> ![](media/image1.png){width="0.7597222222222222in"
> height="0.9701388888888889in"}***Stabilization Treatments for Historic
> Slave Community Chimneys***
>
> ***Cumberland Island National Seashore***

***DRAFT Environmental Assessment***

***February 2004***

![](media/image2.png){width="1.0in" height="0.3375in"}

![](media/image3.jpeg){width="5.057638888888889in"
height="3.7694444444444444in"}

*Historic Slave Chimneys*

*Source: SBCH, 2002.*

*Prepared for:*

*The National Park Service*

### This Draft Environmental Assessment evaluates alternatives and associated environmental impacts arising out of the proposed stabilization of the Historic Slave Community Chimneys located at Cumberland Island National Seashore.

### [Comments and Availability]{.underline}

### Comments on this draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Stabilization of the Historic Slave Community Chimneys on Cumberland Island National Seashore must be delivered or postmarked no later than April 15, 2004. 

### If you wish to comment on this draft EA, you may mail comments to the name and address below. Our practice is to make comments, including names and home addresses, available for public review during regular business hours. Individual respondents may request that that we withhold their names and/or home address from the record, which we will honor to the extent allowable by law. If you wish us to withhold your name and/or address, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comment. We will make all submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, available for public inspection in their entirety. [Comments will not receive individualized, direct response.]{.underline}

### Address all comments to:

Superintendent

Cumberland Island National Seashore

P.O. Box 806

St. Marys, Georgia 31558

FAX: 912-882-5688

Comments may be submitted by e-mail to: Superintendent_CUIS@nps.gov

The draft EA is available for public review at the following locations:

Camden County Public Library, 1410 Georgia Highway 40E, Kingsland,
Georgia

St. Marys Public Library, 101 Herb Bauer Dr., St. Marys, Georgia

Fernandina Public Library, 25 N. 4^th^ Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida

Sea Camp Ranger Station, Cumberland Island, Georgia

Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum, 129 Osborne St., St. Marys,
Georgia

The draft EA can also be viewed and downloaded at
[www.nps.gov/cuis](http://www.nps.gov/cuis).

**[Important Notice]{.underline}.** Reviewers must provide the National
Park Service (NPS) with their comments on the draft EA during the review
period. This will allow NPS to analyze and respond to comments at one
time and to use information acquired in the preparation of a Final EA,
thus avoiding undue delay in the decision-making process. Reviewers have
an obligation to structure their participation in the National
Environmental Policy Act process so that it is meaningful and alerts the
agency to the reviewer's position and contentions. Environmental
objections that could have been raised at the draft stage may be
considered waived if not raised until completion of the final EA.
Comments on the draft EA should be specific and should address the
adequacy of the analysis and the merits of the alternatives discussed
per 40 CFR 1503.3.

# TABLE OF CONTENTS

[TABLE OF CONTENTS iv](#table-of-contents)

[1.0 PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR ACTION 6](#purpose-of-and-need-for-action)

[1.1 Purpose and Significance of the Seashore
6](#purpose-and-significance-of-the-seashore)

[1.2 Project Background and Scope 6](#project-background-and-scope)

[1.3 Relationship to Other Planning Projects
7](#relationship-to-other-planning-projects)

[1.4 Issues and Impact Topics 7](#issues-and-impact-topics)

[Issues Evaluated in Detail 7](#issues-evaluated-in-detail)

[Derivation of Impact Topics 7](#derivation-of-impact-topics)

[Impact Topics Included in This Document
8](#impact-topics-included-in-this-document)

[Impact Topics Dismissed from Further Analysis
9](#impact-topics-dismissed-from-further-analysis)

[2.0 PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES
10](#proposed-action-and-alternatives)

[Introduction 10](#introduction)

[2.1 Description of Alternatives 10](#description-of-alternatives)

[Alternative A: No Action Alternative
10](#alternative-a-no-action-alternative)

[Alternative B: Preferred Alternative
10](#alternative-b-preferred-alternative)

[Environmentally Preferred Alternative
11](#environmentally-preferred-alternative)

[2.2 Staging Area 12](#staging-area)

[2.3 Mitigation Measures of the Preferred Alternative
12](#mitigation-measures-of-the-preferred-alternative)

[Natural Resources 12](#natural-resources)

[Cultural Resources 13](#cultural-resources)

[2.4 Sustainability 13](#sustainability)

[2.5 General Construction Schedule and Costs
13](#general-construction-schedule-and-costs)

[2.6 Alternatives Considered, But Dismissed
13](#alternatives-considered-but-dismissed)

[2.7 Impact Comparison Matrix 13](#impact-comparison-matrix)

[3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 15](#affected-environment)

[3.1 General Environmental Setting 15](#general-environmental-setting)

[3.2 Natural Resources 15](#natural-resources-1)

[Vegetation and Wildlife 15](#vegetation-and-wildlife)

[Protected Species 17](#protected-species)

[Soils 21](#soils)

[3.3 Visitor Use and Experience 22](#visitor-use-and-experience)

[Human-Caused Sound 22](#human-caused-sound)

[3.4 Cultural, Historic, and Archeological Resources
22](#cultural-historic-and-archeological-resources)

[Historic Structures and Ethnographic Resources/Cultural Landscapes
22](#historic-structures-and-ethnographic-resourcescultural-landscapes)

[Listed Properties on the National Register of Historic Places
25](#listed-properties-on-the-national-register-of-historic-places)

[3.5 Seashore Operations 25](#seashore-operations)

[4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES 25](#environmental-consequences)

[4.1 General Environmental Effect 25](#general-environmental-effect)

[4.2 Natural Resources 26](#natural-resources-2)

[Vegetation and Wildlife 26](#vegetation-and-wildlife-1)

[Protected Species 27](#protected-species-1)

[Soils 27](#soils-1)

[4.3 Visitor Use and Experience 28](#visitor-use-and-experience-1)

[Human-Caused Sound 29](#human-caused-sound-1)

[4.4 Cultural, Historic, and Archeological Resources
29](#cultural-historic-and-archeological-resources-1)

[Historic Structures and Ethnographic Resources/Cultural Landscapes
29](#historic-structures-and-ethnographic-resourcescultural-landscapes-1)

[Listed Properties on the National Register of Historic Places
30](#__RefHeading___Toc49136797)

[Section 106 Assessment 31](#section-106-assessment)

[4.5 Seashore Operations 31](#seashore-operations-1)

[5.0 LIST OF PREPARERS 32](#list-of-preparers)

[6.0 CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION 32](#consultation-and-coordination)

[Public Review 32](#public-review)

**LIST OF FIGURES**

Figure 1 Map of Cumberland Island

**LIST OF TABLES**

Table 1 Summary of Direct and Indirect Impacts of Alternatives
Considered

Table 2 Protected Plants

Table 3 Protected Animals

Table 4 Federal Status Attribute Definitions

Table 5 State Status Attribute Definitions

Table 6 Global Rank Attribute Definitions

Table 7 State Rank Attribute Definitions

Table 8 National Register Information System

**ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT**

#  1.0 PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR ACTION

The National Park Service (NPS) is considering stabilization treatments
of the Historic Plantation Slave Community Chimneys in the Stafford
plantation at Cumberland Island National Seashore, St. Mary's, Georgia.
This proposed action is a temporary measure to prevent the further
deterioration of the most threatened chimneys and enable future
reconstruction and preservation work on the chimneys. Stabilization work
on the chimney located in the Rayfield Archeological District is not
considered in this draft EA.

[]{.mark}

An EA analyzes the proposed action and alternatives and their potential
impacts on the environment. This draft EA has been prepared in
accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and
regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) (40 CFR
1508.9). This draft EA describes the proposed action, identifies
alternatives to the proposed action, characterizes the affected
environment, addresses potential environmental consequences of the
proposed action and its alternatives, and identifies mitigation measures
to avoid, minimize, or compensate for environmental impacts.

## 1.1 Purpose and Significance of the Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore (CUIS) was established by Congress
as a NPS system unit in the Act of October 23, 1972 (Public Law 92-536,
codified at 16 U.S.C. 459i et seq. (the "Act")). The purpose of the
seashore is "to provide for public outdoor recreation use and enjoyment
of certain significant shoreline lands and waters of the United States
and to preserve related scenic, scientific, and historical values."
Section 6 of the Act sets forth additional preservation mandates by
stating that "the seashore shall be administered, protected and
developed in accordance with the provisions of the Act of August 25,
1916 (39 Stat. 535; 16 U.S.C. 1, 2-4)" which established the NPS. On
September 8, 1982, much of the northern half of CUIS was designated as
wilderness or potential wilderness to be managed under the National
Wilderness Preservation System (Public Law 97-250, 16 U.S.C. 1131 et
seq.).

## 1.2 Project Background and Scope

In 1977, the NPS Southeast Archeological Center documented the remains
of 26 nineteenth-century chimneys associated with the slave quarters
from the Cumberland Island plantation era. Nineteen chimneys remain
standing, but in various stages of ruin. The former Stafford Plantation
slave housing complex is now known as "The Chimneys".

The distance from Sea Camp Dock to "The Chimneys" is 3.7 miles. Access
to the island may be obtained by commercial ferry, commercial charter,
or by private (non-commercial boat) from St. Mary's. Transportation on
the island is by private vehicle or by foot. The project site is located
midway up the island at Stafford Plantation, one half-mile east of the
plantation main house. The chimneys stand in three parallel rows along a
north-south axis terminating at the north with an intersecting double
row running east-west. The project is located in an area consisting of a
mix of private property, public land, and public land encumbered by
retained rights. The Stafford chimneys are not located in the designated
wilderness area on the northern half of CUIS.

NPS staff undertook stabilization of certain chimneys in the 1970s, with
the installation of wood shoring at three chimneys, successfully slowing
the collapse of two chimneys over the following decade. The goal of this
project is provide stabilization treatments to temporarily slow the
deterioration of the remaining standing chimneys until further
reconstruction and preservation work can be undertaken.

