminate this lease agreement. Any assignee

or subless" of an interest of either party hereto shall have

power of assignment and subletting on the same conditions and

subject to the same restrictions as heroin imposed.
18. ARBITRATION. Whenever during the term hercof, a
r disagreement or dispute shall arise between the parties arising
out of or in connection with this lease agreement which disagree-'

ment or dispute the parties' respective resident representatives,

Pago 14 Of 18 Pages
Paqq 14 Of @l Pages A- 14

after good faith negotiations, have been unable to resolve, the
parties' respective resident representatives shall submit said

d
isaqreament or dispute in writing to the President of the Uni-
varsity of Gsorgia and to the Commissioner of the Department of
Natural Resources. In the event that said named individuals are

unable, after good faith negotiations for a period of 30 days*

to resolve such disagreement or dispute, either of said individuals

my, by notice in writinq to the other submit such disagreement
or dispute to the Governor of the State of Georgia, who shall
act as arbiter and whose findings and conclusion the parties

hereto agree shall be final and bindinq upon the parties.

DEFAULT. In the event that either of the parties

shall fail or, pursuant to paragraph 20 hereof, be determined by

the Governor to have failed, fully to perform all of the cove-

nantA, agreements, obligations, provisions, terms and conditions

of this lease agreement by it to be performed, such failure shall

constitute an event of default hereunder. Upon written notice

of said dafault by the other party, the defaulting party shall

have 30 days (or such other period as may be specified in camd

onotice, but in any event not less than 30 days) from the date

of said notice within which to cure said default; provided how-

ever that in the event that a dispute as to whether a default

has occurred has been submitted to the Governor for arbitration

pursuant to paragraph 20 hereof, said,period for c6re shall not

commence to run until that the party alleged to be in default

has been determined 1)y the Governor to be in default. Upoll

failure by the defaulting party to cure such default within

the applicable period, the other 11.ULY May, by 110tiee Lo Llic

defaultin q party, immediately or at any time thereafte r but only

during the continuance of such default, terminate this .0ase,

agreement. Upon such termination, the non-defaultinq party may
avail itself of any and all zemedies as are now or may hereafter

by law be authorized.

Page 15 Of 18 Pages
15 (If 61 A-15

20. SIPVrRAnTTrff. Notwithstanding any of the provisions

hereof to the contrary. the performance of each of the parties
P
hereto of its respective obligations hereunder is subject to the

authorization of the respective parties. under the laws of the

State of Georgia. so to do. In the event that a court of comps-

tent jurisdiction shall make a final determination that any

undertaking of either of the parties hereto. required by a pro-

vision hereof. exceeds the power and authority of the obligated

party, or that any other provision hereof is otherwise Invalid,

In whole or in part, then such provision or portion of such

provision shall be void and of no legal force and effect and

shall be severed from this lease agreement; and the other

provisions hereof shall not be affected by such invalidity

and severance and shall continue in full force and effect.

21. ENTIPF AGRMIL-;T. Except only for the hereinabove

referenced Operating Agreement, this lease agreement constitutes

the full. complete and entire agreement between the LeE3or and

,the Lessee: no agent, officer or representative of the Lessor

or of the Lessee has authority to make or has made. any state-

ment, agreement. representation or contemporaneous agreement, oral
lor written. in connection herewith, modifying. addinIq to. or

changLig the covenants, agreements, provisions, obligations,
;terms and conditions of this lease agreement. No modification
lor amendment of this lease agreement shall be bind.inq unless such
Imodification or amendment shall be in writing, signed by both

the Lessor and the Lessee, attached to this lease agreement,

incorporated in and by reference made a part hercor.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES.

9actinq for and on behalf of in the name of the State of Georgia.

and the BOARD OF REGENTS Or THE UNIVERSITy OF GEORGIA, each by

otheir proper officarsguly authorized therounto so to do, have

,,caused these presents to be signed. scaled and delivered, all
0
Soon the day, month and year first above written.
A- 16
r.,qu it, or in mat).u.,

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Signed, sealed and delivered
in the presence of (as to the BY: A=4q@8qv 2qCN q@6qnl I A. _L0q@q@
signature of Joe D. Tanner, JOE D.TANNER, Commissioner
Commissioner); in charqe of the Department of
Natural Resources

WITNESS

NOTARY PUBLIC LESSOR

My Commission Expires%
q4q"qeqi

(NOTARY SEAL)

BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY
SYSTEM OF GEORGIA
Signed. scaled and delivered
in the presence of (as to the BY"
signatures of both John W. J0HN W. HOOPER, Vice-Chancellor,
Hooper and Joe B. Lawley): Board of Regents of the Univer-
sity systems of Georgia

ATTEST:
WITNESS JOE B. LAWLEY d
of Reqents of the University
NOTARY PUBLIC System of Georgia

My Commission Expires (SEAL)
Notary Public, Georgia State at
my Commission Expires Ar - ,, 6 1. 0:qfqt

(NOTARY SEAL) LESSEE

IN WITNESS WHEREOF. the State Properties Commission has
caused these presents to be duly executed in its name this 21st

day of December,1976 for the purpose of approving

the terms and conditions of this Lease Agreement.

STATE PROPERTIES COMMISSION
By: q_q.12qe6q/6qw8qrq.
Signed. sealed. and delivered Name: GEORGE BUSBEE, GOVERNOR
in the presence of: (as to Title: Chairman
the signatures of both Gover-
nor George Busbee, Chairman ATTEST: q:qt0ql44q@76q)76q@0qOqa
and.-Secretary Of State Ben W Name: BEN W. FORTAON, JR.
FORTAON, Jr., Secretary) Title: Secretary of State

(SEAL)
WITNESS

NOTARY PUBLIC

qloqtqarqy Puqblqiqc
qfqlqwqe8q@ qP6q sql8q@ qM qk6q A-
0q_4q_q_q6-q.q.q.q;q&qAq*q' page 17 Of 61 Pages
;84qr4y

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Governor George Busbee, as Governor

of the State of Georgia, and under the Provisions Of Title

91-402 of the 1933 Code of the State of Georgia. as general

supervisor of all of the property of the State Of Georgia, has

duly executed this Less* Agreement this 21 st day of

1976 for the purpose of acknowledging the terms

A and conditions of this Lease Agreement.

L.S.
GEORGE BUSBEE
governor of the State of Georgia

I Signed. sealed and delivered in
I the presence of

Witness

Notary Public

My Commission Expires:
I*qFWY f,
Cq@-

(NOTARY SEAL)

Page 18 Of 10 Pages
page 18 of 61 Pard A-18

AXHIBIT

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREMISES LEASED

All that certain tract or parcel of land 4ituate, lying and
being on the southern portion ce that island known as Greater
Sapolo Island, Kclntosh'County, Georgia, containing 1,575 acres,

more or less, of upland and marshland, together with all high

tidal marshes, low tidal marshes, lowlands, coastal beaches,

beachland, hammocks, bluffs, fields, patches, bottoms, bogs and
waters appurtenant, adjoining and adjacent to eachr said parcel
being shown and delineated on that certain-map of the southern

portions of Greater Sapolo Island, prepared for the Department

of Natural Resources, by S. Higgins, dated August, 1976, as

revised on September 15, 1976 and on September 28, 1976 and en-

i titled "EXISTING FACILITIES", which map is labeled EXHIBIT "B",

attached herato and by reference incorporated in and made a part

hereof; said patcol being more particularly described as follows:

BEGINNING at the point of intersection of the centerline of March

Landing Road and the extreme east end of the Harsh Landing Dock,

said POINT OF BEGINNING being designated by the letter -A- on

EXHIBIT OBO hereof; thence in a southeasterly direction along and

with the centerline of said Marsh Landing Road (being a paved road

except at Central Canal) approximately 4,100 feet to the intcrsec-

tion of said March Landing Road with a shall road; said point of

intersection being designated by the letter "So on EXHIBIT B.

hereof: thence along the centerlina of said paved road in a gen-

arally southerly direction approximately 2,300 feet to the inter-

section of said paved road with the contarline of a dirt road

locally known and referred to as "the Autobahn*; said point of

intersection being designated by the letter 'C* on NXIIISIT "n"

hereof; thence continuing along the contorlinc of naid paved road

in a southeasterly direction approximately 3,400 fact to the inter-

section of the centerline of said paved road with the centcrlinc

Pago I Of 3 Pages

P49a 19 Of 61 Pages
A- 19

of Root Patch Road; said point of intersection being designated

by the latter "D" on EXhabit "D" hereof and being a Point approxi-

mately 600 feet north of the Azalea Cottage (designated by the

number "53" an said EXHIBIT "B"); thence due east approximately

2,000 feet to a point near the marsh. said point being designated

by the letter "E" on said EXHIBIT "B"; thence due south approxi-

mately 3,000 feet to a point on the Beach Road: said point being

designated by the letter "F" an said EXHIBIT "B"; thence in a

southeasterly direction with the centerline of said Beach Road

approximately 2,500 feet to the man low water marsh of the At-

lantic Ocean said point being designated approximately by the

letter "G" on said EXHIBIT "B"; thence continuing southerly,

westerly, northwesterdly, and northerly with the mean low water

line of the Atlantic Ocean. Doboy Sound and the Duplin River,

respectively, approximately 4.5 miles to the POINT OF BEGINNING,

TOGETHER WITH: All those certain buildings, structures, fences,

roads, equipment, fixtures, wells, pipelines, docks and other

facilities located in. on or above the hereinabove described

parcel of real property and waters and adjacent, and adjoining there-

to, (said facilities being designated by the numbers "21" through

"66", inclusive, and by numbers "71". "73", "79" and "80" on

EXHIBIT "B" hereof) and, in addition thereto, the South End

Bulkhead. the South End Boat Basin. and various utility sytems

(said facilities not being designated by number an said EXHIBIT

"B", and further in addition thereto, any other miscellaneous

facilities located in. or upon the hereinabove described parcel

of real property AND TOGETHER WITH ALL items of personal property

located in, on, or around said hereinabove described buildings,

facilities, other structures and improvements, including, but not

limited to household furnishings, tools and equipment, said person

al property being more particularly described in that inventory

labeled EXHIBIT "C", attached to and made a part of this EXHIBIT

"D" and this Lease Agreement. EXCITING, however, from the promises

Page 2 of 61 Pages A-20
Page 20 of 61 Pages

above described, the disputed outstanding claim of an udivided on,

half interest in that area of the above-described premises common-

ly known and referred to as the "Lighthouse Tract" by Marianne

O'Brien Reynolds Meyers AND FURTHER EXCEPTING from the premises

above described, those exceptions set forth as "Permitted Title

Exceptions" in that certain December 8, 1975 Option to Purchase

Properties, as amended, granted to the State of Georgia by the

Sapelo Island Research Foundations, as well as any other exception:

to the title to the South End Properties which may be waived by

the State of Georgia prior to its purchase-of the said South End

Properties.

Page 3 Of 3 Pages
Page 21 Of 61 Pages

A-21

STATIE OF'GEORCIA .000,

-7.

-slam

f
soon
Z 'I I

let

.17

low

.. ..........

v
Lip,

EXHIDIT *U*

I-A. 0+ W

V1.CINITY MAP MAW -REVIRNS
""Me EXISTING F
28

A-22

Appendix B:

Operating Agreement between DNR and

Board of Regents

COUNTY OF FULTON:

OPERATING AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into this 21st day of

December, 1976, by and between tqhe DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL

RESOURCES. an agency of the State of Georgia. acting for and

on behalf of the State of "erg", (hereinafter referred to as
"Department") and whose business address is 270 Washington

Street. S.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30334 and the BOARD OF REGENTS

OF THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA, an agency of the State

of Georgia. whose business address is 2" Washington Street,

S. W. Atlanta, Georgia 30334 (hereinafter referred to as

"Regents").

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, by virtue of that certain December 8, 1976 Option

To Purchase Properties. an amended, granted by the Sapelo

Island Research Foundation. Inc. (hereinafter referred to as "the

Foundation"), the State of Georgia, acting by and through the

Department. has an option to purchase all of the real property.

together with all buildings. structures and other improvements

located thereon and together with all personal property located

thereon. (which is owned by the Foundation); said real property

constituting a portion of what is known as Sapelo Island and

Meridian Dock Landing (except for that area known as Rog

Hammock): all of said properties being more particularly des-

cribed in said Option. and (except for said personal property)

being herein after collectively referred to as *the South End

Properties"; and

WHEREAS, since July 1. 19S3. Regents. acting by and through

the University of Georgia. a unit of the University System of

Georgia. and pursuant to agreements between Regents and the Foun-

dation. has conducted an institute for the purposes of scientific

research and educational activities, said institute' being located

on Sapelo Island and

Page I Of 17 Pages

NURVJ, the real property, facilities and cortaim of the

personalty currently utilized by the Regents in the conduct of

said institute are subject to the terms of said option: and

WHERMS. subsequent to the exercise of said option, if any,

and a purchase by the State of Georgia pursuant thereto, if any.

all said real property and facilities, as well as personal pro-

party located thereon and therein, shall be owned by the State

of Georgia and shall @oe within the custody, central and managemen

of the Departniont; and

WZCRZhS* the State of Georgia, the Foundation, the Departmen-

and Regents mutually desire that Regents continue to utilize

said properties (both real and personal) and.facilities in the

conduct of said institute for scientific research and educational

activities; and

WJMRZKS, for the Vurpos* of enabling the Regents to continue

said scientific research and educational activities, the Depart-

Q ment, acting for and on behalf of the State of Georgia, as lessor,

and Regents. as lessee. have as of the date hereof entered into

a lease agreement for a. torm of SO years, leasing to the Regents

certain promises, including real property, improvements and other

facilities and personalty therein described,- said lease agreement

to be effective on the second calendar day following (and not

including) -the day upon which the State of Georgia, acting by

and through the Department, accepts delivery of warranty deeds

from the Foundation conveying all of its interests in Sapelo

Island. except Hog Hammock Subdivision. and Meridian Dock Landing.

(and being hereinafter referred to as the "Lease Agreement") ; and

WHEREAS. both the Department. in the performarti:e of its

management and custodial responsibilities with respect to Sapelo

Island, and Regents. in its use and occupancy of the premises

Page 2 Of 17 Pages

it leased to it, will benefit from certain mutual understandings

V
and agreements regarding services which my be supplied by each tt

the other and -further by agreements respecting the use by Regents

of real property and facilities within the custody and control

of the Department and not leased to Regents; and

WMMS, the parties do further mutually desire to supplement

ill the term of the Lease Agreement with certain express under-
standings and agreements and to establish & framework for @heir

common occupancy of Sapelo Island, Georgia:

now, Ml MFORZ, pursuant to, the authority vested in the pa--,,

iss by Article VIX, Section V1, Paragraph I of the Constitution

of the State of Georgia (Ga. Code Ann. 52-5901). for and in
consideration of the sun of One Dollar ($1.00) -by each party to

the other in hAnA paid, at and before the signing, sealing and

delivery of these presents, and in further consideration of the

mutual covenants, agreements and provisions herein contaimed

and the. benefits by each to be derived therefrom and for other

P, good and valuable consideration. the parties do hereby agree

as follows:

X. TRANSPORTATION.

A. Department covenants and agrees that it will, at all

times during the term of this agreement. provide regularly

scheduled twice daily (except Sundays and holidays) boat

transportation between Sapelo Island and the mainland of

McIntosh County for commuting Regents personnel. personnel

of Regents who are resident on Sapelo Island (and their

families) and.for visitors authorized by Regents to7visirt

Regents' leased. premises on Sapelo Island. Such transpor-

tation shall be between the Marsh Landinq.Dock an Greater

Sapelo. Island and Meridian bock Landing on the mainland of

McIntosh County.-said docks being designated by the numbers

660 and 078" respectively on that certain August 1976 map

of the,. southern portion of Greater Sapelo island prepared
B-3
Fago 3 Of 17 Pages

for the Department Of NaturAl Resources by S. Higgins, as

revised an September 15, 1976 and September 28, 1976 and

entitled OCCIST110 FACILITIES"# said map being labeled

ZMMZT GAN, attached beretc, and by reference incorporated

in and made a part hereof# (for a foo, if any be charged.

to be agreed upon by the parties' respective resident

representative). Department further agrees that it will

provide such passenqer beat transportation to and from
-Sapelo Island and the mainland an Saturday* as may be

necessary in connection with public education program

of eith the Department or the Regents or both, subject

to the availability of a boat and crew.

Department heLreby further agrees that it will provide

personnel necessary to restrict such passenger boat trans7

portation as hereinabove provided and to oversee and control

visitors to Sapelo Island.

B. Regents covenants and agrees that it will provide
barging service for fue'l, supplies and equipment for both

parties heroto; said barging service to be supplied with
such frequenc-? as 9hill reasonably fulfill the needs of

the parties. (for a fee, if any be charged therefor , to

be agreed upon by the parties' respective resident repro-

sentatives).

C. Regents further agrees that it will permit Department

personnel and visitors authorized by the Department to

travel, on a space-available basis, (for a fee. if any be

charged therefor, to be agreed upon by the parties' res-

pective resident representatives) , on scheduled trips of the
Regents' research boats to and Arom' the mainland and Sapelo

island.

'Page 4 Of 17 Pages

k B-4

D. Department agrees that Regents personnel and other persc

authorized by Regents my utilize the airstrip located

an the southern portion of Sapelo Island (designated as the

sLanding FieldO on WMIBIT W); provided however, that
Regents.and any such persons authorized by Regents shall

first obtain permission and clearance for such use from

the Department's agent or employee in charge of the air-
strip at such times.' Department hereby further agrees

that it will maintain the Landing Field lighting system as

it exists as of the effective date hereof; provided how-

ever* said'abligation to maintain shall not obligate the

Department to install a now or replacement lighting system.

IX. MAIL SERVICE. Department covenants and agrees that it

will, during the tam hereof, but only for so long as the

Department shall maintain a contractual agreement with the

United States Postal Service so to do. provide mail service

between the-mainland of McIntosh County and the Sapelo

Island Post Office (said Post Office being designated by the

number 017" an MMIBXT W). Regents agrees that it will,

upon request by the Department. and subject to the availabil

ity of the same ( for a fee. if any be charged therefor,

to be agreed upon by the parties' respective resident repre-

sentatives), provide a boat, without crew, to be utilized

in emergencies occuring in connection with Department's

b provision of mail service.

111. DOCKAGE STORAGE

A. Department hereby expressly agrees and gives its per-

mission to RWgents, for the duration of this agreement. to

dock its boats at the Meridian Dock and the Marsh Landing

Dock; provided however. Regents expressly recognizes and

acknowledges that said docks shall also be utilized through-

out the term hereof by the Department and provided further

Page 5 Of 17 Pages B-5

that the parties agree that Regents' space utilization

at said docks shall not be less than Regents' level of

utilization as of the effective date hereof. Notwithstanding

Regents* utilization of such dockage space pursuant hereto.

it hereby expressly agreed by the parties that said

docks shall be maintained in good order and repair at the

sole cost and expense of the Department during the term

hereof.

B. Department hereby agrees and gives its permission to

Regents to utilize and to occupy and possess, exclusively.

during the term hereof that dock known an Boys Camp Dock

(also known as the Long Tabby Dock and designated by

number "70" on EXHIBIT "A"). It in expressly agreed by the

parties that maintenance of said Boys Camp Dock in good

order and repair shall be the responsibility of and shall

be at the sale cost and expense of Regents for the duration

of Regents' possession and occupancy.

C. Department hereby agrees and gives its permission to

Regents to possess and to use and occupy, exclusively,

during the term hereof, the large garage at Meridian

Dock (designated by number "76" on EXHIBIT "A"). It is

expressly agreed by the parties that the maintenance of

.said Meridian Dock large garage in good order and repair

shall be the sole responsibility and shall be at the sole

cost and expense of Regents for the duration Regents'

possession and occupancy thereof.

D. Department hereby agrees and gives its permission to

Regents to possess and to use and occupy, exclusively,

during the term hereof. that dock known as Ashantilly Dock

(designated by the number "74" on EXHIBIT "A"). It is ex-

pressly agreed by the parties that maintenance of said

Page 6 Of 17 Pages

B-6

Ashantilly Dock in good order and repair shall be the

responsibility of and shall be at the sole cost and

expense of Regents for the duration of Regents' possession

and occupancy thereof.

a. Department hereby further agrees that it will permit

Regents to use and occupy storage areas within buildings

and other facilities in the custody of the Department and

located outside of the premises leased to Regents under the
Lease Agreement specifically including but not limited to

the Airport Hangar (designated by the number 0130 on

EXHIBIT "A") .

The parties hereby agree that arrangements

for such storage space, including but not necessarily

limited to, the location(s), the period(s) of occupancy,

the materials and/or equipment to be stored, the exclusivity

or non-exclusivity of such occupancy and security measures.

if any, shall be such as shall be mutually agreeable to the

parties* respective resident representatives.

P. Department hereby further agrees that it will permit

Regents to utilize the parking areas adjacent to the

Meridian.Dock and the Marsh Landing Dock; the details of

such usage to be such as shall be mutually.agreeable to the

Parties' respective resident representatives.

M RESMENCE FACILITIES. Department and Regents hereby

acknowledge and agree that. as of the date hereof, there are, or

may be Regents personnel possessing, using and occupying the

following residences and related facilities, to-wit:

(1) that residence and dock known as Ashantilly and

Ashantilly DocV, respectively, (and designated by numbers

01" and 074", respectively, on EXHIBIT "A" hereof), together

with all related facilities;

B-7

Page 7 Of 17 Pages

(2) that residence and outbuilding known as the Airport

Residence and the Airport Residence rsaraqe and Utility

Building, respectively, (and designated by numbers all-

and 4220, respectively, an said EMIBZT "Ao)l and

Department hereby covenants and agrees with Regents that

it vill permit such personnel of Regents. who are. as of the

effective date hereof, possessing. using and occupying said herein

above specified residences and related facilities to continue

tc;passess. and use and occupy said residences and related facil-

Lties. At such time as said Regents personnel shall vacate - .

said residence(s) and related facilities the absolute possession,

custody and cot trol of said residenc*(s) and related facilities

shall be in the Department. Provided, however, that it 13

*Wessly understood and agreed that such vacation of the resi-

dances and related facilities may not occur -simultaneously for

all of said Regents personnel and provided further that it is

i mutually understood and agreed between the parties that the

P-Department may, at any time following the vacation of any of said

residences and related facilities by the Regents personnel occupy

inq said residence(s) and related facilities as of the effective

date hereof, pursuant to this agreement. permit such residence(s

and related facilities to be possessed, used and occupied by oth.

personnel of Regents upon such terms and conditions as shall be

mutually agreeable to the parties' respective resident managers.
The parties do hereby furt@er agree that durinq the period of an-

occupancy of said residences and facilities by Regents personnel

they shall be maintained in good order and repair at the-sole

cost and expense of Regents.

V. SANITATION SERVICES. Department covenants and agrees

that it will at all times during the term hereof provide and

maintain a site for a sanitary land fill to be utilized by the

B-8

Department and by Regents (in connection with both the premises

1"sed to Regents under the Lease Agreement and the real property

and facilities used and occupied by Regents pursuant hereto).

fte term of such mutual usage by the parties of said sanitary

land fill, as well as the collection of trash and garbage and any

0 other related sanitation services shall be such as shall be

parties' respective resident represen-
mutually agreeable to the

tatives.

VX. MUXPMELVT SHARnW. It is understood and agreed by

and between the parties hereto that-"Ch my permit the other to

use# an a temporary basis, equipment and/or vehicles such as

b road graders, bulldozers, et cetera, in order to facilitate

either party in its respective operations an Sapalo Island.

The lending of any such equipment shall be on such terms an-'

conditions asshall be mutually agreeable to the parties'
res7pective resident managers.

VIX. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES OF REGENTS.

A. It is hereby acknowledged and agreed by the Department

and Regents-that personnel of Regents are. as of the date of

this agreement, and may be, an of the effective date hereof,

conducting scientific research and educational activities

at sites on Sapelo island located outside of the boundaries

of the premises described in the Lease Agreement, which

sites are an of the date hereof, or will be, as of the

effective date hereof, under the custody, control and

management of the Department. It is further acknowledged,

understood and agreed by and between the Departiient and
P Regents that, during the term of the Lease Agreement,
Regents may,. in its reasonable-judgment, determine that.

Page 9 Of 17 Pages

B-9

for certain scientific research projects or educational

activities there are no suitable sites located on the

leased promises or that there my be sites more suitable

than those located on the leased promises. Department

therefore hereby covenants and agrees that it will permit

Regents personnel to continue to use and occupy the sites

within Department's custody, control and management upon

which scientific research activities or educational

activities are being conducted by Reqqnts personnel as of

the effective date hereof. until such -activities are

concluded. Department further hereby consents and agrees

that Regents personnel shall have; at all times during

the term hereof. the right of ingress*and egresr-to and

from the leased premises over the lands within the Depart-

ment's custody, control and management for purposes of loca-

ting suitable sites for the conduct of particular scientific

research and educational activities and upon its prior

written consent, Regents may utilize such sites for such

periods as may be necessary to complete the scientific

tosearch there undertaken.- It in the understanding of the

parties and the intent of the Department that such consent

shall not be unreisonably withheld, provided that Regents

shall fully and accurately describe the nature and- extent

of the scientific research and/or educational activities

to be undertaken, any special needs of Regents in connection

therewith. e.g. security, equipment, access, etcetera,

and shall identify'-the location of the site selected in a.
written request to the Department for said site. and provided

further that such activity shall not be inconsistent with

the obligations which the Department has or may have under

federal grant cenditions, or with the Department's general

game and fish management obligations by law imposed upon

Pngn 10 Of 17 Pages B-10

the Depart-Msnt with respect to the lands upon which

such sites shall be located. Requests by Regentro for such

site or sites shall be sent bi United States Certified

or Registered Mail and addressed to the Commissioner of the

Department of Natural Resources, Room 815, Trinity-wash-

ington Building, 270 Iftshington Street, S-We, Atlanta,
G*orgia, 30334(or io such other address an the commissioner

of the Department of Natural Resources may hereafter desig-
nate in writing to ihe Regents' resident representatives).

with a copy of each such request addressed to the Department'

resident representative at his address as hereinafter set

forth. Requests for such site or sites shall be sent no

later 0- 30 days in advance of Regents' need therefor

and Department hereby agrees to act upon any such request

L within said 30 day period.
B. Department hereby covenants and'agrees that it will

k take such action and measures as shall be reasonably

necessary to provide and maintain security for the sites

upon which Regents is conducting such scientific research

projects and/or educational activities.

C. In order to enable Department to fulfill its obligations

pursuant to subparagraph B. above, to provide and maintain

security for Regents' scientific research and educational

activities, sites, Regents hereby covenants and agrees that

it will, within 30 days of the effective date hereof, and

an or about the anniversary thereof each year during the

term of this agreement, submit to the Department a list of-L
Regents' scientific researich and educational activities

being conducted at sites outside the leased premises; said

Page 11 Of 17 Pages

B-11

list to briefly describe said projects and activities and

to identify (by location) the sites th4reof - This paragraph

in not intended, nor shall the $am* be in any way construed,

to limit or otherwise to modify the provisions of subpara-

grapb Aof this paragraph VIZ.

D. The parties hereto agree that they will, during the term

hereof. furnish to each other copies of studies or reports

prepared by the parties concerninq scientific and/or

educational objectives or accomplishments within their

respective areas of interest on Sapelo Island; provided

hot,inver that the agreement herein contained shall be subject

to requirements imposed an either party by patent or copy-

right agreements, including but not limited to agreements

with the federal government concerning patents or copy-

rights an inventions and materials resulting from federally

funded research.

VIII. INSURANCE. It is hereby understood and agreed between

the parties that, notwithstanding the use and occupancy by

Regents of buildings and facilities under the custody and control

of the Department. fire and extended casualty insurance coverage

for said buildings and facilities shall be maintained by the

Department at the cost and expense of the Department. Provided

however. Regents co venants and agrees that no use.shall be made

of the buildings and facilities nor act done upon the premises

which would cause a cancellation of such insurance and Regents

further agrees not to keep or permit to be kept in, on, or about

said buildings and factlities,. any article or articles which may

be prohibited by standard form fire insurance policies. In.:the

event of the damage or destruction. by fire or other casualty,

of any of the facilities used and occupied by Regents pursuant

hereto, whether such%use be exclusive or non-exclusive the

Department shall have no obligation to Regents under this agree-

ment to rebuild, restore or replace any such facility; provided
B-12

Page 12 Of 17 Pages

however, that if the Department shall elect to rebuild, restore

or replace a facility theretofore jointly used and occupied by

Regents and the Department, Department agrees that it will permit

Regents to use and occupy such rebuilt# restored or replacement

facility to the extent (relative to Department's previous

we) as Regents used and occupied this damaged or destroyed

facility immediately prior to such damaaage or destruction.

IX. NO ESTATE OR INTEREST CONVEYED. Notwithstanding the

use, possession and occupancy by the Regents of certain buildings

and other facilities pursuant hereto, it is expressly recognized

and acknowledged by the parties that no estate or other interest

whatsoever in said buildings and other facilities or the real

property upon which the same are located shall pass to the

Regents hereunder nor is this agreement in any way intended nor

should it be construed to be or constitute a conveyance of any

estate or interest whatsoever in said buildings, facilities

and/or real property;

X. LEASE AGREEMENT SUPERCEDES. it is hereby acknowledged

and agreed between the parties that this agreement is entered into

for-the purposes of establishing an operating framework for the

mutual occupancy by the parties of the South End Properties,

together with the northern portion of Sapelo Island, Georgia

and thereby to supplement the terms of the Lease Agreement. How-

ever, it in further recognized and agreed between the pa rties

hereto that this agreement is in all respects subject to the

Lease Agreement and that to the extent of any conflict between

the provisions of qihis agreement and terms of the Lease Agreement.

the terms of thH Lease Agreement shall prevail.

XI. ARBITRATION. Whenever during the term hereof, a dis-

agreement or dispute shall arise between the parties arising out

Page 13 Of 17 Pages
B-13

of or in connection with this agreement concerning the existanceo

ii construction, validity, interpretation or meaning, performance,

non-1performance, enforcement, operation, breach, continuance or

termination hereof, which disagreement or dispute the parties$

respective -rem Ldent . representatives, after good faith negotiations

have been unable to resolve, the parties' respective resident

representatives shall submit said disagreement or dispute in

writing to the President of the University of Georgia and to the

Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources. In the

event that said named individuals are un Is, after good faith

negotiations for a period of 30 days, to resolve such disagree-

ment or dispute. either of said individuals may. by notice in

0 writing to the other submit such disagreement or dispute to the

Governor of the State of Georgia, who shall act an arbiter and

whose findings and conclusion the parties hereto agree shall

i. be final and binding upon the parties.