Stabilization treatments vary, but include structural stabilization
(shoring and bracing); mortar, wood, and brick patching; and vegetation
removal. Vegetation removal has the least potential to damage buried
resources or the delicate tabby masonry of the chimneys.

The project will affect only an area comprising a 10-foot circumference
around each chimney and any associated structures. There will be no
subsurface disturbance below one foot within the 10-foot circumference.

The scope of work for this project includes NEPA compliance for the
elements of work detailed in the *Condition Assessment Report* by
Surber, Barber, Choate, and Hertlein, 2002; and any other supplemental
information provided by CUIS and the NPS Southeast Regional Office
(SERO). The *Condition Assessment Report* documented the condition of
each chimney, using drawings, photographs and written descriptions.
During the 2002 field survey of the chimneys, NPS staff, along with
architecture and structural engineering experts, assigned stabilization
priority designations to each chimney. The A, B, C, and D designations
reflect the different stages of deterioration of each chimney. An "A"
designation represents the highest priority for stabilization while a
"D" designation is the lowest priority for stabilization.

In summary, the project will use temporary stabilization measures to
address the lateral instability (side to side movement) of each standing
chimney and the support of the gravity loads. Lateral stability would
also include tying the structure together to maintain its structural
form. Work will require installation of lateral bracing (which consists
of pouring concrete footings external to the chimney, installing
strut/columns, placing collars around mantels, grouting cracks in
mantels, and grouting between collar and masonry); and installation of
front shaft support (which consists of timber grillage on existing
hearths, installing columns, installing beams, grouting and shimming
under chimney lintels or masonry, and connecting the assembly to the
lateral bracing).

In addition to the stabilization treatments, this EA covers
project-related actions including transportation of all materials to
CUIS; staging of materials and equipment; and the removal and transport
of all contractor-generated debris/waste off CUIS seashore boundaries to
an approved landfill.

## 1.3 Relationship to Other Planning Projects

The stabilization treatments of the Historic Plantation Slave Community
Chimneys in the Stafford plantation is consistent with the objectives
of: Cumberland Island National Seashore General Management Plan (1984),
Seashore's Statement for Management (1990), Natural Resource Management
Plan (1994), Draft Cultural Resource Management Plan (2000), Strategic
Plan 2001-2005 and objectives specific to each that support the proposed
action.

## 1.4 Issues and Impact Topics

### [Issues Evaluated in Detail]{.underline}

Issues and concerns affecting this proposal were identified from past
and current NPS planning efforts. Major issues are the conformance of
this proposal with the Cumberland Island National Seashore General
Management Plan; natural resource issues including potential impacts to
threatened, endangered, and species of concern; and cultural (historic
and archeological) resources; recreational values and seashore
operations.

### [Derivation of Impact Topics]{.underline} 

Specific impact topics were developed to focus discussion on
environmental consequences, and to allow comparison of the effects of
each alternative. These impact topics were identified based on federal
laws, regulations, and Executive Orders; 2001 NPS *Management Policies*;
and NPS knowledge of limited or easily affected resources. A brief
rationale for the selection of each impact topic is given below, as well
as the rationale for dismissing specific topics from further
consideration.

### [Impact Topics Included in This Document]{.underline}

Vegetation and Wildlife: The National Environmental Policy Act (42
U.S.C. 4321 *et seq*.) requires examining the impacts a proposed action
may have on all components of affected ecosystems. NPS policy is to
maintain all components and processes of naturally occurring ecosystems,
including the natural abundance, diversity and ecological integrity of
plants and animals. "The Chimneys" site has been extensively disturbed
by human activities for a long period of time in Cumberland Island's
history. Over the past three hundred years, many of the natural
communities on Cumberland Island have been extensively disturbed by
human activities. For example, in the years leading up to the Civil War,
a significant amount of forest cover on the island was cleared for
cultivation of Sea Island cotton and other crops. However, native
vegetation has started to reclaim the former Stafford Plantation. The
proposed action requires vegetation clearing, which will possibly affect
some large, older trees (live oaks and red cedar) and any wildlife that
use the trees as habitat. Temporary construction activities may also
disturb wildlife near the site. Thus, these issues are addressed in this
environmental assessment.

Protected Species: The Endangered Species Act requires examining the
impacts of the action on all federally-listed threatened and endangered
species. NPS policy requires an assessment on all federal candidate
species, as well as state-listed threatened, endangered, candidate,
rare, declining and sensitive species. The proposed action requires
limited vegetation clearing, which may affect some large, older trees
(live oaks and red cedar) and any species that use the trees as habitat.
Temporary construction activities may also disturb species near the
site. Therefore, these issues are addressed in this environmental
assessment.

Soils: The NPS strives to understand and preserve the soil resources of
park units and to prevent, to the extent possible, the unnatural
erosion, physical removal, or contamination of the soil or its
contamination of other resources (NPS *Management Policies*, 2001). The
stabilization treatments for the chimneys will include soil disturbance
through bracing structures and vegetation removal. Additional soil
disturbance may arise from the use of construction equipment so soils
are addressed in this environmental assessment.

Visitor Use and Experience: CUIS is open year round (except December
25). In the past decade, visitation to the Seashore has ranged between
40,000 and 50,000 people per year. Visitation is limited to 300 persons
per day by the Seashore's General Management Plan to give visitors an
uncrowded, largely wild and natural experience on the island. Travel on
the island is primarily by foot with most visitation concentrated on the
southern end of the island although visitors can walk on or near roads
that equipment may be traveling on to reach "The Chimneys" site at
Stafford Plantation. Future visitor use and experience on adjacent parts
of the island may be affected by temporary construction activities at
"The Chimneys" and is addressed in this environmental assessment.

Human-Caused Sound: According the NPS Management Policies (2001) and
Director's Order #47, Sound Preservation and Noise Management, part of
the NPS mission is the preservation of natural soundscapes associated
with park units. Natural soundscapes exist in the absence of
human-caused sound. Temporary construction activities would result in
human-caused sound at "The Chimneys" that may adversely affect wildlife
and visitor experiences and is addressed in this environmental
assessment.

Historic Structures and Ethnographic Resources/Cultural Landscapes: The
National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 *et
seq*.); the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 *et
seq*.); the National Park Service's Director's Order #28, *Cultural
Resource Management Guideline* (1997); *Management Policies* (2001); and
Director's Order #12 (DO-12) *Conservation Planning, Environmental
Impact Analysis, and Decision-making* (2001) require the consideration
of impacts on historic structures and buildings listed in or eligible
for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. "The Chimneys"
site is located within the Stafford Plantation Historic District, a
listing included in the National Register of Historic Places. In
addition, the Main Road of Cumberland Island is a historic roadway
listed in the National Register. The Main Road will be used to transport
construction materials to "The Chimneys" staging area. Temporary
construction activity could affect these historic resources, as well as
artifacts still buried amongst the chimneys, thus these issues are
addressed in this environmental assessment.

Seashore Operations: CUIS is regularly patrolled by park rangers to
ensure visitor safety, resource protection and compliance with
applicable laws. In addition, the Seashore is responsible for
maintaining the Main Road for use by staff and island residents. Since
construction equipment and materials will be transported along the Main
Road to Stafford Plantation, Seashore operations will be addressed in
this environmental assessment.

### [Impact Topics Dismissed from Further Analysis]{.underline}

Air Quality: Section 118 of the Clean Air Act, as amended (33 U.S.C.
7401 *et seq*.), requires each park unit to meet all federal, state and
local air pollution standards. Cumberland Island is designated as a
Class II air quality area under the Act. Section 163 of the Clean Air
Act indicates the maximum allowable increase in concentrations of
particulate matter and sulfur dioxide over baseline concentrations for
Class II designations. Further the Act provides that the federal land
manager has an affirmative obligation to protect air quality-related
values including visibility, plants, animals, soil, water quality,
cultural resources and visitor health from adverse pollution impacts.
Construction vehicle trips to the project site and construction
activities could temporarily result in increased vehicle exhaust and
emissions. The number of construction vehicle trips to the site is
expected to be small. Construction activity will be restricted to only
simple hand tools and small powered equipment if necessary. The proposed
action would result in negligible but temporary degradation of local air
quality. Cumberland Island's Class II designation would not be affected
by the proposed action. Thus, air quality impacts were dismissed from
further analysis.

Environmental Justice: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines
environmental justice as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement
of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin or income,
with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of
environmental laws, regulations and policies. Fair treatment means that
no group of people, including a racial, ethnic or socioeconomic group
should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental
consequences resulting from industrial, municipal and commercial
operations or the execution of federal, state, local and tribal programs
and policies. The proposed action would not have health or environmental
effects on low-income or minority populations or communities as defined
by the EPA's Draft Environmental Justice Guideline (July 1996).
Therefore, environmental justice was dismissed from further analysis.

Geology and Topography: NPS's Management Policies (2001) require the
protection of significant geologic and topographic features. Cumberland
Island features topography that is inherently dynamic, shaped by wind
and tidal action. The geology of "The Chimneys" site is characterized as
stable dune/beach ridges (NPS, 1980). The proposed action and staging
areas do not contain any geologic features, so no impacts are expected
to the geology of Cumberland Island. The proposed action will not
involve grading around the chimneys, so the local topography would be
unchanged. Thus, geology and topography were dismissed from further
analysis.

Human-Caused Light: The NPS strives to preserve natural ambient
landscapes that exist in the absence of human-caused light in accordance
with NPS Management Policies (2001). The proposed action will be
accomplished between dawn and dusk, so that artificial lighting of the
site would not be required. Therefore, human-caused light was dismissed
from further analysis.

Socioeconomic Environment: The historic resources of CUIS are a major
draw of visitors to the island. Currently, there is no public access to
"The Chimneys" for historic interpretation due to unsafe structural
conditions. Overall, the chimney stabilization treatments will not draw
more visitors to the island and Stafford Plantation until public access
is available, thus the socioeconomic environment was dismissed from
further analysis.