XII. RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVES. Department and Regents

each hereby authorize and appoint the following named individuals

as their respective resident representatives to carry out the

responsibilities herein specifically delegateA to them:

REGENTS: Resident Manager
Marine Institute
Sapelo Island, Georgia 31327

DEPAR TMENT: Regional Supervisor
Game and Fish Division
Department of Natural Resources
Sapelo Island, Georgia 31327

Either party may, by notice in writing to the hereinabove
named re.sident repreisentatLve of the other party. des-ignate a
new resAent representative and/or a di -fferent address for said

I resident representative. It is the intent of the parties here-

under that said resident representatives shall cooperate with ea.

Page 14 Of 17 Pages
B- 14

other and work together in attempting to coordinate the mutual

occupancy by th parties of Sapelo, Island. Georgia and their

respective activities thereon.

XIII. TERM. This agree,emt shall be for a term of fifty

(50) years commencing an the effective date hereof and of the

Lease Agreement and running concurrently with the term of the

Lease Agreement; termination of the Lease Agreement at any time

during the term thereof shall automatically and without any

further action an the part of the parties hereto cause and affect

a termination of this aggeement.

XIV. EFFECTOVE DATE. The effective date of the agreement,

if any there by, shall be the second calendar day following (and

not including) the day upon which the State of. Georgia acting by

and through the Department, accepts delivery of a warranty deed

or warranty deeds, to the South End Properties. said second

calendar day (i.e., the effective date hereof) also being the

effective date of -the Lease Agreement. Notice of the effective

date hereof shall be given by the State of Georgia Department

of Law to the parties hereto.

XV. TERMINATION. Upon termination of this agreement

(pursuant to the provisions of paragraph XIII hereinabove).

Regents shall forthwith vacate any of the buildings and/or

other facilities located on the South End Properties or any other

area of Greater Sapelo island, outside the boundaries of the

leased permises, removing all of Regents' personnel and personal

property therefrom. Department shall have no obligation to

Regents or its personnel for any such personal property not

removed within 90 days of the date qof such termination.

XVI ASSIGNMENT. Except by operation of law, neither

the Department nor Regents shall have the right to transfer or

to assign this agreement or any interest herein. or right or

privilege appurtenant hereto, unless the prior written consent

Page I5 Of 17 Pages B- 15

of the non-assigning party shall first have been hid and obtained;

iany assignment or trwafer without such consent shall be void.

mi. AmrchL mzmnn. At least once annually, on or about

the anniversary of the effective date hereof, the parties'

respective resident representatives shall 'Met to discuss the

working relationships of the parties, housing, maintenance

scheduled and other topics of joint interest. Recommendations.

if any. to the governing authorities of the parties concerning

modifications or amendments of this agreemgnt, shall be made at

said annual meting.

XVIIX MITIRE AGREEKENT. Except to the extent that the

subject matter of this agreement my. also be the subject of

othe Lease Agreement. this agreement constitutes the full, comp-

lots and entire agreement between the Department and Regent!,, no

@gent, employer, officer or representative of the Department or

hof Regents has authority to make or has made. any statement,

agreement, representation or contemporaneous agreement. oral

or written, in connection herewith modifying, adding to, or

changing the covenants, agreement, provisions, duties, obligations,

term and conditions of this agreement. This agreement may be

modified or amended by the parties hereto, but only by a writing

signed by both the Department and the Regents, attached to this

agreement# incorporated in and by reference made a part hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES.

and the BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA,

each by their proper officers duly authorized thereunto so to do,

have caused these pVesents to be signed, sealed and delivered,

air on the day. month and year. first above written.

Page 16 Of 17 Pages

B-16

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Signed, sealed and delivered BY:
in the presence of (as to the JOE D. TANNER, Commissioner
signature of Joe D. Tanner, in charge of the Department
Commissioner: of Natural Resources

WITNESS

6qlqe-7-q1 A
NOTARY PUBLIC

My Commission Expires:

(NOTARY SEAL)

BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY
SYSTEM OF GEORGIA

Signed, sealed and delivered BY:
in the presence of (as to the JOHN W. HOOPER, Vice-Chancello
signatures of both John W. Board of Regents of the
Hooper and Joe B. Lawley): University System of Georgia

A
WITNESS ATTEST:
JOE B. LAWLEY, Assistant
Executive Secretary, Board
of Regents of the q44q=q:4q@2q@ 4ql2qe0q@q- re q:
NOTARY PUBLIC
University System of
My Commission Expires: Georgia

(SEAL)

(NOTARY SEAL

[The map labeled Exhibit "A", attached

hereto and by reference incorporated in

and made a part hereof, does not bear

a Page Number.)

Page 17 Of 17 Pages
B-17

Appendix C:

Grant Award Agreement for SINERR

Land Acquisition

SPECIAL AWARD CONDITIONS FOR THE SAPELO ISLAND NATIONAL
ESTUARINE SANCTUARY (GrAnt Award #04-5-158-12001)

Programmatic Conditions

a. Description of the Sanctuary

The Sapelo Island National Estuarine Sanctuary (the Sanctuary) shall
consist of so much of Sapelo Island, McIntosh County, Georgia, as is
indicated by the diagonally hatched area, on the attached map, designated
Appendix A and made a part of the grant award.

As a separate project, the Sapelo Island Natural Area, hereafter
called the "Natural Area", to be concurrently established with assistance
from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, is also shown on Appendix A.

b. Sanctuary Management Procedures

(1) Sanctuary Management Official - The Department of Natural Resourc es
will be responsible for management of the sanctuary, in accordance with the
Management Objectives and Statement of Uses hereinafter set forth. That
agency will in turn designate a Resident Manager. Management procedures
will be worked out through an Inter-agency Agreement between the Office of
Planning and Budget (OPB), Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Board
of Regents of the University System of Georgia (the Regents).

(2) Appeal Procedure - Any individual or organization which is concerned
about possible improper use or restriction of use of the Sanctuary may petition
DNR first, then OPB second, then the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management (U. S. Department of Commerce) thirdl:.,, for review of any alleged
improper use or restriction.

(3) Sanctuary Policies and Administration - The Resident Manager shall
be responsible for day-to-day administration of the policies, plans and
procedures imposed by the Commissioner of DNR. The Commissioner will
establish these plans consistent with policies established by the Board of
Natural Resources and other responsibilities imposed upon DNR by law.

(a) The Department of Natural Resources is responsible to assure
that its management decisions reflect adequate consideration of scientific
data.

(b) Written plans and policies of the Department and rules and
regulations of the Board of Natural Resources shall be reviewed by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in its annual review in order
to assure that Sanctuary policies and administration are consistent with the
management objectives of the Sanctuary.

C. Management Objectives of the Sanctuary

(1) The primary management objective shall be to maintain the integrity
of the Sanctuary for research and educational purposes. and to protect it
from both internal and external sources of stress which may alter or affect
the nature of the ecosystems. The management policy shall be designed to
reduce, minimize or avoid artificial or manipulative management control or
techniques, to promote and protect natural processes and systems, and to
promote and encourage attainment of scientific objectives.

Page C-1

(2) It is recognized by the parties to this Agreement that the Natural
Area shall be managed for overall.DNR objectives, where the objective is tn
preserve the scenic or natural values, including the areas of physical or
biological importance and wildlife areas, in such a manner that it complements
and is compatible with the purposes of the Sanctuary and under such rules and
regulations as the Board of Natural Resources may promulgate. These areas
must be open to the general public for outdoor recreation use to the extent
that the natural attributes of the areas will not be seriously impaired or
lost.

d. Scientific Objectives

The primary scientific objectives of the Sanctuary are:

(1) To enable a better understanding-of estuarine ecosystems. Studies
may include productivity measurements, distribution and life history studies.
of estuarine organisms, energy flow dynamics, modeling, etc., as well as
physical, chemical and hydrographic studies;

(2) To make baseline studies by defining the natural conditions in this
sanctuary, and by monitoring the sanctuary to detect subsequent changes;

(3) To develop policy and management criteria, and to use the Duplin
River estuarine ecosystem as a control with which changes in other estuaries
can be compared as they may undergo development as coastal zone management
programs are implemented; and

(4) To allow any qualified scientist to conduct research, provided that
such research is compatible with (I) other research being conducted in the
Sanctuary, and (ii) the management and other sciQntific objectives of the
Sanctuary as set out above.

e. Statement of Uses

(1) The following uses shall besallowed _n the Sanctuary:

(a) Scientific and archaeological research;
(b) Education and nature interpretation; and
(c) Low intensity recreation, including hunting, fishing,
wildlife observation and esthetic enjoyment.

(2) The following uses,shall be allowed on a restricted basis in the
Sanctuary:

(a) Residential use at the level extant as of the date.of the
grant award, except that there shall be allowed such increase
In residential use as is necessary in connection with the
management of the Island.

(b) Motorized land, water or air vehicles under the regulation
of the Resident Manager.

.(c) The use of pesticides, herbicides, biocides and fertilizers

(i) only in the immediate vicinity of residences for
household purposes; ur

Page C-2

(ii) in an approved research project or program in the
laboratory or controlled field application where the
effects can be circumscribed and/or confidently reversed,
provided that such activities shall be restricted to an.
area of less than one-tenth (1/10th) of one.percent of the
.total-core area; or

(iii) in instances where an imminent threat to the flora
and/or fauna of the Island exists.

(d) Commercial timber harvesting at commercial maturity in the@
area of the existingpine plantation, which area subse@uently
will be managed with the objective of encouraging succession
to.a typical oak forest climax.

(3) The following uses shall be prohibited in the Sanctuary:

(a) Motorized land, water or air vehicles, commercial timber
harvest and prescribed burning, except as any or all of these
are allowed by the Manager pursuant to Sections l(e)(2)(b)
and l(e)(2)(d) above;

(b) Mineral removal;

(d) Dredging, except as, in the opinion of DNR, is n ecessary at
Marsh Landing, in Barn Creek, or in South End Creek, in order
to provide usual and historic access to Sapelo Island, which
opinion shall be based upon careful consideration of scientific
data pertaining to the possible impact of any such dredging on
the Management Objectives of the Sanctuary, and a copy of which
opinion shall be sent to the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management;

(e) The deposit of fill in any marsh or estuary;L

(f) Chemical or pollutant discharge except as permissible under
Georgia water quality laws; and

(g) Other alterations of the natural environment which are inconsistent
with the purposes for which the Sanctuary was established.

(4) A use of any part of the Sanctuary which is not specifically
permitted and which is inconsistent with the purposes for which the Sanctuary
was established is prohibited.

(5) With regard to the land adjoining and contiguous to the landward
boundary of the Sanctuary, which land will be purchased by the State from
the Sapelo Island Research Foundation (SIRF) at the same time at which the
land to be used in the Sanctuary is to be purchased by the State from SIRF,
and/or which boundary appears on Sheet Two of the Plats of,Survey of certain
lands on Sapelo Island, McIntosh County, Georgia, dated April 2, 1976, and
signed by G. P. Underwood, Jr., which land shall be termed the "Natural.Area.",
and is so referred to in the Environmental Assessment portion of Land and
Water Conservation Project Agreement No. 13-00349 submitted to the State by

Page C-3

the Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service of the U. S. Department of
the Interior (HCRS), the State shall manage and maintain such land as pre-
scribed in such Environmental Assessment--incorporated herein by reference--
particularly as set out below. This obligation so to manage and maintain
such land shall run from the State to the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management until such time as, and to the extent that, HCRS implements such
Project Agreement.

The Natural Area, with over one and one-half miles of beach fronting
the Atlantic Ocean, will be a key element in the overall plan for the
conservation and utilization of the natural resources of the island. The
ocean beach, in association with the upland forests. cleared lands, ponds and
sloughs, is ideally suited for a variety of recreation pursuits. To protect
them against abuse and over-exploitation, DNR proposes to carefully regulate
the recreation use of these resources in accordance with the following
guidelines.

(a) The following uses shall be encouraged within the Natural Area:

M Scientific research (including archaeology).

(ii) Education and nature interpretation.

(iii) Low intensity recreation, including, but not limited
to,.hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and esthetic
enjoyment, to the extent that the natural attributes of the
areas will not be seriously impaired or lost, and that the
adjoining sanctuary will not be adversely affected by any
such use.

(iv) Forest and game management in accordance with sound
disciplinary principles, and consistent with the purposes
for which the Natural Area was established, to the extent
that they will not be detrimental to the environment.

(b) The following uses shall be allowed on a restricted basis
within the Natural Area:

M The use of a motorized air, land or water vehicle under
the regulation of the Manager; and

(ii) The use of the ocean beach for public recreational
purposes in a manner consistent with the purposes for which
the Natural Area was established.

(i) Motorized land, water or air vehicle�, except as allowed
under regulation of the Department of Natural Resources.

(ii) Mineral removal inconsistent with purposes for which
the Natural Area was established.

(iii) Control of predators through use of poison, except in
instances where flora and/or fauna of the Island are endangered.

page C-4

(iv) Chemical or-pollutant discharge except as permissible
under Georgia water quality laws.

(v) other alterations of the natural environment which are
inconsistent with the purpose for which the Natural Area
was established.

f. Reports

(1) The State shall report annually on June 30 to the Office of Ocean
and Coastal Resource Management on the management of the Sanctuary. The
report shall describe the uses which have been allowed and allowed on a
restricted basis during the report year, shall assess the degree to which
the major objectives of the Sanctuary have been fulfilled, shall state any
problems which have been encountered in the management of the Sanctuary--and
any steps taken in their regards--and shall make such recommendations and
such commentary as the State deems appropriate.

(2) Representatives of the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management may make such visits to the Sanctuary for purposes of assessing
the effectiveness of its management and making such recommendations with
regard thereto as that Office deems appropriate.

(3) The State shall procure copies of any study or report reflectirg
.scientific endeavor in the Sanctuary, and shall provide a copy of such stue@y
or report to the Office of Ocean and-Coastal Resource Management and make
copies available to the public.

g. Hunting Camps

The hunting camp presently located in the Sanctuary will be moved if an
acceptable site can be,found. This site must be mutually agreeable to both
the State of Georgia and the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management.
If no acceptable site can be found, use of the present camp will be restricted
to managed quota hunts for the minimum number of days necessary to achieve
sound game management. Until and if the hunting camp is moved, the present
camp will be operated under the above conditions. No additional camps of any
kind will be located inside the Sanctuary.

h. Monitoring

Uses of the San-tuary and related land and water shall be monitored for
their possible or ac,-al impact on the existing estuarine ecosystem and
resources. The basic monitoring program shall include measurements and samples
of water quality, hydrographic and biological parameters taken at appropriate
and regular intervals.

i. Amendments

Any request by OPB, DNR, or the Regents for an amendment to the foregoing
special award conditions shall be given prompt consideration by the Office of
Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, and such request shall not be
unreasonably denied.

page C-5

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Page C-6

Appendix D:

Memorandum of Agreement .