Water Resources (Water Quality, Wetlands and Floodplains): NPS policies
require protection of water quality in accordance with the Clean Water
Act, including the Section 404 provisions governing wetlands. Executive
Order 11990, *Protection of Wetlands*, requires federal agencies to
avoid, where possible, adversely affecting wetlands. Similarly,
Executive Order 11988, *Floodplain Management*, requires all federal
agencies to avoid construction within the 100-year floodplain unless no
practicable alternatives exist. Proposed actions that have the potential
to have an adverse affect on wetlands and certain construction
activities in the 100-year floodplain must be addressed in a Statement
of Findings. Based on USGS elevation data, "The Chimneys" site does not
lie within the 100-year floodplain. "The Chimneys" site is above the
13-14 foot elevation generally assumed to define the 100-year floodplain
of CUIS (NPS, 1980). The proposed action requires some vegetation
clearing, which will affect some vines and groundcover. Large trees such
as live oaks and red cedar will not be cleared. The trees and vines may
be providing structural support to some of the chimneys. Temporary
construction activities may disturb vegetation near the site, but would
not affect stormwater runoff and the water quality of wetlands and water
bodies on the island, so water resource impacts were dismissed from
further analysis.

Wilderness: Approximately 45 percent of the federally owned land at
Cumberland Island National Seashore are designated as wilderness. The
Wilderness Act directs the NPS to protect and manage wilderness so that
it "generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of
nature, with the imprint of man's work substantially unnoticeable," and
so that it "has outstanding opportunities for solitude, or a primitive
and unconfined type of recreation." As a general rule, vehicular travel
is prohibited in designated wilderness areas. "The Chimneys" site and
construction staging area are not located within designated wilderness
areas of Cumberland Island National Seashore; therefore, wilderness
impacts were dismissed from further analysis.

#  2.0 PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES

### [Introduction]{.underline}

The alternatives section describes two management alternatives for the
treatment of "The Chimneys". The no action alternative continues the
current NPS management operation and condition of the "The Chimneys".
Alternative B addresses temporary stabilization of "The Chimneys". The
NPS developed the alternatives in a value-analysis workshop.

## 2.1 Description of Alternatives

### [Alternative A: No Action Alternative]{.underline} 

This section describes the action of continuing the present management
operation and condition of "The Chimneys". The no action alternative
does not imply or direct discontinuing the present action or removing
existing uses, developments, or facilities. The no action alternative
provides a basis for comparing the management direction and
environmental consequences of the preferred alternative. Should the no
action alternative be selected, the NPS would respond to future needs
and conditions associated with the chimney's deterioration without major
actions or changes in the present course.

### [Alternative B: Preferred Alternative]{.underline}

The preferred alternative will use temporary stabilization to address
the lateral instability (side to side movement) of standing chimneys and
the support of the gravity loads. Lateral stability would also include
tying the structure together to maintain its structural form. Work will
require installation of lateral bracing (which consists of pouring
concrete footings external to the chimney, installing strut/columns,
placing collars around mantels, grouting cracks in mantels, and grouting
between collar and masonry); and installation of front shaft support
(which consists of timber grillage on existing hearths, installing
columns, installing beams, grouting and shimming under chimney lintels
or masonry, and connecting the assembly to the lateral bracing). Trees,
stumps and roots adjacent to chimney bases that are not providing
structural support will be cleared if their removal can be accomplished
without further damaging the chimneys.

The concept of bracing is to provide a braced ring around the center of
the base and a separate shore for the front face of the shaft. This
arrangement is designed to minimize the disturbance to potential buried
resources and minimize disturbance to the existing chimney and prevent
damage to the delicate tabby masonry. These techniques will not address
the deterioration of the tabby brick and mortar, which is progressing in
all of the chimneys.

Masonry holes will be filled with dry stacked brick as a temporary
measure. Bricks will be salvaged from other previously collapsed chimney
sites to supply as many bricks as possible. Several sizes of bricks are
required for repairs. The recommended mixture for the tabby mortar for
new bricks is a 1:1:2 mix, parts by volume, of hydraulic lime: hydrated
lime: pulverized oyster shell of approximately two parts. Adjustments to
the recommended mixture may be determined through the preparation of a
range of test samples, using from two to four parts oyster shell.

Each chimney has been assigned a stabilization priority designation from
A to D and reflects the different stages of deterioration of each
chimney. An "A" designation represents the highest priority for
stabilization and is assigned to chimneys that retain full height. A "B"
designation represents a chimney that retains full height, but has a
collapsed lintel and/or overmantel. A "C" designation represents a
chimney that has full or partial collapse of the chimney shaft. A "D"
designation represents a chimney that is in complete ruin and represents
the lowest priority for stabilization. Stabilization treatments for
individual chimneys are described in the *Condition Assessment Report*.

### [Environmentally Preferred Alternative]{.underline}

The CEQ has stated that the environmentally preferred alternative is the
alternative that will promote the national environmental policy
expressed in NEPA, Section 101(b). The environmentally preferred
alternative is determined by applying the six following NEPA criteria.
The environmentally preferred alternative will:

-   Fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee of the
    environment for succeeding generations;

-   Assure for all Americans safe, healthful, productive, and
    aesthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings;

-   Attain the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment
    without degradation, risk of health or safety, or other undesirable
    and unintended consequences;

-   Preserve important historic, cultural, and natural aspects of our
    national heritage and maintain, wherever possible, an environment
    which supports diversity and variety of individual choice;

-   Achieve a balance between population and resource use which will
    permit high standards of living and a wide sharing of life's
    amenities; and

-   Enhance the quality of renewable resources and approach the maximum
    attainable recycling of depletable resources.

The NPS has determined that the environmentally preferred alternative is
Alternative B (Preferred Alternative) because it improves upon the no
action alternative, embracing the tenets expressed in the NEPA policy
discussed above.

Alternative B makes the most progress towards securing preservation of
"The Chimneys" for future generations. "The Chimneys" are an important
part of our national heritage linking us to our past, providing a
glimpse into the lives of plantation owners and slaves on CUIS. The
stabilization treatments reduce visual (aesthetic) impacts to the
chimneys through use of salvaged (recycled) brick from other
archeological sites, a recommended mixture for tabby mortar, and
construction with simple hand tools. Alternative B balances the widest
range of beneficial uses of the environment, stabilizing an important
cultural resource within its historic landscape context, yet respecting
the surrounding landscape of live oak and red cedar trees, vines and
groundcover. Trees and vines that provide structural support to some of
the chimneys or serve as important wildlife habitat will not be removed.

In the broadest sense, Alternative B would a) fulfill the
responsibilities of each generation as trustee of the environment for
succeeding generations, b) assure for all Americans safe, healthful,
productive, and aesthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings; c)
attain the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment without
degradation, risk of health or safety, or other undesirable and
unintended consequences; and d) preserve important historic, cultural,
and natural aspects of our national heritage and maintain, wherever
possible, an environment that supports diversity and variety of
individual choice.

## 2.2 Staging Area

The location of the staging area for the preferred alternative will be
in the vicinity of \"The Chimneys\". The staging area would not be
located in an environmentally sensitive area. No temporary living
quarters for workers would be included in the staging area.

## 2.3 Mitigation Measures of the Preferred Alternative

Mitigation measures are presented as part of the preferred alternative.
These actions have been developed to lessen the adverse effects of the
preferred alternative.

### [Natural Resources]{.underline}

To minimize potential negative impacts to the natural resources of CUIS
from the preferred alternative, the stabilization work is subject to the
following conditions:

-   No stabilization or restoration work will occur from dusk to dawn,
    so artificial lighting will not be required, eliminating nighttime
    light and noise disturbances to wildlife.

-   Installation of construction fencing/signs around staging area, work
    areas and training of personnel to minimize ground disturbance by
    construction activities and material transport.

-   Installation of erosion fencing around staging area, work areas and
    training of personnel to minimize soil disturbance or erosion by
    vegetation clearing and construction activities.

-   Revegetation of areas disturbed by tree, vine, and groundcover
    removal after completion of stabilization treatments.

-   Targeted or minimal use of \[approved\] herbicides to prevent
    unnecessary harm to nearby vegetation.

### [Cultural Resources]{.underline}

To minimize potential negative impacts to the cultural resources of CUIS
from the preferred alternative, the stabilization work is subject to the
following conditions:

-   Prior to execution of chimney stabilization treatments, adjacent
    areas will be inspected for potential buried resources.

-   CUIS personnel familiar with the chimneys will supervise
    stabilization work to minimize disturbance to buried resources and
    damage to delicate tabby masonry of the chimneys.

-   Visual (aesthetic) impacts to the chimneys will be minimized through
    use of salvaged brick from other archeological sites, a recommended
    mixture for tabby mortar, and construction with simple hand tools.

## 2.4 Sustainability

The NPS has adopted the concept of sustainable design as a guiding
principle of facility planning and development. The objectives of
sustainability are to design CUIS facilities to minimize adverse effects
on natural and cultural values, to reflect their environmental setting,
and to maintain and encourage biodiversity; to construct and retrofit
facilities using energy-efficient materials and building techniques; to
operate and maintain facilities to promote their sustainability; and to
illustrate and promote conservation principles and practices through the
sustainable design and ecologically sensitive use. Essentially,
sustainability is living within the environment with the least impact on
the environment. The preferred alternative subscribes to and supports
the practice of sustainable planning, design and use of the facility.

## 2.5 General Construction Schedule and Costs

Total estimated construction costs for labor and materials (6 January
2003) for stabilization of the 26 chimneys is \$330,000. Stabilization
treatments range from under \$1000 for some priority "D" chimneys to
over \$22,000 for some priority "A" chimneys. Material handling includes
transport of materials to island and disposal of waste/debris. Cost
estimates for individual chimney stabilization are included in the
*Condition Assessment Report*. The construction schedule for the chimney
stabilization treatments is budgeted for completion in 2003/04.

## 2.6 Alternatives Considered, But Dismissed

An alternative considered but dismissed from this analysis includes the
full-scale reconstruction and preservation of the 26 historic chimneys.
NPS staff requires more time to complete research required to establish
appropriate preservation, restoration or rehabilitation treatments for
the chimneys.

## 2.7 Impact Comparison Matrix

The impact comparison matrix compares impacts among project
alternatives, including the no action alternative. The matrix presents a
concise summary of each alternative's potential effects by impact topic.

  --------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------
  **FACTOR**      **PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE**    **NO ACTION**

  VEGETATION AND  Negative minor, removal of   Negative minor, some site
  WILDLIFE        some trees, vines and        maintenance will continue
                  groundcover                  

  PROTECTED       Negative minor, removal of   None
  SPECIES         some trees, vines and        
                  groundcover                  

  SOILS           Negative minor, temporary    None
                  disruption to soils from     
                  construction                 

  VISITOR USE AND Negative minor, temporary    None, no current public access
  EXPERIENCE      construction noise may alter 
                  visitor experience on        
                  adjacent parts of the island 

  HUMAN-CAUSED    Negative minor, temporary    None, no construction will be
  SOUND           construction noise           done

  CULTURAL,       Positive major,              Negative moderate, chimneys
  HISTORICAL AND  stabilization of chimneys    will continue to deteriorate
  ARCHEOLOGICAL   from further deterioration   slowly
  RESOURCES                                    

  SEASHORE        None, no change in seashore  None, no change in seashore
  OPERATIONS      operations are expected      operations expected

                                               

  CUMULATIVE      Positive moderate, further   Negative moderate, chimneys
  IMPACTS         deterioration will be        would continue to deteriorate
                  prevented until NPS staff    slowly over time with eventual
                  has time to complete         loss of historic resource
                  research required to         
                  establish appropriate        
                  preservation, restoration or 
                  rehabilitation treatments    
                  for the chimneys             
  --------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------

**TABLE 1: Summary of Direct and Indirect Impacts for Alternatives
Considered**

# 3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

The Affected Environment section describes existing environmental
resources of the areas that would be affected by the implementation of
any of the alternatives. This section describes only those environmental
resources that are relevant to the decision to be made. It does not
describe the entire existing environment, but only those environmental
resources that would affect or would be affected by the implementation
of the alternatives. Detailed information on resources of the seashore
may be found in the Cumberland Island National Seashore General
Management Plan. This section, in conjunction with the description of
the no action alternative, forms the baseline conditions for determining
the environmental effects of the proposed action.

## 3.1 General Environmental Setting

The distance from Sea Camp Dock to "The Chimneys" is 3.7 miles. The
project site is located midway up the island at Stafford Plantation, one
half-mile east of the plantation main house. The chimneys stand in three
parallel rows along a north-south axis terminating at the north with an
intersecting double row running east-west. The project is located in an
area consisting of a mix of private property, public land, and public
land encumbered by retained rights. The Stafford chimneys are not
located in the designated wilderness area on the northern half of CUIS.
Nineteen of the 26 original chimneys remain standing, but in various
stages of ruin.

The landscape surrounding the chimneys is comprised mostly of live oak
and red cedar trees, vines and groundcover, with a few large trees
growing adjacent to some chimneys. The trees and vines may be providing
structural support to some of the chimneys.

## 3.2 Natural Resources

### [Vegetation and Wildlife]{.underline}

Cumberland Island is the largest and southernmost of Georgia's barrier
islands. Located in Camden County, the island is about 17 ½ miles long
and 3 miles wide at its widest point. The closest upland area on the
mainland is approximately 2 ¼ miles away.

CUIS is bounded by the Cumberland River on the west, by St. Andrews
Sound on the north, and by Cumberland Sound on the south. The authorized
boundary of CUIS encompasses both Cumberland and Little Cumberland
islands, but Congress directed that Little Cumberland Island remain in
private ownership so long as the residents of Little Cumberland maintain
an irrevocable trust or other irrevocable agreement that insures the
preservation of that island's resources. Of the national seashore's
36,415 acres, approximately 19,565 acres are considered upland and
16,850 acres contain marsh, mud flats, and tidal creeks. The federal
government (National Park Service) owns 19,472 acres within the seashore
boundary, with most of the remainder being privately owned, owned by the
State of Georgia, or owned by the National Park Service subject to
reserved estates. (Two other federal entities own land at the Seashore:
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (518 acres) and the U.S. Navy (139
acres).) In 1982, Congress designated approximately 8,840 acres in the
northern section of Cumberland Island as part of the National Wilderness
Preservation System.

The barrier island landscapes are dynamic, with the ocean being the
primary force of change. Beach sands are in constant motion as a result
of southwest littoral (i.e., along-the-shore) currents, high waves and
surge caused by storms, routine wave action, and rising sea levels. Sand
movement changes the appearance of the island, sometimes accreting and
sometimes eroding the shoreline.

Vegetation is critical in maintaining what little stability exists on
the island. Extensive root systems of maritime grasses and herbaceous
plants help to stabilize sediments, whether windblown or waterborne. The
grasses themselves trap windblown sand. In this way, sand dunes build
naturally and the topography is elevated just enough so that other plant
life can take root. Shrubs and trees shield other vegetation from the
harsh salt-spray allowing different plant life to grow. Therefore, the
vegetation forms distinctive ecological zones across the island.

Just over 10% of the island are composed of dune plant communities. This
includes sparse stands of grasses, forbs, and sedges along the primary
dunes, interdune meadow and secondary dunes along the 17-½ mile beach.
Sea oats (*Uniola paniculata*), railroad vine (*Ipomoea pes-caprae*),
beach morning glory (*Ipomoea stolonifera*), and beach pennywort
(*Hydrocotyle bonariensis*) are important stabilizing plants.

The entire tidal area of the west side of the island is linked into a
single functional unit. Extensive salt marshes meander along the creeks
and create pockets of stabilizing grasses dominated by salt-marsh
cordgrass (*Spartina alterniflora*). *Spartina* grows over the entire
marsh, is eaten by insects, dies decomposes, and, as detritus, furnishes
food for most of the other marsh fauna. Shrimp, crabs, and small fish
use the marshes as a nursery and feeding area, moving in and out with
the tides. Fiddler crabs are the most conspicuous animals that feed on
the detritus covering the soft mud. The tidal amplitude in Georgia is
large -- approximately seven feet -- so these "bar-built" estuaries are
energy absorbing systems.

The aquatic systems of Cumberland Island are more extensive and diverse
than those of other Georgia barrier islands. Permanent ponds comprise
0.2% of the island. Three quarters of these are freshwater ponds. Water
levels in ponds and sloughs fluctuate, changing their salinity. These
areas provide nesting, feeding, and roosting areas for a large number of
wading birds and shore birds, as well as many amphibians, reptiles, and
mammals.

Fire, storms and grazing have been important driving forces in
determining the present vegetation communities of Cumberland Island.
Twenty-two plant communities have been described and mapped (Hillestad
1975). Mature forests are dominated by broadleaf evergreen species.
Thirty-nine percent of the island is made up of five upland forest
communities, with oak species playing an important role in every one.
Important tree species include live oak (*Quercus virginiana*), laurel
oak (*Quercus laurifolia*), several species of pine (*Pinus spp.*), and
bayberry (*Myrica cerifera*). Common understory plants include saw
palmetto (*Serenoa repens*), bristly panic grass (*Panicum aciculare*),
other grasses and many vine species. No endangered plants have been
found on the island.

The acorn crop provides an important food source for many native
animals, including deer and turkey. Cumberland Island supports more
species of large vertebrates than any of Georgia's other barrier
islands. There are resident populations of white-tailed deer
(*Odocoileus virginianus*), gray squirrels (*Sciurus carolensis*), and
raccoons (*Procyon lotor*). There are many smaller mammals, including
rodents, bats, opossums, marsh rabbits, mice, and voles. Armadillos were
first documented on the island in 1974. NPS reintroduced the bobcat in
1989.

Birds are by far the most numerous animals on the island, with
approximately 323 species recorded within Seashore boundaries. Their
abundance is due to the Seashore's location on the Atlantic Flyway and
to lack of development and human disturbance. Of special importance are
the bald eagle and peregrine falcon that use the Seashore in limited
numbers for feeding and resting. The piping plover is threatened along
the Atlantic coast. Least terns nest in colonies behind beach/berm,
among scattered low dunes, and on tidal flats. At least 101 species are
known to nest on the island. Cumberland provides critical nesting
habitat for 18 species of colonial nesters such as least and gull-billed
terns, wood storks, herons, and egrets. The mature oak forest provides
nesting habitat for 77 species of tree nesting birds and feeding habitat
for over 100 species of insect-eating birds. Large multi-species flocks
of shorebirds frequent the beaches.

Reptiles dominate the herpetofauna of Cumberland Island. There are 34
species of reptiles and 18 species of amphibians. The loggerhead sea
turtle (*Caretta caretta*), a federally threatened species, is a regular
summer visitor to Cumberland Island, nesting on or near the base of
dunes fronting the beach. Over the last 11 years, the park has
documented an average of 196 sea turtle nests laid per year. During the
2002 nesting season, as many as 15,475 hatchlings crossed Cumberland
Island's beaches to enter the Atlantic Ocean. The park also reports
strandings of green, kemps ridley and leatherback sea turtles. The
american alligator occurs commonly throughout aquatic areas. Many
varieties of tree frogs, toads, snakes and lizards are also common
residents.

Marine animals inhabit the intertidal zones of the beaches, tidal flats
and salt marshes. Burrowing mole crabs, ghost crabs, and coquina clams
are found on the ocean beaches, and crustaceans and worms on the tidal
flats. Many species of commercially valuable invertebrates and fish are
supported by the food chain of the Seashore's salt marshes and tidal
creeks.