STATEMENT OF AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA
AND
THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
CONCERNING THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE
SAPELO ISLAND NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE

WHEREAS, the State of Georgia has determined that certain
waters and related coastal habitats of Sapelo Island provide
unique opportunities to study natural and human processes
occurring within an estuarine ecosystem; and

WHEREAS., it is the finding of the Department of Natural
Resources that the resources of Sapelo Island and the values they
represent to the citizens of Georgia and the United States
benefit from the management of a portion of the Island as a
National Estuarine Research Reserve; and

WHEREAS, the National oceanic and Atmospheric Administiation
(NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce, has concurred with that
finding and pursuant to its authority under Section 315 of the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 designated a portion of
Sapelo Island as a National Estuarine Sanctuary in December 1976,
which is now known as a National Estuarine Research Reserve; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Natural Resources, Game and Fish
Division, as the agency designated in the Sapelo Island National
Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan (hereinafter "the
Plan") and by the State of Georgia responsible for managing the
Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve, acknowledges
the need and requirement for continuing State-Federal cooperation
in the long-term management of the site in a manner consistent
with the purposes sought through its designation.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants
contained herein it is agreed by and between the Department of
Natural Resources and NOAA, as follows:

ARTICLE I: State-Federal Roles in Reserve Management

A. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Game and Fish
Division, as the principal contact for the State of Georgia
in all matters concerning the Sapelo Island National
Estuarine Research Reserve, will serve to ensure that the
Reserve is managed in a manner consistent with the goals of
the National Estuarine Research Reserve System and the
management objectives of the Plan. Its responsibilities for
Plan implementation will include the following:

Page D-1

1. Use its best efforts to effect and maintain a process
for coordinating and facilitating the roles and
responsibilities of all State and local agencies
involved in the management of the Reserve, including
but not limited to:

a. Enforcement programs regulating water quality,
fish and wildlife habitat protection, sport and
commercial fisheries, and non-consumptive
recreational activities;

b. The on-site administration of facilities,
programs, and tasks related to Reserve management;
and

C. Research and educational agendas developed and
implemented in accordance with corresponding
elements of the proposed Plan;

2. As the State entity designated by the Governor in
matters concerning all financial assistance awards
authorized under Section 315 of the CZMA, apply for,
budget, and allocate such funds as are received for
acquisition and development, operation and management,
and research, monitoring and education;

3. Serve as principal negotiator on issues involving
proposed boundary changes and/or amendments to the
Plan; and

4. Submit annual reports to NOAA on the Reserve,
describing program performance in Plan implementation
and a detailed work program for the following year of
Reserve operations, including budget projections and
research efforts-,

B. Within NOAA, the Marine and Estuarine Management Division
(MEMD), Office of ocean and Coastal Resource Management
(ORCM), will serve to administer the provisions of Section
315 of the CZMA to ensure that the Sapelo Island National
Estuarine Research Reserve is managed in accordance with the
goals of the National Estuarine Reserve Research System and
the Plan. In carrying out its responsibilities, the MEMD
will:

1. Subject to appropriation, provide,financial assistance
to the State for acquisition, development, management
and operation of the Reserve;

Page D-2

Subject to appropriation, provide financial, assistance
for research and monitoring and education programs at
the Reserve in accordance with the provisions of
section 315 of the CZMA;

3. Serve as the point-of-contact for NOAA in discussion
regarding applications for and any financial assistance
received by the State under section 315 of the CZMA,
including any and all performance standards, compliance
schedules, or Special Award Conditions deemed
appropriate by NOAA to ensure the timely and proper
execution of the proposed work program;

4. Participate in periodic evaluations scheduled by OCRM
in accordance with Section 312 of the CZMA to measure
the State's performance in Plan implementation and its
compliance with the terms and conditions prescribed in
financial assistance awards granted by NOAA for the
purposes of the Reserve; and

5. Esta'blish an information exchange networ k cataloging
all,available research data and educational material
developed on each site included within the national
system of estuarine research reserves.

ARTICLE II: Disposal of Real Property. Real property must be
used for the authorized purpose of the original grant as
long as needed. When no longer needed for the original
grant purpose, the State may seek approval from NOAA, which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, for the use of
.real property in other Federal Aid projects or in programs
that have purposes consistent with these grants. When real
property purchased in part with NOAA funds is no longer
needed, and if prior approval by NOAA has been obtained, the
State may eliminate the Federal interest by compensating the
program for its fair share of the property or sell the
property and compensate NOAA as described in Subpart C of
Circular A-102. The Federal share is the amount computed by
applying the percentage of the Federal participation in the
total original cost of the project to the current fair
market value of the property. Further guidelines are
provided in Attachment N of Circular A-102.

ARTICLE III: Program Evaluation

A. During the period that Federal financial assistance is
available for Reserve operations and management, OCRM will
schedule, pursuant to 15 CFR 921.34, periodic evaluations of
the State's performance in meeting the conditions of such
awards and progress in implementing the Plan and the
provisions of this Agreement.

Page D-3

B. In accordance with Section 315 of the CZMA, OCRM will
evaluate, pursuant to Section 312 of the CZMA and the
corresponding provisions of 15 CFR 921, the Department of
Natural Resources, Game and Fish Division's performance in
implementing the Plan and strategy committing the State to
the long-term management of the Sapelo Island National
Estuarine Research Reserve.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement
to be executed.

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC STATE OF GEORGIA
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
/ILA
BY: Timothif R. E. K7eeney BY: Ace D. Tanner
Director -commissioner
Office of Ocean and Coastal
Resource Management

.Page D-4

Appendix E:

Members of SINERR Advisory Committee

and Task Forces

SAPELO ISLAND NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE--BACKGROUND

The people listed on the following pages serve on the SINERR Advisory
Committee appointed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The
members represent various professional disciplines and public-interest groups.
The Committee will advise DNR regarding the operation, management,
maintenance, conservation and interpretation of the National Estuarine Research
Reserve. The Committee's balance of interests and expertise ensures
appropriate input into the State's operation of the Research Reserve.

To manage the SINERR effectively, DNR and the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration must fulfill their appropriate roles. DNR and NOAA
officials serve as ex officio members of the Advisory Committee, because DNR
manages the islanil-aiid -the Federal government has certain oversight
responsibilities for activities occurring within the Reserve. These agencies
have the following roles:

DNR implements and operates programs designed to interpret,
manage, conserve and maintain the natural and cultural resources
of Sapelo Island in a manner consistent with applicable State and
Federal laws, guidelines, grant conditions, and sound principles of
resource management.

NOAA provides financial and technical support to the State of
Georgia, to fulfill the purpose and objectives under which the
SINERR was designated. NOAA also evaluates programs and
activities to ensure that the SINERR continues to be operated and
maintained consistently with the SINERR management plan and with
the policies and guidelines of NOAA's National Estuarine Reserve
Research Program.

Page E-1

SAPELO ISLAND NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE
ADVISORY CONMITTEE-MEMBERSHIEP

Dr. Vernon J. Henry, Chairman, Department of Geology
Georgia State University

Dr. Forest E. Kellogg, III, Research Associate
Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study

Dr. Joe L. Key, Vice President for Research
University of Georgia

Honorable David Earl Lane, Chairman
Board of Commissioners, McIntosh County

Dr. Benjamin F. Lewis, Founder and Member
Hog Hammock Community Foundation

Mr. Jerry McCollum, Executive Director
Georgia Wildlife Federation

Ms. Kathleen Varnell, Secondary Schools Science Consultant
Georgia Department of Education

Mrs. Jane Yarn, Conservationist and Citizen Member

Leon Kirkland, Director of DNR's Game and Fish Division, serves as
liaison among DNR, NOAA, USFWS and the Advisory Committee. Mr. Kirkland
has full responsibility and authority for addressing the issues and
recommendations identified by NOAA and for ensuring DNR compliance with the
SINERR Management Plan.

Page E-2

SAPELO ISLAND NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE--BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Dr. Vernon J.

Dr. Henry is Chairman of the Department of Geology at Georgia State
University. He has served as a member of the Coastal Marshlands Protection
Committee and the Shore Assistance Committee. He has been Director of the
Marine Institute at Sapelo Island and Coordinator of the University of Georgia's
marine geology program at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography.
Dr. Henry recently chaired the Tybee Island Technical Task Force on a
major beach renourishment project and currently heads a DNR Advisory
Committee studying the possible use of materials dredged from harbors to
renourish three coastal islands in Glynn County. He is widely respected for his
knowledge of environmental science and the dynamics of coastal sand-sharing
systems along Georgia's coast.

Dr. Forest E. Kellogg, III

Dr. Kellogg is Research Associate for the Southeastern Cooperative
Wildlife Disease Study at the University of Georgia and co-staff with the UGA
School of Forest Resources. He has served as a member of the faculty since
1969. He holds an undergraduate degree in forestry, a Master of Science
degree in wildlife management and a Doctorate in parasitology.
Dr. Kellogg has earned wide recognition for his efforts to acquire and
protect lands for wildlife and forest management purposes throughout the
Southeast. He is considered to be one of the top professionals in the country
on forest-resource management. His expertise is especially useful in decisions
regarding forest management on Sapelo Island.

Dr. Joe L. K

As Vice President for Research at the University of Georgia, Dr. Key
administers research activities at the University. The Marine Institute at
Sapelo Island is one of his responsibilities. Dr. Key came to the University
since 1969. Before that, he served as professor of biology and botany at
Purdue University. He has conducted symposia and lectured throughout the
U.S. and overseas.
Dr. Key has secured many research grants from organizations such as
the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and
the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). He has also served as Executive Vice
President for Agrigenetics Corporation in Boulder, Colorado.
Dr. Key's research in botany is supported by grants and contracts with
DOE, NIH, and Agrigenetics, totalling $2.28. million for the period 1982-87. He
has a worldwide scientific reputa tion in plant cellular and molecular biology in
the areas of heat shock and auxin-regulated gene expression in plants.

David Earl Igne

Mr. Lane has served as Chairman of the McIntosh County Board of
Commissioners since 1985. He was originally elected to the Commission in 1979.
As Chairman and Commissioner-At-Large, Mr. Lane is responsible for McIntosh
County governmental operations, including the representation of private
citizens who live in the Hog Hammock Community on Sapelo Island.

Page E-3

Dr. Benjamin F. Lewis

Dr. Lewis was born on Sapelo Island. He owns a home and spends much
of his time in the Hog Hammock Community. He is the founder and a member of
the Hog Hammock Community Foundation, an organization of residents. They
created the Foundation in 1975 to stabilize the community and to encourage
enough economic development to help support the community.
Dr. Lewis retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 30 years of service.
His final post was as Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Coordinator for the
Atlanta Region. He had also served as acting EEO Specialist for the U.S.
Postal Service Headquarters in Washington, D.C. After retirement, he spent 11
years as Director of Development for Savannah State College. At present, Dr.
Lewis devotes most of his time to serving the needs of and seeking solutions to
problems confronting the residents of the Hog Hammock Community.

Mr. Jerry McCollum

Mr. McCollum is Executive Director of the Georgia Wildlife Federation
(GWF). At more than seven. thousand members, the GWF is Georgia's largest
organization of hunters and fishermen. Mr. McCollum worked for DNR's Game
and Fish Division from 1975 to 1987. During this time, he served as senior
wildlife biologist at Ossabaw Island--the senior DNR employee responsible for
on-site management of that barrier island. He is intimately familiar with coastal
barrier island environments and natural processes. He holds bachelor's and
master's degrees in,biology. His knowledge and expertise on wildlife issues will
be extremely valuable to the management of the SINERR.

Ms. Kathleen Varnell

Ms. Varnell has been an educator for 16 years. She has 12 years'
classroom teaching experience in high schools in Dougherty County. She also
directed a science and math program for a middle school for three years. As
Secondary Schools Science Consultant for the Georgia Department of Education,
she is provides consultative services to all high schools and school systems in
Georgia, regarding science instruction. She holds a bachelor's degree in
biology and a ma ter's degree in science education.

Mrs. Jane Yarn

Mrs. Yarn was a member of the U. S. Council on Environmental Quality
(CEQ) during the Carter administration. She founded and directed Save
America's Vital Environment, one of Georgia's foremost environmental legislative
lobbying groups. She was one of the leading lobbyists for passage of Georgia's
Coastal Marshlands Protection Act of 1970.
Mrs. Yarn played a central role in acquiring two Georgia coastal islands
(Egg and Wolf) for inclusion into the National Wildlife Refuge System. She was
also instrumental in negotiating for State acquisition of Ossabaw Island. Mrs.
Yarn has been a leading member of the Georgia Conservancy, a Trustee of The
Nature Conservancy, and Chair of the Georgia Heritage Trust Commi sion. She
presently serves on the Governor's Growth Strategy Commission. She is one of
Georgia's best known and respected conservationists.

Page E-4

MEMBERSHIP OF SINERR TASK FORCES

Research and Monitoring Task Force

CHAIR:
Dr. Jim Alberts, Director Todd Holbrook, Assistant Chief
University of Georgia Game Management Section
Marine Institute DNR--Game and Fish Division
Sapelo Island Atlanta

Marshall Gaddis, Program Manager Dr. Lewis Larson
Water Quality Management Program State Archaeologist
DNR - -Environmental Protection Department of Sociology and
Division Anthropology
Atlanta West Georgia College
Carrollton

Dr. Elizabeth Gordon Dr. Stuart Stevens
Department of Geology Shellfish Program Manager
University of Georgia DNR--Coastal Resources Division
Athens Brunswick

Noel Holcomb, SINERR Manager
DNR--Game and Fish Division
Sapelo Island

Task Force on Education and Interpretation

Ruth Gebel, Curator of Exhibits Lisa Reynolds Hammett, Executive
Scripps Aquarium Director
La Jolla, California Madison/Morgan County Cultural
Center
Madison

Dr. Jay Calkins, Director Dewey Hulsey, Principal
Marine Extension Service Claxton High School
Skidaway Institute Claxton
of Oceanography
Savannah

Dr. James Claiborne Handy Johnson, Landscape
Department of Biology Architect
Georgia Southern College DNR--Parks and Historic Sites
Statesboro Atlanta

Bill Eswine, Chairman Ken Riddleberger, Coordinator
Department of Biology Project WILD
Savannah Country Day School DNR--Game and Fish Division
Savannah Social Circle

Noel Holcomb, SINERR Manager Dr. Susan Walraven
DNR--Game and Fish Division McIntosh County Board of
Sapelo Island Education
Darien

Page E-5

Appendix F:

Agreement between DNR and McIntosh County

Chamber of Commerce

TICKET SALES AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT. made and entered into this 7th day

of September, 1984, by and between the DEPARTMENT OF

NATURAL RESOURCES of the State of Georgia, hereinafter

"DNR", and McINTOSH COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, herinafter

the "Chamber",

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, DNR desires to promote and provide tours

and managed deer hunts on Sapelo tsland; and

WHEREAS, DNR operates a ferry service to Sapelo

Island; and

WHEREAS, the Chamber has the purpose and desire to

promote tourism and visitors to McIntosh County and believes

the promotion and provision of tours and managed deer hunts

on Sapelo Island will accomplish same.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the

mutual benefits flowing to each as hereinafter appear, DNR

and the Chamber agree as follows:

1. The term of this agreement shall be from two (2) weeks

after the day and year first above written until June 30,

1985. The parties may, by mutual written consent, agree to

extend this agreement on a yearly (July 1 to June 30) basis

provided such consent is given by both parties prior to

June 15th each expiring term.

2. The Chamber shall:

A. Act as ticket agent for DNR's ferry service to

Sapelo Island by providing the physical facilities and staff

to accumplish the responsibilities imposed by this paragraph 2.

B. Take calls from the public and schedule boat

passengers on DNR's ferry service for participation in

DNR's Sapelo Island Sanctuary Tour program and managed deer

hunts.

Page F-1

C. Provide and staff an office open for the

selling of tickets to the public on all week days from

7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8.00 a.m. to

12: 00 noon. -

D. Sell, in consecutive order. pre-numbered

tickets at the rate of five dollars ($5.00) per ticket;

provided, however, this rate may be changed by fifteen (15)

days written notice from the Commissioner of DNR to the

Chamber.