Congress recognized the national significance of Cumberland Island when
it included the island within the National Park System. The significance
of the diverse resources on Cumberland Island received international
recognition in 1986 when the UNESCO Bureau of the International
Coordinating Council for Man and the Biosphere designated the Seashore
as part of the Carolina-South Atlantic Biosphere Reserve-Sea Island
Unit.

### [Protected Species]{.underline}

Information on protected species is from the Georgia Natural Heritage
Program, a program of the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia
Department of Natural Resources. Tables 1 and 2 list threatened and
endangered plants and animals in Camden County, Georgia.

The tables show that there are 31 potentially threatened or endangered
plants and 23 potentially threatened or endangered animals. It is
difficult to say that all of these species are in the study area
although their range is likely the county level. Camden County is the
9^th^ largest county in the State and covers approximately 659 square
miles.

According to NPS staff, the following listed animal species are most
commonly associated with the Cumberland Island National Seashore:
loggerhead sea turtle, piping plover, leatherback sea turtle, wood stork
and manatee. However, these species are not commonly associated with
"The Chimneys" site.

Table 2: Protected Plants

  --------------- ----------------- ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
  Common Name     Scientific Name   Federal    State      Global Rank State Rank
                                    Status     Status                 

  Ball-moss       Tillandsia                   T          G5          S1
                  recurvata                                           

  Bartram\'s      Tillandsia                              G4          S2
  Air-plant       bartramii                                           

  Bluff White Oak Quercus austrina                        G5          S3?

  Carolina        Lycium                                  G4          S1
  Wolfberry       carolinianum                                        

  Catbird Grape   Vitis palmata                           G4          SH

  Chapman Oak     Quercus chapmanii                       G4G5        S2

  Dwarf Pawpaw    Asimina pygmaea                         G4          S1?

  Flag            Thalia dealbata                         G4          S1

  Florida         Ctenium                                 G2          S1
  Orange-grass    floridanum                                          

  Florida Privet  Forestiera                              G4          S2
                  segregata                                           

  Godfrey Privet  Forestiera                              G2          S1
                  godfreyi                                            

  Goldfoot Fern   Phlebodium aureum                       G5          S1

  Green-fly       Epidendrum                   U          G4          S3
  Orchid          conopseum                                           

  Hooded          Sarracenia minor             U          G4          S4
  Pitcherplant                                                        

  Many-flowered   Calopogon                               G2G3        SH
  Grass-pink      multiflorus                                         

  Narrowleaf      Justicia angusta                        G3Q         SH
  Water-willow                                                        

  Pan-american    Elyonurus                               G5?         SH
  Balsamscale     tripsacoides                                        

  Pineland        Plantago                                G3          S2
  Plantain        sparsiflora                                         

  Pondspice       Litsea aestivalis            T          G3          S2

  Quill-leaf      Tillandsia                              G5          S1
  Air-plant       fasciculata                                         

  Sea-beach       Polygonum glaucum                       G3          SH
  Knotweed                                                            

  Shoestring Fern Vittaria lineata                        G4          S1
  (sporophyte)                                                        

  Soapberry       Sapindus                                G5          S1
                  saponaria                                           

  Spikerush       Eleocharis                              G5          S1
                  montevidensis                                       

  Sweet Acacia    Acacia farnesiana                       G5          SE1?

  Tiny-leaf       Sageretia                    T          G4          S1
  Buckthorn       minutiflora                                         

  Umbrella Sedge  Fuirena longa                           G3G4        SE1?

  Velvet Sedge    Carex dasycarpa              R          G4?         S3

  Wagner          Asplenium                    T          G2Q         S1
  Spleenwort      heteroresiliens                                     

  White Spikerush Eleocharis albida                       G4G5        S2S3

  Wild Coco       Pteroglossaspis                         G2          S1
                  ecristata                                           
  --------------- ----------------- ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------

Table 3: Protected Animals

  ---------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------- --------- --------
  Common Name      Scientific Name  Federal       State      Global    State
                                    Status        Status     Rank      Rank

  American         Haematopus                     R          G5        S2
  Oystercatcher    palliatus                                           

  Bald Eagle       Haliaeetus       (PS:LT,PDL)   E          G4        S2
                   leucocephalus                                       

  Black-crowned    Nycticorax                                G5        S3S4
  Night-heron      nycticorax                                          

  Eastern Indigo   Drymarchon       LT            T          G4T3      S3
  Snake            couperi                                             

  Florida Redbelly Pseudemys                                 G5        S2
  Turtle           nelsoni                                             

  Glossy Ibis      Plegadis                                  G5        S2S3
                   falcinellus                                         

  Green Sea Turtle Chelonia mydas   (LE,LT)       T          G3        S1

  Inland           Menidia                                   G5        S2
  Silverside       beryllina                                           

  Kemp\'s Or       Lepidochelys     LE            E          G1        S?N
  Atlantic Ridley  kempii                                              

  Loggerhead       Caretta caretta  LT            T          G3        S3

  Manatee          Trichechus       LE            E          G2        S1S2
                   manatus                                             

  Northern Right   Eubalaena        LE            E          G1        S1
  Whale            glacialis                                           

  Piping Plover    Charadrius       (LE,LT)       T          G3        S1
                   melodus                                             

  Rafinesque\'s    Corynorhinus                   R          G3G4      S3?
  Big-eared Bat    rafinesquii                                         

  Red-cockaded     Picoides         LE            E          G3        S2
  Woodpecker       borealis                                            

  Round-tailed     Neofiber alleni                T          G3        S3
  Muskrat                                                              

  Seaside Sparrow  Ammodramus       (PS)                     G4        S3
                   maritimus                                           

  Sherman\'s Fox   Sciurus niger                             G5T2      S?
  Squirrel         shermani                                            

  Striped Newt     Notophthalmus                  R          G2G3      S2
                   perstriatus                                         

  Swallow-tailed   Elanoides                      R          G5        S2
  Kite             forficatus                                          

  Wilson\'s Plover Charadrius                     R          G5        S2
                   wilsonia                                            

  Wood Stork       Mycteria         (PS:LE)       E          G4        S2
                   americana                                           
  ---------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------- --------- --------

Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, 2003.

Notes: Field Definitions

*Common Name* - The common name of an element

*Global Rank* - The rank, which best characterizes the relative rarity
or endangerment of the species or community worldwide.

*State Rank* - The rank, which best characterizes the relative rarity or
endangerment of the species or community statewide.

*Federal Status* - US Endangered Species Act Classification - For plant
and animal species; the appropriate standard abbreviation for the U.S.
Federal Register category for the species, subspecies, or variety as
proposed or determined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (marine species). If the
species has no published status under the U.S. Endangered Species Act,
this field is left blank.

*State Protection Status* - For plant and animal species only; an
abbreviation of the official endangerment status or level of legal
protection the state assigns to this species.

The following abbreviations are used to indicate the legal status of
federally protected plants and animals or those proposed for listing.

Table 4: Federal Status Attribute Definitions

  ---------- --------------------------------------------------------------
  **LE**     Listed as endangered. The most critically imperiled species. A
             species that may become extinct or disappear from a
             significant part of its range if not immediately protected.

  **LT**     Listed as threatened. The next most critical level of
             threatened species. A species that may become endangered if
             not protected.

  **PE or    Candidate species currently proposed for listing as endangered
  PT**       or threatened.

  **C**      Candidate species presently under status review for federal
             listing for which adequate information exists on biological
             vulnerability and threats to list the taxa as endangered or
             threatened.

  **PDL**    Proposed for delisting.

  **E(S/A)   Listed as endangered or threatened because of similarity of
  or         appearance.
  T(S/A)**   

  **(PS)**   Indicates \"partial status\" - status in only a portion of the
             species\' range. Typically indicated in a \"full\" species
             record where an infraspecific taxon or population has U.S. ESA
             status, but the entire species does not.
  ---------- --------------------------------------------------------------

Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service, 2003.

The following abbreviations are used to indicate the status of
state-protected plants and animals or those proposed for
state-protection in Georgia.

Table 5: State Status Attribute Definitions

  ------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
  **E**   Listed as endangered. A species which is in danger of extinction
          throughout all or part of its range

  **T**   Listed as threatened. A species which is likely to become an
          endangered species in the foreseeable future throughout all or
          parts of its range.

  **R**   Listed as rare. A species which may not be endangered or
          threatened but which should be protected because of its
          scarcity.

  **U**   Listed as unusual (and thus deserving of special consideration).
          Plants subject to commercial exploitation would have this
          status.
  ------- ----------------------------------------------------------------

Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, 2003.

Table 6: Global Rank Attribute Definitions

  -------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
  **G1**   Critically imperiled globally because of extreme rarity (5 or
           fewer occurrences).

  **G2**   Imperiled globally because of rarity (6 to 20 occurrences).

  **G3**   Rare and local throughout range or in a special habitat or
           narrowly endemic (on the order of 21 to 100 occurrences).

  **G4**   Apparently secure globally (of no immediate conservation
           concern).

  **G5**   Demonstrably secure globally.

  **GU**   Possibly in peril range-wide but status uncertain; need more
           information on threats or distribution.

  **GX**   Apparently extinct throughout range. GXC is known only in
           cultivation/captivity.

  **GH**   Of historical occurrence throughout its range, perhaps not
           verified in the past 20 years, but suspected to be still extant.

  **T**    Taxonomic subdivision (trinomial, either a subspecies or
           variety), used in a global rank, for example \"G2T2.\"
  -------- ----------------------------------------------------------------

Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, 2003.

Table 7: State Rank Attribute Definitions

  -------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
  **S1**   Critically imperiled in state because of extreme rarity (5 or
           fewer occurrences).

  **S2**   Imperiled in state because of rarity (6 to 20 occurrences).

  **S3**   Rare or uncommon in state (on the order of 21 to 100
           occurrences).

  **S4**   Apparently secure in state (of no immediate conservation
           concern).

  **S5**   Demonstrably secure in state.

  **SA**   Accidental in state, including migratory or wide-ranging species
           recorded only once or twice or at very great intervals.

  **SN**   Regularly occurring, usually migratory and typically nonbreeding
           species.

  **SR**   Reported from the state, but without persuasive documentation
           (no precise site records and no verification of taxonomy).

  **SU**   Possibly in peril in state but status uncertain; need more
           information on threats or distribution.

  **SX**   Apparently extirpated from state. GXC is known only in
           cultivation/captivity.

  **SE**   An exotic established in state. May be native elsewhere in North
           America. Sometimes difficult to determine if native (**SE?**).

  **SH**   Of historical occurrence in the state, perhaps not verified in
           the past 20 years, but suspected to be still extant.

  **Q**    Denotes a taxonomic question - either the taxon is not generally
           recognized as valid, or there is reasonable concern about its
           validity or identity globally or at the state level.

  **?**    Denotes questionable rank; best guess given whenever possible
           (e.g. **S3?**).
  -------- ----------------------------------------------------------------

Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, 2003.

### [Soils]{.underline}

Most of Cumberland Island's soils were derived from homogenous quartz
sands deposited during the island's formation. These soils are highly
resistant to weathering and closely resemble their parent materials.
Some characteristics of these island soils are low water-retention
capacity, rapid permeability, vulnerability to leaching, and low pH.
Rapid leaching leads to soils that cannot retain essential plant
nutrients. Therefore, nutrients must be retained by plants or briskly
recycled. Barrier island soils are especially vulnerable to disturbances
and plant litter plays a major role in reducing nutrient leaching by
dissipating the force of rainfall. Removal of plant litter or plant
biomass results in rapid exhaustion and leaching of soil nutrients.
Disruption of stabilizing vegetation permits wind erosion that is
difficult to reverse. As sands begin to shift, a loss of productivity
results in erosion to adjacent areas as well as where sand deposits bury
stable soils and vegetation.

Soils at "The Chimneys" site are characterized as Chipley Sands and
Lakeland Sands (NPS, 1980). Chipley Sands consists of moderately
well-drained, rapidly permeable, strongly acid sandy soils that occur in
nearly level to sloping landscapes. Slopes range from 0 to 5 percent.
Similarly, Lakeland Sands are deep, excessively drained, strongly acid
sandy soils. Slopes range from 0 to 8 percent.

## 3.3 Visitor Use and Experience

Visitor use and experience consists of: visitation patterns on CUIS,
visitor experiences and activities, and interpretation opportunities for
cultural and natural resources.

CUIS is open year round (except December 25). In the past decade,
visitation to the Seashore has ranged between 40,000 and 50,000 people
per year. Visitation is limited to 300 persons per day by the Seashore's
General Management Plan to give visitors an uncrowded, largely wild and
natural experience on the island. Guests of Greyfield Inn \[and other
island residents\] are not counted toward the visitor limit number.
Travel on the island is mostly by foot with most visitation concentrated
on the southern end of the island.

CUIS presents visitors with unique opportunities for a wide range of
experiences and activities; from the interpretation of historic and
cultural sites clustered on the south end of the island, to a wild and
natural experience on the north end of the island.

Major historic and cultural sites currently open to the public include:
The Settlement, Plum Orchard, Greyfield Inn (private inn), Ice House
Museum, and Dungeness Ruins. Private landholdings, which contain
additional historic and cultural resources, still exist on CUIS but are
not publicly accessible. "The Chimneys" site is not publicly accessible.

Natural area activities include: hiking, backcountry camping, wildlife
viewing, boating, fishing and beach access. In keeping with the wild and
natural experience, the number of campers at each campsite is limited as
well.

### [Human-Caused Sound]{.underline}

Natural soundscapes (of weather, wind, wildlife and water) exist at CUIS
in the absence of human-caused sound. The major sources of human-caused
sound include human activities as well as National Park Service
vehicles, private vehicles and boats.

## 3.4 Cultural, Historic, and Archeological Resources

### [Historic Structures and Ethnographic Resources/Cultural Landscapes]{.underline}

For more than 4,000 years, a variety of human visitors and residents
have interacted with and relied upon the natural resources of Cumberland
Island. The island and its inhabitants have played important roles in
numerous significant periods of American history. The first Indian
occupation dates back to before 3000 BC, with early ceramic cultures
appearing around 2000 BC. Cultural affiliations shifted over time, but
at the time of first contact with Europeans the Timucuan Indians
occupied Cumberland Island. Later, a tribe named the Guale by the
Spanish used Cumberland Island seasonally, harvesting fish and
shellfish.

Soon after the European discovery of the New World, the Sea Islands of
North America's southeast coast were drawn into the larger Atlantic
trading economy. In the sixteenth century, the natural abundance of
Cumberland and other coastal islands attracted European galleons, which
stopped long enough to load game birds, pelts, and naval stores. The
sailors on these ships were drawn from various European and African
trading areas, and these visits witnessed some of the first encounters
among Africans, Europeans, and North American Indians.

The southeastern coast of North America, lying between Spanish Florida
and the British settlements in Virginia, was contested ground from the
early seventeenth to the late eighteenth century. Around 1600, Spanish
priests and soldiers established a string of missions and related forts
on the Georgia sea islands, including the missions of San Pedro de
Mocama and San Pedro y San Pablo de Porturibo on Cumberland Island. The
Spanish sought to Christianize the Indians and guard their more valuable
possessions to the south.

The settlement of Carolina in 1670 led to increasing conflict between
the British and Spanish and their respective Indian allies. Indian raids
instigated by the British pushed the Spanish farther and farther south.
During King George's War in the 1740s, General James Oglethorpe, founder
of the Georgia colony, fortified Cumberland Island against the Spanish
with Fort St. Andrew at the north end of the island and Fort Prince
William at the south end. The Battle of Bloody Marsh on St. Simons
Island in 1742 ended the impending threat of Spanish occupation in
Georgia, but the fate of the Georgia sea islands continued to be
disputed in the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the
War of 1812.

The plantation system began to take root on Cumberland in the late
eighteenth century. The primary engine of development in the New World,
the plantation was based on African slavery and the production of staple
crops for export. Although timber, citrus fruit, and olives were
cultivated on Cumberland, long-staple cotton, commonly known as
sea-island cotton, emerged as the most profitable crop commanding as
much as one dollar per pound in international markets. Revolutionary War
hero Nathaniel Greene began the development of plantation agriculture on
Cumberland in the 1780s, but his widow, Catherine, and their descendants
were the key players. An 1802 map of the island shows a system of roads
and cotton fields cleared by slave labor. By the 1840s, much of the
island was under cultivation by some 200 to 400 enslaved African
Americans under the direction of two to three dozen whites. The
substantial black majority in coastal South Carolina and Georgia and the
area's relative isolation from outside influences produced a unique
African-American cultural complex known as Gullah (in South Carolina) or
Geechee (more commonly used in Georgia). Hallmarks of this culture are a
distinctive Gullah language, and artistic, culinary, and religious
traditions strongly influenced by African heritage. Although little is
known specifically about Geechee culture on Cumberland, it undoubtedly
resembled the more intensively studied Gullah culture of South Carolina.

Agricultural production on Cumberland peaked during the two decades
preceding the Civil War. It was at this time that planter Robert
Stafford assembled holdings on the island totaling some 8,000 acres.
Early in the war, most white plantation masters abandoned their lands
and field slaves when it became apparent that Confederate forces could
not defend the sea islands. Union troops occupied Cumberland and
surrounding waters in March 1862, holding the area for the remainder of
the war. Much of the African-American population of Cumberland sought
refuge under federal auspices on nearby Amelia Island, just across the
sound in Florida. Following the war and short-lived efforts to
redistribute confiscated land to freed people, the landholdings on
Cumberland reverted to their pre-war owners.

In the 1870s, an expanding railroad and steamship network opened the
coastal South to more intensive recreational use. By 1878, two hotels
were operating at High Point on the northern end of Cumberland Island,
served by steamers from Brunswick. The hotel operations at High Point
reached a peak in the 1890s and 1900s, when groups like the Georgia
Teachers Association and the Georgia State Dental Society held their
annual meetings there. Starting in 1890, the hotel owners sold small
plots of land at the nearby Settlement (also known as Halfmoon Bluff) to
several African-American families in order to ensure a steady supply of
labor. The hotel shut down in 1920, when the Cumberland Island Club, a
private organization, purchased the property. Eight years later, the
property was acquired by the Candler family, which had made its fortune
through the Coca-Cola company.

Wealthy northern industrialist families also saw the potential for
winter homes on the sea islands. In 1881, Thomas Morrison Carnegie --
brother of Andrew Carnegie -- purchased the Greene-Miller plantation at
Dungeness for his wife Lucy Coleman Carnegie and their growing family.
Despite Thomas' death in 1886, Lucy went on to amass 90 percent of
Cumberland Island and proceeded to turn it into a complex of family
estates, which included homes with extensive landscaped grounds for four
of her children. Lucy's home, Dungeness Mansion, was built on the ruins
of Catherine Greene's original Dungeness plantation house. During Lucy's
lifetime, Cumberland Island was a highly organized, largely
self-sufficient private preserve. It was staffed by some 200 employees,
most of whom were black, and through their labor the extended Dungeness
family was supplied with produce and livestock, supplemented by
provisions brought daily from Amelia Island on the family yacht.

Lucy Carnegie established a trust that kept the family's holdings intact
until the death of her last child, which occurred in 1962. By this time,
plans for exploiting and developing the island's natural and scenic
resources threatened the island's future preservation. Wanting to
maintain its character, Carnegie and Candler descendants who were
interested in preserving the island banded together to seek alternative
ways to protect Cumberland Island from development. They, along with
environmental organizations and the Department of the Interior,
succeeded in having Cumberland Island set aside in 1972 as a national
seashore for all Americans.