F. Retain one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) for

each ticket sold.

F. Account for all ticket sales and transmit all

monies received (less the $1.50 per ticket to lie retained by

the Chamber) to DNR in a monthly report to be delivered to

DNR no later than thetenth day following the last day of

each month of the term of this Agreement. Said report shall

be filed with the Department of Natural Resources, Cash

Management, 270 Washington Street. S.W., Room 802, Atlanta,

Georgia 30334.

C. Maintain and make available accurate records

of all. ticket sales for inspection by DNR representatives or

the State Auditor during all normal business hours.

H. Assume full responsibility for all tickets

issued to it by DNR under this Agreement and make full payment

for any tickets that cannot be accounted for to the sole

satisfaction of DNR.

I. Handle refunds on behalf of DNR which refunds

..hall he given only if DNR is unable to provide. transportation

on the day scheduled.

J. Handle ticketing for any special group tours

arranged DNR.
K. Sell only such a number of tickets as to not

exceed the ferry's hauling capacity as determined solely by

Page F-2

-3-

3. DNR shall:

A.. Provide to the Chamber a monthly schedule of

tours, or hunts. Sched ules may be provided or changed by

telephone or written notice from the DNR Tour Guide or

Coastal Region supervisor.
B. Provide ferry service to and from Sapelo Island.

C. Provide the Chamber with consecutive pre-numbered

tickets for the ferry service.

D. Review and submit in writing to the Chamber any
objections to the monthly account and report provided by the

Chamber pursuant to subparagraph 2F by the ninetieth (90th) day

following Life filing of the account and report.

E. Provide the Chamber with notice of any special

group tours arranged by DNR which are to be ticketed by

the Chamber pursuant to subparagraph 2J.

F. Provide the Chamber by telephone or written

notice from the DNR Sapelo Island Tour Guide or Coastal
Region Supervisor with the hauling capacity of the ferry
which may fluctuate in the sole discretion of DNR due to

other passenger and freight obligations of DNR.
4. Any ticket sold will be good only for the day of the

scheduled trip.

5. The Chamber convenants that it presently has no

interest nor shall. acquire any interest, direct or indirect,
which would conflict in any-manner with the performance of

it under this Agreement.

6. This Agreement and any proceeds Of this Agreement

may not be. assigned, nor may the performance thereunder be

assigned, except with the prior written consent of the

Commissioner of DNR.

7. If the Chamber is a nonprofit contractor as defined

in O.C.G.A. 5 50-20-2, then the Chamber agrees to comply with

the provisions of O.C.G.A. 55 50-20-1 through 50-20-3 and with

particular the reguicoments of 0.C.G.A. � 50-20-3, anJ With

such further instructions as the State of Georgia may

subsequently require in the implementation of said provisions.

8. The parties of this Agreement certify that the
provisions of prohibiting, full. and part-time oppointive

page F-3

-4-

officials and employees of the State from engaging in certain
transactions affeqting the State contained in O.C.C.A.
SS 45-10-20 through 45-10-28 have not and will not be

vi"JaLvd in any respect in regard to this Agreement.
9. The failure of DNR at any time to require performance
by the Chamber of any provision hereof shall in no way affect

the right of DNK thereafter to enforce that same provision or

any part of the Agreement, nor shall the failure of DNR to

enforce any breach of any provision hereof be taken or held

to be a waiver of such provision, or as a waiver, modification

or rescission of the Agreement itself.

10. This Agreement and rights, privileges and
responsibilities shall be interpreted and construed according

to the laws of the State of Georgia.
11. This Agreement represents the sole and comple @e
understanding of the terms of this Agreement between the
parties hereto and may be amended, changed or modified only

by a written document signed by the parties hereto.
12'. All notices. except as specifically provided

otherwise in this Agreement, which shall include statements,

demands. requests, conFients, approvals. terminations and

authorizations, given by either party or its designated

representative to the other shall be in writing and sent

by United States Certified Mail, postage prepaid. to the

party to be notified at such party's address as J.9 set forth

below. The t;ender of such notice shall require the United

Stater Postal Service 'to "Show to whom, date and address of

delivery" of said notice. The day upon which any such

notice is so-mailed shall be treated aa the date of service.

Lither party nkily frum time to time by notice to the other

designate a different address to which notices shall be

sent:

DIft: Director, Game and Fish Division
270 Washington Street, S.W., Room 710
Atlanta. Georgia 30334

Chamber: McIntosh County Chamber of Commerct:
Post Office Box 734
Darien, Georgia 31305

Page F-4

13. This agreement-is executed in two (2) counterparts,
each of which is deemed an original of equal dignity with

the other and which is deemed one and the same instrument

as the other.

14. Either party may terminate this Agreement by sixty
(60) days written notice to the other party.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF. the parties-have hereunto set
their hands and affixed the ir seals the day and year first

above written.

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
State of GeorgiA
By
J. Leonard Ledbetter

commissioner

(Department Seal Affixed Here)

McINTOSH COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BY
name

Chairman, McIntosh County Chamber
of Commerce

Attest:
Title

(Chamber Seal Affixed iffixed here)

MCINTOSH COUNTY
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
DARTEN, GEORGIA 31305

Page F-5

State of Georgia

County of Fulton.

.Amendment No. 1 to Ticket Sales Agreement

THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered 'into this 2adday of
1985, by and between the Department of Natural Resources,:
State of Georgia, hereinafter '.'DNR," and.the McIntosh County

Chamber of Commerce, hereinafter "Chamber."

WI-TNESSETH:
WHEREAS, by instrument d@ted September 7, 1984, the pa rties

did enter into an agreement whereby the Chamber and DNR would

cooperate in the provision of ticket sales, tours and managed

deer hunts relating to Sapelo Island.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual
lbenefits flowing to each party, the adequacy of which is hereby
acknowledged as sufficient, the parties do mutually agree to

amend their original agreement dated September 7,1984, as

follows:

Paragraph 1. eage 1,.is amended by striking this paragraph
in its entirety and substituting.in lieu thereof the following

language:- A.
"l.. The term of this agreement shall be for a period not
to exceed fifty years from the day and year first
H above written. The parties may terminate any time
within this term subject to the provisions of para-

graph 14 hereof."

Page F-6

-2-

Paragraph 2, subparagraph E and F, are amended by striking
the provisions "one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50)" and "$1.50",
respectively, and substituting in lieu thereof "one dollar and
seventy-five cents ($1.75)" and "$1.75 respectively.

-3-

All of the terms and conditions of the original agreement

shall remain in full force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment

No. 1 to be signed the date and year first above written.

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
State of Georgia

By
J Leonard Ledbetter
commissioner

(Department Seal Affixed Here)

McINTOSH COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

By
)(name)
Chairman, McIntosh-County Chamber
of Commerce

Attest: Mary _________

Title

.(Chamber Seal Affixed Here)
MCINTOSH COUNTY
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
DARIEN, GEORGIA _____

Page F-7

Appendix G:

Goals and Objectives for Research

and Monitoring

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR RESEARCH AND MONITORIIJG

Mission Statement

1. Provide long-term protection to the Sapelo Island National
Estuarine Research Reserve, to Isupport and promote basic and
applied scientific research.

2. Provide researchers and managers with baseline data on
certain physical, chemical and biological parameters
obtained through an onsite monitoring program.

3. Communicate the significant results of research to the
public and to coastal managers and decision-makers, through
a program of information and education.

SINERR Research Program

Goal I: Cultural-resource Research: Assess the cultural
resources within the SINERR.

Obj. A: Assess.the buried archaeological resources.
1. Perform a preliminary (Phase I) archaeological
survey of all unsurveyed upland areas within the
SINERR, including the marsh islands within the
Duplin River.
2. Using Phase I survey data, develop priorities for
Phase II testing and mapping of all sites whose'
significance and physical extent need to be
established.

Obi. B: Assess the submerged archaeological resources.
1. Perform a Phase I archaeological survey of all
accessible submerged areas within the-SINERR.
2. Using Phase I survey data, develop priorities for
Phase II testing and mapping of all sites whose
significance and physical extent need to be
established.

Obj. C: Assess the historic ruins and historic standing
structures, together with their archaeological
components.
1. Using the methodology for systematic field work
prescribed by the Georgia Survey Manual, perform a
basic historic-resources survey of all extant
historic structures and ruins within the SINERR..
2. Evaluate the survey data to determine which
resources meet the criteria for listing on the
National Register of Historic Places.

Page G- 1

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR RESEARCH AND MONITORING

Obj. D: Use the data from the Phase I and Phase II assessments
to manage the cultural resources within the SINERR.
1. Develop strategies for recording, protecting and
interpreting the significant cultural resources
onsite.
2. Formulate specific research problems to address
the management and interpretive needs of the
SINERR.

Goal II: Water Processes: Increase knowledge of the basic
processes involving water movement, water mixing and
natural variations in water parameters within the
SINERR.

Obj. A: Measure the relative contributions which upland runoff
from the SINERR, freshwater exchanges from mainland
rivers, and waters from the open ocean make to the
Duplin River's waters.

Obj. B: Estimate the effects of changes in climate on the
Duplin River's hydrologic cycle.

Obj. C: Determine the effects of seasonal and storm-event
flooding on the marshes within the SINERR.

Obj. D: Determine the relative effects of marimade and natural
disturbances to water flow to the salt marsh.

Obj. E: Quantify.subsurface water movement into and through the
SINERR.

Obj. F: Determine the effect of the natural hydrologic cycle on
water quality, as water floods into and ebbs from the
marsh.

Goal III: Sediment Processes: Increase knowledge of how sediments
are transported and transformed within the SINERR.

Obj. A: Determine current and historical accretion and erosion
trends in the SINERR.

Obi. B: Determine the baseline sediment quality in the SINERR.

Obj. C: Determine the sedimentary processes which affect the
expansion and contraction of salt marshes.

Obj. D: Determine sedimentation dynamics in the SINERR,
including sedimentation rates, effects of natural

Page G- 2

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR RESEARCHAND MONITORING

animal populations, effects of upland utilization, and
effects of human activities within the Duplin River.

Obj. E: Determine the effects of sediments and suspended
particulate matter on biota and biotic processes within
the water column and sediments.

Goal IV: Nutrients and Other Chemical Inputs: Increase knowledge
of@the natural variability of nutrients and other
chemical inputs to the salt marsh, and of the
mechanisms by which the undisturbed salt marsh-within
the SINERR functions.

Obj. A: Determine the fate of synthetic chemicals introduced
into salt marshes.

Obj. B: 'Determine the long-term baseline fluctuations of
nutrients and chemicals, and their response to physical
and biological processes.

Obj. C: Determine the variability of nonpoint source
contributions to undisturbed salt marshes..

Obi. D: Estimate the effects of watershed management practices
on nutrient flows.

Obj. E: Determine natural cycles of nutrients and other
chemicals in undisturbed salt marshes.

Obi. F: Determine the effects on biotic communities of changes
in"nutrient quantities and the introduction of
chemicals from outside the,SINERR.

Obj. G: Determine the effects on water and sediment quality of
nonpoint sources of nutrients, biochemical oxygen
demand, bacteria, metals, and organics.from the SINERR
Upland.

Goal V: Primary and Secondary Production, and Fishery Habitat
Requirements: Improve knowledge of life cycles of
important species which depend upon s@alt-marsh
estuaries, and quantify the importance of the salt
marsh and related upland areas.

Obi. A: Determine the importance of the marsh to estuarine and
coastal fisheries through direct food-web and habitat
interactions.
Obj. B: Determine biotic resources and dynamics in the SINERR,
with emphasis on fisheries and recruitment issues.

Page G- 3

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR RESEARCH AND MONITORING

Obj. C: Determine the extent of coupling and the effect of
physical processes on primary and secondary production.

Obj. D: Determine responses of primary and secondary production
to inputs of human origin.

Obj. E: Determine the effects of upland management practices on
marine and non-marine wildlife species in the
upland/marine transitional zone of the SINERR.

Goal VI: Management-related Research: Evaluate the effects of
management decisions on the health and stability of the
SINERR.'s ecosystem.

Obj. A: Conduct research on methods of improving monitoring
capabilities within large estuarine ecosystems.

Obj. B: Estimate the effects which current upland management
practices, including forest management, and vessel
traffic in the Duplin River have on the SINERR.

Goal VII: Data Storage-Retrieval System: Establish a
comprehensive database of baseline and research data,
which allows rapid access to historical and future
research and monitoring information gathered within the
SINERR.

Obj. A: Design and implement "user-friendly" software for
entering and retrieving research and monitoring data.

Obj. B: Construct a database bibliography of publications which
have resulted from research and monitoring work in the
-SINERR, a bibliography which a computer can search.

Obj. C: Increase cooperative efforts between the Marine
Institute and DNR to collect and enter all historical
and future data in a usable format.

Obj. D: Establish a position to coordinate with all researchers
to format and enter their results into the database as
it becomes available to the scientific community.

Obj. E: Establish a separate computerized database for
archaeological findings.

Page G- 4

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES.FOR RESEARCH AND MONITORING

SINERR Monitoring Program

Goal I: Meteorological Monitoring: Collect meteorological data
on an hourly basis at several locations in the SINERR.

Obj. A: Incorporate into the SINERR monitoring database the
following meteorological data from two stations
operated by the University of Georgia Marine Institute
(UGMI) at Marsh Landing and at Moses Hammock: wind
speed and direction, air temperature,,incident solar
radiation, relative humidity, and precipitation. UGMI
collects the data remotely and tabulates the data
hourly.

Obj. B: Incorporate into the SINERR monitoring database 24-hour
measurements for the following parameters which UGMI
collects at the South End weather station: wind speed
and direction, minimum and maximum air temperatures,
and total precipitation.

Obj. C: Develop a fourth automated collection site midway up
the Duplin River, at the Kenan Field timber dock or
other suitable location, which DNR and UGMI will
jointly operate to complement the existing sites
operated by UGMI near the river's upper and lower ends.

Goal II: Hydrological Monitoring: Collect hydrological data at
various sampling sites in the SINERR.

Obj. A: Incorporate into the SINERR monitoring database tide-
height data collected by UGMI at stations at Marsh
Landing and Moses Hammock.

Obj. B: Add a third tide gauge midway up the Duplin River,
which DNR and UGMI will jointly operate in conjunction
with the proposed meteorological station at the Kenan
Field timber dock.

Obj. C: Incorporate into the SINERR database the following
hydrological data which UGMI currently collects at
Marsh Landing and Moses Hammock, using Hydrolab 2020 or
comparable equipment: water temperature, salinity,
conductivity and pH. Collect the data hourly.

Obj. D: Add a third hydrological station at the Kenan Field
timber dock, using Hydrolab 2020 or comparable
equipment, which DNR and UGMI will jointly operate.
Develop this station at the same time as the proposed
meteorological station and tide gauge.

Page G- 5

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR RESEARCH AND MONITORING

Obj. E: Continue quarterly collection of water quality para-
meters by DNR's coastal water quality monitoring
project, using stations near Marsh Landing and Moses
Hammock as well as 12 other sampling locations
throughout Georgia's estuaries.

Goal III: Biological Monitoring: Collect biological data at
various sampling sites within the SINERR.

Obj. A: Continue to collect water-guality data and fecal
coliform measures every two months, as part of DNR's
shellfish sanitation project. Continue using four
collection sites within the SINERR: near Marsh Landing
dock, near the mouth of Barn Creek, near the headwaters
of Barn Creek, and near Moses Hammock.

Obj. B: Complete a full shoreline reconnaissance for possible
pollution sources every four years as part of DNR's
shellfish sanitation project.

Obj. C: Continue to collect annual pesticide and metal data
from oyster samples (one station) and sediment samples
(both stations) as part of DNR's coastal water quality
monitoring project. The collection sites within the
SINERR are the Duplin River three-quarters of a mile
upstream from Marsh Landing and near Moses Hammock.

Obj. D: Seek the Department of Commerce's cooperation in
placing a monitoring site for the national status and
trends monitoring program at a site within the SINERR
at which DNR currently gathers data for the coastal
water-quality monitoring project. If feasible, gather
data for the national status and trends program about
six months after the annual collection of pesticide and
metal data for DNR's coastal water quality monitoring
project.

Goal IV: Data Management, Analysis and Reporting: Make
historical monitoring data available to scientists, and
analyze the data collected to enable SINERR managers to
detect unusual changes within the SINERR.

Obj. A: Develop a comprehensive management system for the
monitoring data collected within the SINERR.

Obj. B: Work with UGMI to store and retrieve data collected by
the meteorological and hydrolab stations.

Page G- 6

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR RESEARCH AND MONITORING

Obj. C: Develop a systematic approach to analyzing and
reporting key water quality parameters such as
pesticide and metal concentrations, to allow DNR to
detect unusual values and investigate their causes if
necessary.

Obj. D: Distribute annual reports on all monitoring tasks to
the members of the SINERR research task force, to UGMI,
to SINERR managers, and to the U.S. Department of
Commerce.

Page G-. 7

Appendix H:

Goals and Objectives for Education

and Interpretation

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION

Mission Stateinent

Communicate to various publics, through the Sapelo Island
National Estuarine Research Reserve, the value of estuarine areas
and the roles they play in the quality of life, so that informed
decisions can be made about the use of estuarine areas.

Goals and Objectives

Goal I: Content: Through SINERR programs, develop the message
that Georgia's coastal area is a product of natural
forces, modified by human activities which require
effective, long-term management.

Obj. A: Describe the natural history of the SINERR in terms of:
1. The relationship between estuaries and the other
elements of the coastal ecosystem.
2. The similarities and differences.between the
SINERR and other estuaries.
3. The natural forces which have shaped,and continue
to shape the coastal area.
4. The plants and animals of this ecosystem.

Obj. B: Describe the human activities which have occurred
within the SINERR and how these activities have
modified the natural system, including:
1. @ The cultural history of Sapelo, and how it relates
to the other barrier islands.
2. Identification and explanation of the altered and
relatively unaltered parts of the SINERR.
3. The role of scientific research in helping people
understand the functions of estuaries.

Obj. C: Describe how decisions are made about the use of
Georgia's coastal resources on a federal, state and
local level, in terms of:
1. Laws and regulations that protect the coastal
area.
2. Goals, objectives and policies of the National
Estuarine Reserve Research'Program.
3. How coastal decisions are affected by economic
Werations such as recreation and commercial
consi
fishing.
4. How businesses, organizations and individuals
affect such decisions.
5. The challenges of coastal resource management, and
identification of additional areas for scientific
research.

Page H- 1

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION

Goal II: "Multiplier" Audiences: concentrate educational and
interpretive resources on reaching audiences who will
communicate their knowledge about estuarine and other
coastal resources to many other people.

Obj. A: For academic instructors:
1. Develop facilities (an interpretive center and a
nature trail) and curricula for grades
kindergarten through twelve, consistent with State
instructional requirements, which teachers may use
for classroom instruction and in guiding field
trips to the SINERR.
2. Develop facilities and interpretive materials
which instructors of post-secondary students may
use to enrich classroom instruction and in guiding
field trips to the SINERR.

Obj. B: For leaders of groups interested in coastal resources
and their conservation: develop training programs,
facilities and interpretive materials which such
leaders can use for half-day or full-day guided tours
within the SINERR.

Obi. C: For elected and appointed officials who administer
programs which affect estuaries and other coastal
resources: develop a briefing on the value of estuarine
and other coastal resources, focusing on sound
management practices and their benefits.

Obj. D: For media representatives: develop a coastal wetlands
briefing packet to educate.journalists.

Obj. E: For researchers/scientists:
1. Develop a briefing program regarding research
. history and opportunities at the SINERR.
2. Develop a program of archaeological excavation in
which the interested public can participate as
volunteer labor.

Obj. F: For "alumni" (individuals who have visited the SINERR
and wish to remain involved in the educational and
interpretive program): develop a periodic newsletter
which contains information about the SINERR and any
special public programs.

Obj. G: Make available to all targeted groups (e.g. hunters,
campers) educational and interpretive resources
developed for general public tours (see Goal III).

Page H- 2

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION

Goal III: The General Public: Communicate with the general
public through effective educational and interpretive
programming.

Obj. A: @Re-evaluate on a regular basis the current schedule and
content of guided public tours within the SINERR.

Obj. B: Develop printed materials and other interpretive tools,
including:
1. Exhibits, graphic displays and signage.
2. Nature trails, for use on guided tours.
3. Video, film and audio-tape presentations.
4. Publications.
5. Offsite presentations.
6. Publicity with press packets and news releases.

Goal IV: Educational and Interpretive Resources: Extend the
SINERRI educational and interpretive program by
cooperating with other organizations which perform
related tasks.

Obj. A: With other operating units within DNR:
1. Work with staff of State parks and historic sites
in the coastal area to interpret the SINERR and
distribute SINERR publications at these recreation
areas.
2. Place SINERR exhibit materials and publications at
the DNR coastal headquarters building in Brunswick
when that building is complete.
3. Work with Project WILD in developing curriculum
material.

obi. B. With the Georgia Department of Education:
1. Obtain guidance in developing classroom materials
and field activities which are compatible with
State educational requirements.
2. Obtain guidance in developing a teachers' and
administrators' training course which will offer
staff development units.

Obj. C: With the Georgia Department of Industry and Trade,
explore the possibility of placing interpretive
exhibits and educational publications in highway
welcome centers.

Page H- 3

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION

Obj. D: With the University of Georgia Marine Institute:
1. Assist in providing guided tours for guests of:the
Institute.
2. continue making the Institute's grounds a stop on
the Department's general public tours, and
incorporate a discussion of the Institute's
research as appropriate.

Obj. E: With the University of Georgia Marine Extension
Service:
1. obtain guidance in developing guided tour
facilities.
2. obtain assistance in training teachers and leaders
of special tours.
3. Cooperate on joint interpretation of Gray's Reef
Marine Sanctuary and the SINERR.
4. obtain guidance on exhibit development.

Obj. F: With Georgia Southern College and Savannah State
College:
1. Explore the possibility of using the colleges'
museum resources to interpret the SINERR.
2. offer educational opportunities to students of the
colleges, in the form of classroom materials and
the opportunity to use the SINERR as outdoor
laboratory.

Obj. G: With the Fernbank Museum of Natural History:
1. obtain guidance with exhibit development.
2. Assist with coastal exhibits produced at Fernbank.

Obj. H: With the McIntosh County Chamber of Commerce:
1. Coordinate informational publications about the
SINERR.
2. Continue the Chamber's role of scheduling general
public tours and distributing SINERR information.
3. Explore the possibility of placing exhibits and
other interpretive materials at the Darien welcome
center.
Obj. I: With local (coastal) conservation groups:
1. Actively solicit volunteer guides from groups
including, but not limited to:
a. Coastal chapters of the Audubon Society
b. Coastal chapter of The Georgia Conservancy
C. The Nature Conservancy
d. The Georgia Wildlife Federation
e. 0cmulgee Audubon Society
f. Sierra Club
9- Georgia Botanical Society

Page.H- 4

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION

2. Seek other program assistance from the above
groups.

Goal V: Program Evaluation: To evaluate, through the SINERR
annual report, the effectiveness of the educational and
interpretive program and its effect on SINERR
resources.

Page H- 5

Appendix 1:

Sapelo Island Access Policies

SAPELO ISLAND

General operating and Access Policies
May 15, 1990

Introduction

The State of Georgia owns most of Sapelo Island. 2he island
consists of three management units assigned to the custody of
the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

. Richard J. Reynolds Wildlife Management Area (Reynolds WMA):
management of forest and wildlife resources; public hunting,
fishing, camping and beach use.
. Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve (the
SINERR) : protection of the Duplin River estuary; scientific
research; public education; public hunting and fishing.
. Sapelo Island Natural Area (the Natural Area): public
education; low-intensity recreation; scientific research.

There is a considerable public interest in Sapelo Tsland,
which is created by the value of its natural resources, the
amount of State investment in the island, and the benefits
which members of the general public receive from visiting it.
The State, acting through DNR, is responsible to protect the
public interest in this unique island.

State lands surround private lands known as the Hog Hammock
Community. Its current residents and their forbears have
lived on Sapelo for generations. The State has acknowledged
its duty to protect Hog Hammock's heritage by creating the
Sapelo Island Heritage Authority, which furthers the
preservation of the community's cultural and historic values
(official Code of Georgia Annotated,(O.C.G.A.) S 12-3-440 et
seq.).

The State provides certain essential services, including
scheduled water transportation, for permanent residents and
State employees living on Sapelo Island. O.C.G.A. 5 12-2-5
grants DNR the authority to provide these services.

The public interest in Sapelo Island requires that DNR
establish policies for operation of and access to the island.
The policies which follow are established to protect Sapelo
Island for the public's benefit while protecting the rights
of private property owners on the island. The policies are
set forth in writing to guide island managers in performing
their duties and to give public notice of the policies.

Page I-1

Definitions

A. Classes of Island Users. The following terms when used
in these policies have the meanings indicated below:

1. Island Manager: the DNR employee who has responsi-
bility for managing Sapelo Island on a daily basis.
The Island Manager may be reached at the following
address:

Island Manager
DNR--Game and Fish Division
Post Office Box 15
Sapelo Island, GA 31327
.Phone: (912) 485-2251

2. Island landowner: a person or other legal entity
which has title to real property on Sapelo Island.

3. Island resident: a person who (a) is domiciled on
Sapelo Island or (b) has executed an affidavit
claiming Sapelo Island as his or her permanent place
of residence. Such persons include individuals who
live in the Hog Hammock community; employees of D14R
or Board of Regents (Regents) who are required as
a condition of employment to reside on the island;
individuals who are continuously quartered on the
island while performing research or employment
lasting longer than three consecutive months;
immediate family members domiciled with the
aforementioned individuals; and/or children residing
off the island attending' school or college and
receiving their support from an island resident.

4. official visitor: a person who is not an island
resident but who temporarily visits the island at
the invitation of DNR or the University of Georgia
Marine Institute (UGAMI) for official State business
or for federal or local governmental business. This
class does not include invited guests or members of
the general public who are participating in tours,
managed hunts, camping activities or conferences
unrelated to official state business.

5. Invited quest: a person whom a Sapelo Island
landowner or resident invites to visit the island
but who is not engaged in official federal, state
or local business.

6. General public: a member of the general public is
a person who is not included in any of the above
classes.

Page 1-2

B. official State Business. The term "official State busi-
ness," when used in these policies, means any or all of
the responsibilities and activities described in this
section.

Regents operates UGAMI, which is located on the south end
of Sapelo Island, under the terms of a 50-year lease with
DNR. Regents also provides certain barge services to
DNR, island residents, and island landowners.

DNR operates the Reynolds WMA, the SINERR and the Natural
Area. DNR also provides for island residents both water
transportation to Sapelo and essential services on the
island. These services include:

1. Transporting mail for DNR and for island residents;

2. Transporting school children of island residents
between the island and the mainland, under contract
with the McIntosh County Board of Education;

3. Providing volunteer fire protection and waste
disposal services on the island;

4. Maintaining the State-owned roads on the island;

5. Providing the residents of the Hog Hammock community
with a drinking-water system; .

6. Providing law enforcement services as authorized by
the Game and Fish Code (O.C.G.A._, Title 27). These
services include enforcing:
a. All State laws on property owned or controlled
by DNR; and
b. All State laws pertaining to functions assigned
to DNR;
C@ Any State law when the violation of that law
is committed in conjunction with a violation
of State law pertaining to functions assigned
to DNR; and'
d. Any State law on orders f rom the Governor or
to protect any life or property when the
.circumstances demand action; and

7.. Removing willing persons from Sapelo Island in the
event of a li f e- threatening emergency such as an
individual health crisis, uncontrollable wildfire
or a ma3or storm.

Official State business includes business conducted by federal
and local governmental officials in performance of their
official duties.

Page 1-3

III. Authorized Uses of Sapelo Island

A. Residential Use. Residential use of Sapelo Island is
restricted to the following individuals or groups:

1. Island landowners;

2. Island residents;

3. official visitors, such as research scientists
associated with UGAMI, or DNR employees who are not
domiciled on the island;

4. Invited guests;

5. Conference groups associated with UGAMI or DNR; and

6. Persons authorized to camp during the annual managed
hunts or within the primitive camping area operated
by DNR.

B. Personal.Business by Island Landowners or Residents. UNR
does not regulate personal business conducted entirely
on private property by Sapelo Island landowners. DNR
authorizes other activities on State-owned lands as
follows:

1 Island residents may gather deadwood and handicraft
materials on Sapelo as individually approved by
DNR's island manager or his designee, so long as
these activities do not conflict with DNR program
goals.

2. Island residents may fish from docks, bridges and
beaches within the Reynolds WMA and may also gather
oysters and clams within approved shellfish
harvesting areas, as authorized by DNR's island
manager or his designee. These activities are
generally authorized on all other parts of the
island.

3. Island residents may use DNR's boat hoist for work
on their small boats, as individually authorized by
DNR's, island manager orhis designee.

4. Permanent residents of the Hog Hammock community may
hunt on State-owned land during legal seasons as
individually authorized by DNR's island manager or
his designee.

5. Activities other than the above by island landowners
or residents, *including any use of the Reynolds WMA,

Page 1-4

will be only as specifically authorized by DNR's
island manager or his designee.

C. Personal Business by Persons Who Do Not Own' Land or
Reside on Sapelo Island. DNR does not regulate personal
business conducted entirely on private propert@ by
invited, non-paying guests of island landowners. They
may fish from docks', bridges and beaches within the
Reynolds WMA and may gather oysters and clams within
approved shellfish harvesting areas, only as specifically
authorized by DNR Is island manager or his designee. such
non-paying guests may accompany their hosts as the latter
travel about the island or may use transportation which
their hosts provide for them to use.

Members of the general public may engage in the following
activities on Sapelo Island:

1. Participating in tours, managed hunts orprimitive
camping offered by DNR;

2. Attending conferences hosted by UGAMI or DNR;

3. Gathering oysters in the Duplin River;

4. Fishing, hunting waterfowl, or operating boats in
the tidal waters surrounding Sapelo Island; and

5. Using the beach below the high water mark.

Activities other than the above by,persons who are not
landowners or residents of Sapelo Island, including any
use of the Reynolds WMA, will be only as specifically
authorized by DNRIs island manager or his designee.

D. Public Tours, Hunting, Camping and Conferences. Indivi-
duals may participate in these activities only as autho-
rized by UGAMI or DNR, as applicable. The McIntosh
County Chamber of Commerce (phone 912-437-6684) handles
reservations for regular DNR tours. DNR schedules
special tours through its office on Sapelo Island.

Persons who participate in hunts at the Reynolds WMA may
camp in the Moses Hammock hunting camp for the duration
of the hunt and must remain within' designated hunting
areas while actually hunting. When not hunting, they may
fish from docks within the WMA and use the beach.