The appearance of Cumberland Island today is largely a result of the
overlay of these successive waves of human habitation and development.
Many individual sites, such as Dungeness and Plum Orchard, bear the
imprint of Indian settlement, followed by the plantation regime, with a
final overlay of Carnegie-era development. From the late 1700s the bulk
of the labor that developed and maintained human life on the island was
supplied by African Americans, enslaved until the 1860s, and as paid
laborers thereafter. Although many of the prominent extant structures on
the island represent the leisure activities of the island residents, the
artifacts below ground -- the ruins of slave villages, patterns of field
and forest, gardens and outbuildings -- represent the considerable
contributions of Native Americans and African Americans to the
development of the island.

As important as individual historic structures, the cultural landscape
or context in which the structures existed, help provide insight into
the lives of plantation owners and slaves on CUIS. The cultural
landscapes of CUIS are being preserved in entire historic districts
rather than just individual buildings and structures.

### [Listed Properties on the National Register of Historic Places]{.underline}

The following table shows the CUIS structures and sites listed in the
National Register Information System (NRIS). The NRIS is a database
about places listed on or determined eligible for the National Register
of Historic Places. "The Chimneys" site is located within the Stafford
Plantation Historic District.

**Table 8: National Register Information System**

  ------------------------------------ ----------------------------------
  **Resource Name**                    **Date Listed**

  Duck House                           1984-02-13

  Dungeness Historic District          1984-02-13

  High Point-Half Moon Bluff Historic  1978-12-22
  District                             

  Little Cumberland Island Lighthouse  1989-08-28

  Main Road                            1984-02-13

  Plum Orchard Historic District       1984-11-23

  Rayfield Archeological District      1984-02-13

  **Stafford Plantation Historic       **1984-11-23**
  District**                           

  Table Point Archeological District   1984-11-23
  ------------------------------------ ----------------------------------

Source: National Register Information System, 2003.

## 

## 3.5 Seashore Operations

The Cumberland Island Visitor Center in St. Mary's, Georgia is open
daily from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 pm. Seashore facilities are closed on
December 25. Cumberland Island is accessible by boat or passenger ferry
only. The passenger ferry operates on a scheduled basis and does not
transport pets, bicycles, kayaks or cars to the island. The National
Park Service is responsible for monitoring visitor and resident
activities on CUIS.

#  4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

This section describes the environmental consequences associated with
the alternatives. It is organized by impact topics, which distill the
issues and concerns into distinct topics for discussion analysis. These
topics focus on the presentation of environmental consequences, and
allow a standardized comparison between alternatives based on the most
relevant topics. NEPA requires consideration of context, intensity and
duration of impacts, indirect impacts, cumulative impacts and measures
to mitigate for impacts. NPS policy also requires that "impairment" of
resources be evaluated in all environmental documents.

## 4.1 General Environmental Effect

The impact analysis and conclusions are based on review of existing park
studies, architectural drawings and photographs, as well as discussions
with National Park Service staff, expert consultants, and professional
judgment. For this analysis, the intensity of impact is characterized as
none, minor, moderate, or major and whether the impact is positive or
negative. Minor impacts are perceptible, but localized at the proposed
action site. Moderate impacts are clearly discernable and could lead to
cumulative effects. Major impacts are highly noticeable and affect areas
outside the proposed action site.

The analysis also discusses the potential of cumulative impacts and the
impairment of Seashore resources or values. Cumulative impacts are
defined by CEQ regulations as "the impact on the environment which
results from the incremental impact of the action when added to other
past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of
what agency or person undertakes such other actions" (40 CFR 1508.7).
The impairment analysis required by the 2001 *NPS Management Policies*
and *DO-12* identify impairments as impacts that would harm the park
integrity or unit resources or values. Impairments may results from NPS
management activities, visitor activities, activities of contractors or
others operating in the park unit. To determine whether the
implementation of an alternative would result in impairment of Seashore
resources, each alternative was evaluated to determine if it would have
a major impact on the Seashore values or resources whose conservation is
necessary to fulfill specific purposes identified in the enabling
legislation of CUIS, are key to the natural and cultural integrity of
the Seashore, or to opportunities for enjoying the Seashore; or
identified as a goal in the CUIS General Management Plan or other NPS
documents or studies.

Overall, the temporary structural stabilization of the historic chimneys
will have a positive, moderate effect on the general environment of
CUIS, preventing the further deterioration of the chimneys until NPS
staff is able to complete research required to establish appropriate
preservation, restoration or rehabilitation treatments for the chimneys.
Positive impacts of the structural stabilization are expected to be
long-term; the continuing stewardship of an important cultural resource
on CUIS. A negative, moderate effect would occur on the general
environment of CUIS without the temporary structural stabilization of
the chimneys, as the chimneys would continue to deteriorate over time
with the eventual loss of this historic resource. Negative, minor
impacts of the structural stabilization are expected to be short term,
lasting during the construction period.

## 4.2 Natural Resources

### [Vegetation and Wildlife]{.underline}

Tilting of the chimneys may be caused by the growth of roots undermining
their masonry bases. Trees, stumps and roots adjacent to chimney bases
that are not providing structural support will be cleared if their
removal can be accomplished without further damaging the chimneys (SBCH,
2002).

Alternative A (No Action)

> The No Action alternative will have a negative, minor effect on the
> vegetation and wildlife on CUIS. Some site maintenance is expected to
> continue.

Alternative B (Preferred Action)

> The Preferred Action will have a negative, minor effect on the
> vegetation and wildlife on CUIS with the removal of some trees, vines
> and groundcover. However, no large, structurally supportive trees or
> those that may serve as wildlife habitat will be removed.

Conclusions

> The chimneys site has been a human-altered, cultural landscape for a
> long period of history on CUIS. The effects of removing some trees,
> vines and groundcover would have a negative, minor effect on the
> overall island vegetation and wildlife. Cumulative impacts of this
> alternative and other NPS actions at the Seashore would be minor.
> Since no major negative impacts to the vegetation and wildlife of CUIS
> from the preferred action are expected, there would be no impairment
> of the Seashore's resources or values whose conservation is necessary
> to fulfill specific purposes of the enabling legislation, are key to
> the natural or cultural integrity of the Seashore, or are identified
> as a goal in the General Management Plan. NPS staff and contractors
> would mitigate temporary construction impacts.

### [Protected Species]{.underline} 

Alternative A (No Action)

> The No Action alternative will not affect the protected species of
> CUIS. Some site maintenance is expected to continue.

Alternative B (Preferred Action)

> The Preferred Action will have a negative, minor effect on the
> protected species of CUIS with the removal of some trees, vines and
> groundcover. However, no large trees that may serve as species habitat
> will be removed.

Conclusions

> The chimneys site has been a human-altered, cultural landscape for a
> long period of history on CUIS. The effects of removing some trees,
> vines and groundcover would have a negative, minor impact on the
> protected species and habitat of CUIS. Cumulative impacts of this
> alternative and other NPS actions at the Seashore would be minor.
> Since no major negative impacts to the protected species of CUIS from
> the preferred action are expected, there would be no impairment of the
> Seashore's resources or values whose conservation is necessary to
> fulfill specific purposes of the enabling legislation, are key to the
> natural or cultural integrity of the Seashore, or are identified as a
> goal in the General Management Plan. Temporary construction impacts
> would be mitigated by NPS staff and contractors. No consultation with
> U.S. Fish and Wildlife was deemed necessary to discuss impacts to
> protected species, however, this EA will be sent to the U.S. Fish and
> Wildlife Service for review and comment.

### [Soils]{.underline}

Tilting of the chimneys may also be the result of unstable soil
conditions. Tilting may be caused by weak, sandy soil or the growth of
roots under the masonry base (SBCH, 2002).

Alternative A (No Action)

The No Action alternative will not affect the soil resources of CUIS.

Alternative B (Preferred Action)

> The Preferred Action will have a negative, minor effect on the soil
> resources of CUIS. There is expected to be a temporary disruption to
> soils from construction activity that may cause erosion of soils.
> However, with the proper installation of erosion fencing around the
> construction site as a mitigation measure, most soil erosion will be
> prevented.

Conclusions

> The soils at "The Chimneys" site have been part of an altered,
> cultural landscape for a extensive period of history on CUIS. The
> effect of removing some trees, vines and groundcover would have a
> negative, minor impact on the soil resources of CUIS. Cumulative
> impacts of this alternative and other NPS actions at the Seashore
> would be minor. Since no major negative impacts to the soil resources
> of CUIS from the preferred action are expected, there would be no
> impairment of the Seashore's resources or values whose conservation is
> necessary to fulfill specific purposes of the enabling legislation,
> are key to the natural or cultural integrity of the Seashore, or are
> identified as a goal in the General Management Plan. Temporary
> construction impacts, such as possible soil erosion, would be
> mitigated by NPS staff and contractors.

## 4.3 Visitor Use and Experience

Visitor use and experience consists of: visitation patterns on CUIS,
visitor experiences and activities, and interpretation opportunities for
cultural and natural resources.

Alternative A (No Action)

> The No Action alternative will have no effect on the visitor use and
> experience at CUIS. There is currently no public access to "The
> Chimneys" site.

Alternative B (Preferred Action)

> The Preferred Action may have a negative, minor impact on visitor use
> and experience on adjacent parts of CUIS in terms of the temporary
> construction noise at the site. However, construction activity will be
> restricted to only simple hand tools and small powered equipment if
> necessary, using no mechanized equipment other than for transport of
> materials to the site. In addition, construction will be done between
> dawn and dusk eliminating nighttime noise and the use of artificial
> lighting.

Conclusions

> The historic and natural resources of Cumberland Island National
> Seashore are a major draw of visitors to the island. The effect of the
> temporary construction noise would have a negative, minor impact on
> the adjacent historic and natural resources of CUIS. Cumulative
> impacts of this alternative and other NPS actions at the Seashore
> would be minor. Since no major negative impacts to the overall visitor
> use and experience of CUIS from the preferred action are expected,
> there would be no impairment of the Seashore's resources or values
> whose conservation is necessary to fulfill specific purposes of the
> enabling legislation, are key to the natural or cultural integrity of
> the Seashore, or are identified as a goal in the General Management
> Plan. NPS staff and contractors would mitigate temporary construction
> impacts, such as native vegetation disturbance.

### [Human-Caused Sound]{.underline}

Alternative A (No Action)

> The No Action alternative will not increase human-caused sound at
> CUIS. No construction is involved in the regular site maintenance.

Alternative B (Preferred Action)

> The Preferred Action will add to human-caused sound at CUIS. The
> impact is expected to be negative but minor to adjacent parts of the
> island from the temporary construction noise. Construction activity
> will be restricted to only simple hand tools and small powered
> equipment if necessary, using no mechanized equipment other than for
> transport of materials to the site.. Although the project site is not
> located in the wilderness area, construction-related sounds could
> potentially be heard for short periods there.

Conclusions

> The historic and natural resources of Cumberland Island National
> Seashore are a major draw of visitors to the island. The effect of the
> temporary construction noise would have a negative, minor impact on
> the existing soundscape of CUIS and areas adjacent to "The Chimneys"
> site. Cumulative impacts of this alternative and other NPS actions at
> the Seashore would be minor. Since no major negative impacts to the
> natural soundscape of CUIS from the preferred action are expected,
> there would be no impairment of the Seashore's resources or values
> whose conservation is necessary to fulfill specific purposes of the
> enabling legislation, are key to the natural or cultural integrity of
> the Seashore, or are identified as a goal in the General Management
> Plan. Temporary construction impacts, such as noise, would be
> mitigated by NPS staff and contractors.

## 4.4 Cultural, Historic, and Archeological Resources

### [Historic Structures and Ethnographic Resources/Cultural Landscapes]{.underline}

Alternative A (No Action)

> The No Action alternative will have a negative, moderate effect on the
> historic chimneys. Without stabilization, the chimneys will continue
> to deteriorate slowly from structural instability and the integrity of
> the plantation landscape of which the chimneys are part of will
> diminish as well.

Alternative B (Preferred Action)

> The Preferred Action will have a positive, major effect on the
> chimneys. The structural stabilization will prevent further
> deterioration of the chimneys until restoration work can be completed.
> Any buried ethnographic resources will be documented and protected
> before stabilization treatments occur.

Conclusions

> The historic structures and ethnographic resources of Cumberland
> Island National Seashore are an important aspect of island culture.
> The cultural landscape serves as the context in which these historic
> structures exist and help provide insight into the lives of plantation
> owners and slaves on CUIS. The effect of the structural stabilization
> work would be a positive, major impact on preserving the historic
> slave chimneys. Cumulative impacts of this alternative and other NPS
> actions at the Seashore would be moderate. Since no major negative
> impacts to the historic structures and ethnographic resources of CUIS
> from the preferred action are anticipated, there would be no
> impairment of the Seashore's resources or values whose conservation is
> necessary to fulfill specific purposes of the enabling legislation,
> are key to the natural or cultural integrity of the Seashore, or are
> identified as a goal in the General Management Plan. Prior to
> execution of chimney stabilization treatments, adjacent areas will be
> inspected for potential buried resources. No consultation with the
> State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) was deemed necessary to
> discuss impacts to historic structures, ethnographic resources, and
> cultural landscapes, however, this EA will be sent to the SHPO for
> review and comment.[]{#__RefHeading___Toc49136797 .anchor}

### [Listed Properties on the National Register of Historic Places]{.underline}

Alternative A (No Action)

> The No Action alternative will have a negative, moderate effect on the
> historic chimneys and the integrity of the Stafford Plantation
> Historic District. Without stabilization, the chimneys will continue
> to deteriorate slowly from structural instability and the integrity of
> the historic district will diminish.

Alternative B (Preferred Action)

> The Preferred Action will have a positive, major effect on the
> chimneys and the Stafford Plantation Historic District. The structural
> stabilization will prevent further deterioration of the chimneys until
> restoration work can be completed and the character of the Stafford
> Plantation Historic District can be preserved.

Conclusions

> The effect of the structural stabilization work would be a major
> positive impact on preserving the context of the Stafford Plantation
> Historic District. Cumulative impacts of this alternative and other
> NPS actions at the Seashore would be major. Since no major negative
> impacts to the listed properties of CUIS from the preferred action are
> anticipated. There would be no impairment of the Seashore's resources
> or values whose conservation is necessary to fulfill specific purposes
> of the enabling legislation, are key to the natural or cultural
> integrity of the Seashore, or are identified as a goal in the General
> Management Plan and corresponding Environmental Impact Statement

### 

### [Section 106 Assessment]{.underline}

> The Section 106 assessment for the Stafford Chimneys was completed in
> 1977. The assessment found that the effect of the proposed foundation
> stabilization and masonry preservation will be to maintain the
> historic appearance of the chimneys while altering their historic
> fabric as little as possible.

## 4.5 Seashore Operations

Alternative A (No Action)

> The No Action alternative will have no effect on seashore operations
> at CUIS. There is currently no public access to "The Chimneys" site.

Alternative B (Preferred Action)

> The Preferred Action will have no effect on seashore operations at
> CUIS. There is currently no public access to "The Chimneys" site.

Conclusions

> The historic and natural resources of Cumberland Island National
> Seashore are a major draw of visitors to the island. Cumulative
> impacts of this alternative and other NPS actions at the Seashore
> would be minor. Since no major negative impacts to seashore operations
> from the preferred action are expected, there would be no impairment
> of the Seashore's resources or values whose conservation is necessary
> to fulfill specific purposes of the enabling legislation, are key to
> the natural or cultural integrity of the Seashore, or are identified
> as a goal in the General Management Plan.

# 5.0 LIST OF PREPARERS

EDAW, Inc.

Patrick M. Peters, AICP Environmental Planner Project Manager

Ellen Heath, AICP Senior Planner Principal

Amy Louise Lang Planner/GIS Analyst Assistant Project Manager

# 6.0 CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION

### [Public Review]{.underline}

Per *DO-12*, the NPS is required to make a diligent effort to involve
the interested and affected public when undertaking an environmental
assessment. The public review process requirements include:

-   Scoping - gathering input from relevant federal, state, and local
    agencies before the EA is started (see agency consultation list
    below)

-   Approval by the Regional Director before public review begins

-   Public notice of the review period

-   30 days of public review

-   Incorporating public comments into a revised EA report

-   If a FONSI is made, public notice that the EA is complete

-   If an EIS is required, public notice that an EIS will be undertaken

The public review period must last a minimum of 30 days and must be
started with issuing public notice. Public notice consists of posting
notice in a local newspaper, on the NPS website, in the Federal
Register, and other means of publicity as deemed necessary. Copies of
the EA should be available by request, as well as available for review
at a nearby library or NPS office.

Copies of this EA will be available for review on-line at
[www.nps.gov/cuis](http://www.nps.gov/cuis), at the NPS visitor center
at St. Mary's, GA, and the regional NPS office in Atlanta, GA.

**[Agencies and Organizations]{.underline}**

Agencies and organizations that will review and comment upon this
environmental assessment include:

[Federal Agencies]{.underline}

### U.S. Department of the Interior -- Fish and Wildlife Service

### Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

[State Agencies]{.underline}

Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division

Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Office of State Historic
Preservation Officer

In accordance with 36 CFR 800, and the 1995 programmatic agreement among
the National Park Service, the National Conference of State Historic
Preservation Officers, and the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation, the National Park Service will consider and address
comments of the SHPO pertaining to project impacts on historic
properties.

[Local Governments]{.underline}

### Camden County Commission

City of St. Marys, Georgia

Fernandina Beach, Florida

####### [Recipients of the Environmental Assessment]{.underline}

For a list of individuals and other agencies receiving this
environmental assessment, please contact Cumberland Island National
Seashore.

**REFERENCES**

Kinzer, Mark. February 2003. [Cumberland Island National Seashore Draft
Environmental Assessment. Proposed Issuance of a Special Use Permit to
Greyfield Inn, Inc. for Conducting Commercial Motorized Tours on
Cumberland Island National Seashore.]{.underline} Department of the
Interior National Park Service Southeast Region. Atlanta, GA.

National Park Service, 1977. Section 106 Statement of Preservation and
Stabilization of Stafford Chimneys, Cumberland Island National Seashore.

National Park Service, 1980. [Final Environmental Impact Statement,
General Management Plan, Wilderness Recommendation.]{.underline}

National Park Service, 1984. [General Management Plan, Cumberland Island
National Seashore.]{.underline}

[Public Law 88-577]{.underline} (Wilderness Act), 88^th^. Congress, S.
4, September 3, 1964.

[Public Law 92-536]{.underline} (Cumberland Island National Seashore
Establishment), 92^nd^. Congress, S. 241, October 23, 1972.

[Public Law 97-250]{.underline} (Corrections regarding Cumberland Island
National Seashore), 97^th^. Congress, S. 119, September 8, 1982.

Surber, Barber, Choate and Hertlein, December 16, 2002. [Condition
Assessment Report Historic Plantation Slave Community Chimneys
Cumberland Island National Seashore.]{.underline} 90% Review Submittal.
Atlanta, GA.

Torres, Louis, 1997. [Historic Resource Study.]{.underline} USGPO.

**INTERNET REFERENCES**

National Park Service, 2003. Geology Fieldnotes Cumberland Island
National Seashore Georgia. URL:
<http://www2.nature.nps.gov/grd/parks/cuis/index.htm>. Accessed March
24, 2003.

National Park Service, 2003. National Register Information System. URL:
<http://www.nr.nps.gov/>. Accessed March 28, 2003.

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