DNR limits use of the primitive camping area to organized
groups, scheduling its use through the DNR office on
Sapelo Island. Campers may use the designated primitive
camping area, open portions of the Reynolds WMA, and the

Page 1-5

beach. Access to other parts of Sapelo Island for
members of such groups will be only as specifically
authorized by DNR's island manager or his designee.

Conference participants may use buildings and lands under
the control of DNR and UGAMI as authorized by those
agencies. They may also use the State-owned roads south
of the Reynolds WMA, and the beach.

Use of Sapelo Island other than the above by members of
tour groups, hunters, campers and conference participants
will be only as specifically authorized by@UGAMI or DNR,
whichever agency is responsible f or managing the property
in question.

IV. Access and Transportation Policies

A. Boats

1 Ferry Service. DNR provides regularly scheduled ferry
service between Sapelo Island and the mainland. Prior
written requests and approval by DNR are required for
invited guests of island landowners. other terms and
conditions of ferry service are provided under the terms
of an operating agreement between DNR and UGAMI. These
provisions are attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and are by
reference incorporated herein.

DNR further reserves.the right to provide ferry service
to invited guests of island landowners only as space is
available and only in the order of receipt of written
requests for such ferry service.

Participants in regularly scheduled DNR tours, hunters
and users of the primitive camp must all purchase trip
tickets at the McIntosh County Chamber of Commerce to be
eligible to ride the ferry. Participants in unscheduled
DNR tours may ride the ferry by pass.

Requests for boat runs other than those regularly
scheduled must be made throug@i the boat captain and his
superiors and must be approved by the Director of the
Game and Fish Division.

DNR operates a small patrol boat which may be used for
emergency transportation to or from the island.

2. Barge Operations. . Under the terms of an operating
agreement with DNR, UGAMI operates barges to tran6port
heavy freight, motor vehicles, bulk fuel and other cargo
between the mainland and Sapelo Island.

Page 1-6

UGAMI of f ers transportation f or vehicles f or its or DNR I s
off icial use; vehicles belonging to those UGAMI or DNR
employees domiciled on Sapelo Island; and vehicles
belonging to Sapelo Island landowners who are permanent
residents of@the island.

Before employees or permanent residents may use the UGAMI
barge to transport a vehicle for their personal use on
Sapelo Island, they must complete an affidavit stating
that they are permanent residents,of Sapelo island and
what specific vehicle they propose to bring to the island
They must also complete a permit application to use the
UGAMI barge.

DNR may authorize persons under contract with the State
to remove timber from Sapelo Island using a barge. They
may also bring to the island equipment which is necessary
for the timber harvesting operations.

Island landowners who are not permanent residents of
Sapelo may engage a private barge to transport a vehicle
or other cargo to the island. Landowners must first
obtain DNR Is written permission to use DNR-operated docks
for loading and unloading and DNR-maintained roads for
access to his property.

3. Small Boats. DNR and UGAMI operate research vessels,
patrol boats and other small watercraft for official
State business, docking these vessels at designated
island and mainland locations. These docks are
identified on Exhibits "B" and "C", attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference. Other authorized uses
of small watercraft at Sapelo Island are as follows:

a. Island residents or landowners may operate small
boats to and from the island. Landowners and their
invited guests must use the Foundation dock located
in Barn Creek immediately behind the post office.

b. Participants in the managed hunts on Sapelo Island
may use the Moses Hammock dock during their stay.

C. Members of the general public may use boats in the
tidal waters surrounding Sapelo Island. They may
anchor boats off the beach for access to the beach
below the high water mark, during daylight hours.
They may not beach or dock their boats on State-
owned property without specific permission from
DNRIs island manager or his designee.

Page 1-7

d. Any uses of docks other than as specified above will
be only as specifically approved by DNR or UGAMI,
whichever agency has responsibility for managing the
dock in question.

B. Motor Vehicles DNR and UGAMI operate motor vehicles for
official State business on Sapelo Island. Other uses of
motor vehicles on the island are authorized as follows:

1. Employees of either agency and their dependents who
are domiciled on the island, and their invited
guests may with prior authorization by DNR operate
privately owned vehicles on the open portions of the
DNR-maintained road system.

2. Island landowners who are permanent residents of
Sapelo Island and their invited guests may operate
motor vehicles on the island as authorized by DNR.

3. Island landowners who are not permanent residents
of Sapelo Island and their invited guests may
operate motor vehicles on the island, with DNR's
written permission to use the open portions of the
State-owned road system.

4. As authorized by contract, persons harvesting timber
for DNR may bring to the island motor vehicles
necessary for their operations. These vehicles will
be removed from the island upon expiration or
termination of the contract or when said vehicles
become unserviceable.

C. Aircraft. DNR and UGAMI use the Sapelo Island airstrip
and associated facilities for official State business.
other uses of aircraft at Sapelo Island are as follows:

1. Single -trip use of the airstrip and associated
facilities is authorized by advance written
permission from the Game Management coastal regional
supervisor. DNR authorizes such use for official
State business and for personal business by
residents of Sapelo Island or their guests, when
they cannot feasibly conduct such business without
the use of aircraft.

2. DNR allows the U. S. Army to use the airstrip as
part of its Military Assistance to Safety and
Traffic (MAST) Program housed at Fort Stewart. The
MAST Program enables military personnel to provide
emergency medical assistance to persons on Sapelo
Island.

Page 1-8

3. DNR may authorize other landing sites for temporary
use by helicopters.

4. The Federal Aviation Administration has designated
the airstrip for emergency use. DNR allows use of
the strip in the event of an aviation emergency, at
the pilot's own risk.

V. Obtaining Permission to Use Sapelo Island

The island manager or his designee can provide details about
receiving permission to use Sapelo Island in the ways outlined
above. Uses of Sapelo Island not specifically mentioned in
the terms of this policy will require submittal of a written
request for same to the Island Manager, for DNR's considera-
tion.

Approved this 15th day of
May, 1990. Leon Kirkland, Director
Game and Fish Division
Department of Natural
Resources

Page 1-9

EXH1131T "A"

SAPELO ISLAND'FERRY

Transportation of authorized personnel to and from the Meridian.
Dock and Sapelo Island will be provided by the DEPARTMENT in accordance
with the following policies and in consideration of payment of the
fees indicated below.

BOAT FEES AND PASSES

1. 14ARINE INSTITUTE

(a) Personnel assigned/employed by the INSTITUTE and others
as identified below may be provided a non-transferable boat pass,
or may be covered by letter request to the DEPARTMENT at the discretion
of the INSTITUTE.

(1) INSTITUTE staff, faculty, students and technicians who
are Island residents and their dependent family members residing
in such person's home and/or children residing off the Island attending
school or college and receiving their support from such person.

(2) Scientific personnel not directly employed by the INSTITUTE
but who are Island residents while carrying out research programs
at the INSTITUTE and family members residing in such person's home
and/or children residing off the Island attending school or college
and receiving their support from such person.

(3) Staff and faculty members from the University of Georgia
who are required to make official visits to the INSTITUTE.

(4) Faculty, students and technicians, from any institution,
who are involved in ongoing research programs at the INSTITUTE.

(5) All employees of the INSTITUTE who commute daily to and
from the facility.

(6) All University of Georgia students doing course-related
w6 rk at the INSTITUTE, including authorized field trips and their
supervisors.

(7) Repairmen who come to the INSTITUTE facility regularly
Jor performing repair work. Restricted to those whose names are
submitted to the DEPARTMENT and listed on passenger list.

(b) The following individuals will be required to pay a fee
as set forth in Item 7 below:

Page I-10

EXHIBIT "A"
Page 2
July 1, 1980

(1) Unofficial guests of the INSTITUTE, including personal
guests of INSTITUTE staff, personnel, students and technicians.

(2) Faculty, students and technici,ans from any institution,
except those individuals covered by paragraph 1 (a).

(3) INSTITUTE related groups and/or individuals on personal
(non-official) visits to the Island.

(c) The INSTITUTE will issue passes to the INSTITUTE related
personnel outlined in Section I (a) and will provide the DEPARTMENT
with a list of names to whom these passes are issued. At such times
as names are added and/or deleted the INSTITUTE will inform the DEPARTMENT
by letter that a name(s) should be added or deleted and will collect
the passes previously issued to individuals whose names are deleted.

W The INSTITUTE will follow existing policy involving guests.
.i.e., a "Boat Request" form will be sent to the DEPARTMENT office
two (2) days in advance of proposed visits. This procedUre will
enable the DEPARTMENT to keep load limits within U. S. Coast Guard
Regulations and will indicate to the boat captain that the visitor(s)
has been permitted to ride the boat.

2. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES. DEPARTMENT personnel will
be governed by the following:

(a) DEPARTMENT personnel and their immediate family residing
on the Island will be issued a non-transferable boat pass and will
not be required to pay a fee. Such passes will be restricted to
dependent family members residing in the employees' home and/or children
who reside off the Island attending school or college and who receive
their support from an employee of the DEPARTMENT.

(b) DEPARTMENT personnel who are non-Island residents but who
must, from time to time, travel to the Island for meetings and/or
to carry out work.activities, wil,1 be issued a non-transferable boat
pass and will not be required to pay a fee.

. (c) All DEPARTMENT personnel will follow the procedure in effect
at present, in that they will submit a "Boat Request" form for any
invited guest(s) two (2) days prior to the proposed visit.

3. U. S. POSTAL SERVICE.

(a) U. S. Postal Service employees.will continue to be transported
in accordance with the provisions of their contract with the DEPARTMENT.

Page I-11

EXHIBIT "A"
Page 3
July 1, 1980

4. SCHOOL CHILDREN.

(a) Island children attending school on the mainland will be
provided one (1) roundtrip per school day to and from the Island
to attend school under the existing contract between the DEPARTMENT
and McIntosh County Board of Education.

5. SAPELO ISLAND RESIDENTS.

(a) Island residents not otherwise provided for in the University
contract or the DEPARTMENT-pass system will pay a fee of $1.00 each
way or may purchase a $25.00 per year pass which will entitle him
to ride on any scheduled trip.

6. OTHER PASSENGERS.

(a) Repairmen who commute to DEPARTMENT facilities on a regular
.basis for performing repair work will be placed on the passenger
list and issued'a pass to ride the boat.

(b) Participants in field trips to the refuge portion of the
Island will be required to pay a fee of $1.00 each way or purchase
an annual pass for $25.00.

7. GUESTS.

(a) Guests include all person(s) not covered by the provisions
of paragraphs 1 - 6 above. All such persons will pay a fee of $1.00
each way or may purchase an annual pass for $25.00. In addition,
such person(s) must have prior written approval from the DEPARTMENT.

8. CHILDREN.

(a) Children under six (6) years of age may ride free. Children
six (6) years of age or older will pay a fee of $1.00 each way or
purchase an annual pass for $25.00.

PASSENGER PRIORITY

U. S. Coast Guard regulations limit the number of passengers
that may be transported on the boat(s) operated by the DEPARTMENT
that services Sapelo Island. To insure the maximum availability

Page 1-12

EXHIBIT "A"
Page 4
July 1, 1980

of space for key personnel while simultaneously complying with Coast
Guard limitations, the priority system outlined below is hereby established.
This system will be applied by the Boat Captain at any time passenger
demand exceeds rated passenger capacity of.the boat in service.

PRIORITY NO. 1.

Personnel identified below will be issued a "Priority No. 1"
pass and will be entitled to first consideration whenever an "ove'rload"
situation becomes evident.

1. All INSTITUTE and DEPARTMENT personnel and authorized family
members residing on the Island.

2. INSTITUTE and DEPARTMENT employees residing off the Island
who require daily transportation to and from their work area.,

3. Repair/service technicians going to and from the INSTITUTE
or DEPARTMENZfacilities for the purpose of performing repair work.

PRIORITY NO. 2.

The following personnel will be issued a "Priority No. 2" pass
and may board the vessel after all Priority No. 1 passengers have
embarked.

1. State employees other than those covered by Priority No.
1, who mu .st visit the Island for official business.

2. Staff and faculty members from the University of Georgia
who are required to make official visits to the INSTITUTE.

3. University of Georgia students visiting the INSTITUTE on
official business or an authorized field trip.

4. Residents of Sapelo Island not otherwise covered will be
considered equally with other Priority No. 2 passengers upon presentation
of a valid ticket.

PRIORITY NO. 3.

All guests and visitors not included under the provisions of
Priority No. I or Priority No. 2.

Page 1-13

r
Exhibit "B": Docks Serving Sapelo Island
- 1.1*le

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Moses
n-ock Dock
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Kenan Field Dock','

Meridian Dock

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Barn Creek Dock #1
Barn Cre kDo
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Foundation Dock
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12

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"Cii. Docks
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SAPELO ISLAND FERRY SERVICE

SCHEDULING POLICY

December 1, 1988

1. The normal operating schedule for the Sapelo Island ferry
shall be as follows:

Day of the Week Leaves Sapelo Leaves Meridian

Monday, Wednesday, 7:00.a.m., 8:30 a.m.,
Friday Noon, 3:30 p.m.,
4:30 p.m. 5:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday 7:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m.,
2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.,
4:30 p.m. 5:15 p.m.

Saturday 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m.,
12:30 p.m. 5:15 p.m.
Sunday (first and 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
second weeks of
the month)

Sunday (fifth week 8:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m.,
of the month, 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
fourth week of May
and fourth week of -
October)

2. Under some circumstances, including emergencies, it may
be necessary to vary the time of a normally scheduled ferry
run. The Department of Natural Resources' manager for Sapelo
Island has the authority to vary the time of a ferry run by
not more than two hours from the normal schedule without approval
from higher authority. Except for an emergency which threatens
life, limb or property, such schedule variances will be posted
so as to be clearly visible at Meridian Dock, at Marsh Landing
Dock, and at the Department's administrative office on Sapelo
Island, not later than twenty-four hours before the time of
the normal run or of the varied run, whichever is earlier.
The Island manager will also notify the McIntosh County Chamber
of Commerce's welcome center and the office of the Director
of the Game and F 'ish Division of the change not less than twenty-
four hours in advance.

3. The Director of the Game and Fi'sb Division or his designee
will approve each change to the established ferry-scbedule which
involves the deletion or addition of a'scheduled run. Unless
an emergency exists, the Island manager will forward to the

Page 1-16

SAPELO ISLAND FERRY SERVICE-SCHEDULING POLICY
December 1, 1988
Page Two

Director a written request to delete or add a run to reach the
Director not less than one calendar week before the day of the
proposed change. The Director or his designee will inform the
Island manager by telephone of the decision. If the proposed
change is authorized, notice of it will be posted at the locations
noted above, and notice given to the McIntosh welcome center,
not later than forty-eIght hours before the time at which the
*11 occur. In an emergency, the Island manager will
change wi
notify the Director as soon as possible by telephone or radio
and post any approved change at the above locations as soon
as practical.

4. The Director of the Game and Fish Division and his office
.staff will be made aware of deviations from the normal ferry
schedule. Anyone wishing to verify the ferry schedule may call
the Director's office at (404) 656-3523 or the Sapelo Island
manager.at (912) 485-2251.

Approved the lst day of
December, 1988, by:

Leon Kirkland, Director
Came and Fish Division

Page 1-17

Appendix J:

Estimated Costs for Recommended Improvements in

Research and Education Programs at the SINERR

SAPELO ISLAND NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE

Advisory Committee's Recommendations on
Monitoring, Research,.Education and Interpretation

Estimated Budget

Fiscal Year

MONITORING

DNR/UGMI
Equipment Shared Use

Hydrolab 2020 or-4000 $ 2,064
Hydrolab Surveyor
(portable) 6,000
Weather station 5,072
Requested for
TOTALS $ 13,136 FY-1992

EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION

Annual
Personnel Salary

Education coordinator (new) $ 41,350
Interpretive assistant
(labor conversion) 22,010

TOTAL $ 63,360 FY-1991:
Timber revenues

Governor's interns $ 1,000 FY-1991

Interpretive Center 2200 sq. ft.

Building with offices for $240,000 Requested for
above personnel, rest- FY-1992
rooms, audiovisual room,
exhibit space and exhi-
bits.

Page J- 1

Fiscal Year

Interpretive Trail Cost, Installed

1. Layout (existing
equipment and staff) 0
2. Boardwalks, dock and
footbridge (materials
only; construction by
existing staff) 5,150
3. Observation platform
and wildlife blind
(materials only) 4,000
4. Picnic pavilion at
beach (materials only) 4,000
5. Saltmarsh interpretive
display 1,800
6. Interpretive signage
for twelve 18x24-inch
signs, installed 2,000

TOTALS 16,950 FY-1992:
Nongame Fund

Exhibits

1. Renovate exhibits at
Meridian Dock (under
current grant) $ 0
2. 'Place interpretive
graphics on Sapelo
Queen 1,800
3. Build or buy portable
exhibits 2,400

TOTAL $ 4,200 Requested for
FY-1992

Curriculum Materials

1. Development of materials $ 8,000 FY-1992
2. Printing and mailing
materials to schools
(annual cost) $ 5,000 FY-1992

Page J-2

Fiscal Year

Audiovisual Materials

Ten-minute videotapes
a. SINERR overview for schools
b. SINERR overview for older
audiences
c. Marine Institute research
at the SINERR

TOTAL $ 60,000 FY-1993

GRAND TOTALS

ANNUAL EXPENSES $ 71j360

ONE-11ME EXPENSES $102,286

CAPITAL COSTS $240,000

Page J-3

Appendix K:

Public Comments on the Management Plan

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE SINERR MANAGEMENT PLAN
AND
DNR'S RESPONSES TO COMMENTS

Summary of December 18, 1990

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

RECOMMENDATION: Expand membership of the AC and task forces to
have a broader representation of SINERR's constituents, including
fishermen.
RESPONSE: Dr. Stuart Stevens, of DNR's Coastal Resources
Division, represents the interests of fishermen on-the research
task force. DNR has asked Dr. Margaret Robinson, Dean of the
School of science and Technology at Savannah State College, to
join the education task force.

RECOMMENDATION: Open the meetings of the task forces and the
Advisory Committee to the public, and allow public review of
reports, findings and recommendations.
RESPONSE: Under Georgia's open-meetings law, such meetings are
open to the public. DNR has placed the Committee's final
recommendations as appendices in the SINERR management plan.

EDUCATION PROGRAM

RECOMMENDATION: Actively educate coastal managers and other
multiplier audiences, using DNR staff.
RESPONSE: DNR will do this as stated in the SINERR plan.

RECOMMENDATION: Have the University of Georgia, rather than DNR,
employ the Marine Educator.
RESPONSE: Since the Education Coordinator will report to and be
supervised by the SINERR Manager, the Coordinator must be a DNR
employee.

RECOMMENDATION: Ensure that the Education Coordinator works
closely with educational personnel at the Marine Institute, the
Marine Extension Service, Savannah State College, Georgia
Southern College, and similar institutions.
RESPONSE:, DNR will do this as stated in the SINERR plan on pages
H-3 and.H-4.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Ensure that interpretive programs for children
reflect current knowledge about how to help children learn
effectively. Consider including additional issues in the
educational program, such as ballast islands, larval shrimp and
oysters, and the importance of marshwrack.
RESPONSE: The Education Coordinator will be responsible for
developing appropriate educational programs-for the SINERR, as
stated in the SINERR plan. This person will be a trained and
,experienced educator.

Page K- 1

RECOMMENDATION: Evaluate further the role which docents may play
in the SINERR program, including:
a. Determine whether DNR can provide liability insurance
for docents.
b. Allow docents to lead camping trips for the public.
C. Develop details of a training program for docents.
RESPONSE: DNR will thoroughly evaluate the role of volunteers-in
the SINERR's educational and interpretive program. DNR will not
allow untrained volunteers to act as guides or interpreters.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Publish a policy for rescheduling tours and
inform the public about this policy. Continue the public tours
during managed hunts.
RESPONSE: A policy for rescheduling tours appears in the SINERR
management plan as an appendix. The SINERR office on Sapelo
Island and the McIntosh County Chamber of Commerce also have
copies of this policy.

RECOMMENDATION: Make tour presentations on the "Sapelo Queen".
RESPONSE: DNR will ask each tour group if it wants an informal
presentation outside the cabin of the ferry. The cabin is not
suitable for regular presentations. The engine is too loud for
group presentations, and tour groups cannot be separated from the
regular commuters and other riders.

RECOMMENDATION: Hold public tours on more days of the week.
RESPONSE: DNR reserves Tuesday, Thursday and Friday during the
school year for student groups. Five tours a week are actually
given from March through August. Student groups have
significantly increased visitation to the SINERR.

RECOMMENDATION: Update the film "Spirit of Sapelo" for loan to
schools and other groups. Show the film at Meridian Dock, rather
than on the island.
RESPONSE: The current film does a good job of telling the story
of Sapelo Island. It does not need updating for general
circulation. There is too much light inside the visitors' center
at Meridian Dock to show the film, and tour groups cannot be
separated from other users of the center. The Education
Coordinator and Reserve Manager will evaluate appropriate uses of
the Meridian Dock facility.

RECOMMENDATION: improve the exhibits at the Marine Institute.
RESPONSE: DNR will refer this recommendation to the Marine
Institute.

RECOMMENDATION: Replace the interpretive center concept with that
of a boat which operates on.its own schedule to take visitors on
tours of the estuary.
RESPONSE: A boat could not serve the multifaceted educational and
interpretive objectives proposed for the interpretive center.
The center will be des.igned.for lectures, classroom activities,

Page K- 2

reserve orientation and exhibits. A boat provides a different
perspective of the estuary but does not replace the services
provided at an interpretive center.

RECOMMENDATION: Leave the group campground at the Cabretta site.
RESPONSE: DNR will move the group campground into the Natural
Area. The Cabretta site is more fragile and has no sanitary
facilities. DNR staff must spend a great deal of time taking
campers and drinking water to and from the Cabretta site.
The Natural Area contains sites which-are near Nannygoat
Beach but are also close enough to Marsh Landing dock that the
campers can carry their own equipment. A site in the Natural
Area will give campers easy acce 'ss to the interpretive center and
the nature trail. DNR will manage the camping program to protect
research projects and the privacy of island residents.

ROG HAMMOCK C014MUNITY

RECOMMENDATION: Ask residents of the Hog Hammock Community for
ideas about how the Community could be involved in the SINERR
interpretive program, and decide which ideas it is feasible to
carry out.-
RESPONSE: DNR welcomes the involvement of the Hog Hammock
Communityand will seek their advice in the implementation of the
interpretive program.

RECOMMENDATION: Identify and protect all significant cultural
resources within the SINERR..
RESPONSE: DNR will do this, as stated in Appendix G of this plan.

RECOMMENDATION: Maintain the roads within the SINERR as required
to give SINERR.visitors and island residents acceptable access
through the SINERR.
RESPONSE: DNR will do this in accordance with the official Code
of Georgia Annotated, Section 12-2-5, which grants the DNR the
authority to provide these services as described in Appendix I of
the management plan.

RECOMMENDATION: Inventory Afro-american cultural resources on
Sapelo Island, nominate eligible resources for listing on the
National Register of Historic Places, and give them protection.
In particular:
(a) Protect the First African Baptist Church at Raccoon
Bluff.
(b) Include the Masonic Lodge Hall in HHC.
(c) Document and preserve Afro-american folk culture and
skills.
(d) Allow HHC residents to maintain and continue using
Behavior@Cemetery.
RESPONSE: DNR will inventory and protect cultural resources
within the SINERR as stated in the SINERR plan. Cultural

Page K- 3

resources outside the boundaries of the SINERR are outside the
scope of SINERR management.

RECO14MMATION: Keep roads within'the HHC in good repair.
RESPONSE: DNR will maintain the-roads within the HHC, under its
authority to provide essential services to residents of certain
coastal islands.

RECOMM END ATIONS: Prepare a management plan for the entire island,
including HHC. Keep the HHC water system in good repair.
Reestablish a grade school in HHC. Install and maintain street
lights in the HHC at DNR's expense.
RESPONSE: Management of resources outside the boundaries of the
SINERR is outside the scope of the SINERR plan.

RECOMMENDATION: Adjust the ferry schedule so HHC residents can
commute to mainland jobs.
RESPONSE: The ferry chiefly provides daily access to Sapelo
Island for those State employees who must work there but live on
the mainland, and (under contract@with McIntosh County) carries
.school children between Sapelo Island and the mainland. The
present boat schedule balances the need for a normal work
schedule on Sapelo Island with the need to minimize waiting tilne
for school children at Meridian Dock and is therefore not
appropriate to modify.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Provide scholarships and encouragement so that
HHC residents can receive training in conservation fields. Tell
HHC residents how a HHC resident can.expedite moving a mobile
home to Sapelo Island.
RESPONSE: DNR will seek participation of the HHC in the
management of the Reserve. Information on DNR-sponsored training
and employment opportunities is available from the SINERR
offices. Moving mobile homes to the HHC is not appropriate to
the estuarine research reserve plan.

RECOMMENDATION: Tell HHC residents how DNR will handle claims of
private ownership on Sapelo island.
RESPONSEt DNR will not address this issue in the SINERR plan.
DNR informed HHC residents at a community meeting that it will be
'glad to consider acquiring any valid title on Sapelo Island.

MANAGEMENT PLAN

RECOMMENDATION: Hold meetings with residents of the HHC to
receive their input regarding the SINERR plan and the nature
trail.
RESPONSE: DNR will involve the residents of the HHC when
preparing or revising plans for the SINERR.

Page K- 4

RECOMMENDATION: Make minor corrections to the text of the plan:
a. Revise the organizational chart and appendices to say
11SINERR11 rather than "SINES".
b'. Change p.:37 to'show only one inoperative power plant.
C. Change pp. 38-3.9 description of the proposed use of the
Main House to.reflect the current situation.
RESPONSE: DNR will make these corrections.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

RECOMMENDATION: Acquire and protect the lighthouse tract.
RESPONSE: DNR will attempt to acquire the lighthouse tract if
funds become available for landacquisition.

RECOMMENDATION: Stop timber harvest within the SINERR.
RESPONSE: DNR will continue to harvest timber within the SINERR
in accordance with its forest management plan, developed in
coordination with the'Georgia Forestry Commission. This action
is necessary to maintain forest health and will encourage
succession to a climax forest community.

RECOMMENDATION: Identify and protect black gravesites as part of
the cultural-resource management.activities in the SINERR.
RESPONSE: DNR will do this as stated in the SINERR plan.

RECOMMENDATION: Include the SINERR as a unit of the Biosphere
Reserve System.
RESPONSE: DNR will not include the SINERR as part of the
Biosphere Reserve System. Such designation provides no
additional protection to the site.

RECOMMENDATION: Include the SINERR under the provisions of the
Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982.
RESPONSE: DNR will not include the SINERR under the provisions of
the Coastal Barrier Resources Act.

RESEARCH AND MONITORING

RECOMMENDATION: Use timber harvest as an opportunity to monitor
possible effects of the harvest on the estuary. Work with the
Marine Institute and NOAA to establish a research project which
will collect information on this subject.
RESPONSE: DNR will do this as stated in the SINERR plan.

RECOMMENDATION: Evaluate the feasibility of having commercial and
recreational oyster harvest in the Duplin River.
RESPONSE: Recreational oyster harvest,is already authorized in
the Duplin River. DNR will not authorize commercial oyster
harvest in the Duplin River. Adding commercial harvest in the
Duplin River would compete with the limited recreational oyster

Page K- 5

harvest in McIntosh County and could interfere with the SINERR's
research and monitoring program.
Most oyster reefs in McIntosh County are controlled by
private owners, who lease them to commercial harvesting
operations. McIntosh County has a highly developed oyster
industry, taking more oysters each year than the other five
coastal counties combined.

Page K- 6

Appendix L:

Operating Policy for Tours

SAPELO ISLAND-NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCHRESERVE

Operating Policy for Tours

May 15, 1990

I. Purpose

The purpose of holding tours in the Sapelo Island National
Estuarine Research Reserve (SINERR) is to educate visitors about
how estuaries work and what their values are. The objective of
this education is to encourage good management of estuaries.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wishes to make the
most effective possible use of limited staff and other resources.
DNR will emphasize educational tours for stude nts and for persons
such as teachers, journalists, and public officials who are
responsible for managing estuarine resources. Such persons are
called "multiplier audiences", because they can effectively share
their knowledge of estuaries with other people.

The public tour program is an important part of the SINERR's
educational program. It teaches members of the public about
estuarine resources in ways which they are likely to remember.
Tours for the public will be.scheduled to balance the need for
public access and education.with the need to reach students and
multiplier audiences.

Ii. Tour Schedule

The general schedule for tours of the SINERR will be as
follows:

Sunday: Maintenance, and tour staff days off
Monday:, Maintenance, and tour staff days off
Tuesday: Tours for students and multiplier audiences
Wednesday: Public tour's
Thursday: Tours for students and multiplier audiences
Friday: Public tours, from the Friday before Memorial
Day through the Friday before Labor Day.
Tours for students and multiplier audiences,
the rest of the year.
Saturday: Public tours.

III. Changes to Tour Schedule

DNR will reschedule a tour only whenthe tourconflicts
unavoidably with other management needs. Typical situations
include:

a. Public safety: when there is severe weather, or when
managed deer hunts are occurring within the SINERR.

Page L-1

Each June, DNR will post dates upon which managed deer
hunts will occur for the following hunting season and
will notify the McIntosh County Chamber of Commerce of
the dates at that time.

b. Equipment outage: maintenance or repair periods, when
the ferry or on-island transportation is unavailable.

C. Personnel unavailability: periods when tour staff and
certified guides are unavailable.

d. Priority tour scheduling: times when groups of students
or multiplier audiences cannot be scheduled on a day
which is normally reserved for their tours.
When DNR must reschedule a tour, it will take the following
measures as soon as it knows a conflict is unavoidable:

a. If DNR scheduled the tour directly, DNR will notify the
group. If the lead time is less than two weeks, DNR
will notify the group first by telephone, then in
writing.

b. If the McIntosh County Chamber of Commerce visitors'
center scheduled the tour, DNR will notify the center.
if the lead time is less than two weeks, DNR will
notify the center first by telephone, then in writing.
If a nearby date normally reserved for other tours is
free, DNR may at its discretion offer the date to the
Chamber to replace the tour which must be rescheduled.

C. DNR will make its own staff aware of any change in the
tour schedule as required. DNR will also notify the
office of the Director of the Marine Institute and the
manager of the Hog Hammock Community Center.

d. DNR will post a notice of any tour rescheduling in
plain view at the DNR office on Sapelo Island, at Marsh
Landing dock, and at Meridian Dock.

IV. Approval

Approved this 15th day of May, 1990.

Leon Kirkland,
Director, Game and Fish Division
Department of Natural Resources

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