![](media/image1.png){width="0.7597222222222222in"
height="0.9673611111111111in"}*Stabilization of the Dungeness Ruins*

*Cumberland Island National Seashore*

*DRAFT Environmental Assessment*

*February 2004*

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

![](media/image3.png){width="6.493055555555555in"
height="4.058333333333334in"}

*Prepared for:*

*The National Park Service*

# TABLE OF CONTENTS

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS** ii](#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 Park
6](#purpose-and-significance-of-the-park)

[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 8](#issues-and-impact-topics)

[**Issues Evaluated in Detail** 8](#issues-evaluated-in-detail)

[**Derivation of Impact Topics** 8](#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 PREFERRED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES**
11](#preferred-action-and-alternatives)

[**Introduction** 11](#introduction)

[2.1 Description of Alternatives 11](#description-of-alternatives)

[**Alternative A (No Action)** 11](#alternative-a-no-action)

[**Alternative B (Preferred)** 11](#alternative-b-preferred)

[**Alternative C (Comprehensive)** 12](#alternative-c-comprehensive)

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

[2.2 Staging Area 14](#staging-area)

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

[**Natural Resources** 15](#natural-resources)

[**Cultural Resources** 15](#cultural-resources)

[2.4 Sustainability 15](#sustainability)

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

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

[2.7 Impact Comparison Matrix 17](#impact-comparison-matrix)

[**3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT** 19](#__RefHeading___Toc51745622)

[3.1 General Environmental Setting 19](#general-environmental-setting)

[3.2 Natural Resources 19](#natural-resources-1)

[**Vegetation and Wildlife** 19](#natural-resources-1)

[**Threatened and Endangered Species**
21](#threatened-and-endangered-species)

[**Field Definitions** 23](#field-definitions)

[**Attribute Definitions** 24](#attribute-definitions)

[**Soils** 25](#soils)

[3.3 Visitor Use and Experience 25](#visitor-use-and-experience)

[**Visitation Patterns** 25](#visitation-patterns)

[**Visitor Experience/Activities** 26](#visitor-experienceactivities)

[**Interpretation** 26](#interpretation)

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

[**Historic, Archeological and Ethnographic Resources**
27](#historic-archeological-and-ethnographic-resources)

[**Cultural Landscapes** 27](#cultural-landscapes)

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

[3.5 Seashore Operations 28](#seashore-operations)

[**4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES** 29](#environmental-consequences)

[4.1 General Environmental Effect 29](#general-environmental-effect)

[4.2 Natural Resources 30](#natural-resources-2)

[**Vegetation & Wildlife** 30](#vegetation-wildlife)

[**Threatened and Endangered Species**
30](#threatened-and-endangered-species-1)

[**Soils** 31](#soils-1)

[4.3 Visitor Use and Experience 31](#visitor-use-and-experience-1)

[**Visitation Patterns** 31](#visitation-patterns-1)

[**Visitor Experience/Activities** 32](#visitor-experienceactivities-1)

[**Interpretation** 33](#interpretation-1)

[**Human-Caused Sound** 34](#human-caused-sound)

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

[**Historic, Archeological and Ethnographic Resources**
35](#historic-archeological-and-ethnographic-resources-1)

[**Cultural Landscapes** 35](#cultural-landscapes-1)

[**Listed Properties on the National Register of Historic Places**
36](#listed-properties-on-the-national-register-of-historic-places-1)

[**Section 106 Assessment** 36](#section-106-assessment)

[4.5 Seashore Operations 37](#seashore-operations-1)

[**5.0 LIST OF PREPARERS** 38](#list-of-preparers)

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

[**Public Review** 38](#public-review)

[Agency Consultation List 38](#agency-consultation-list)

**LIST OF FIGURES**

Figure 1 Map of Cumberland Island

Figure 2 Map of Dungeness Historic District

**LIST OF TABLES**

Table 1 Preferred Action

Table 2 Comprehensive Action

Table 3 Summary of Direct and Indirect Impacts for Alternatives
Considered

Table 4 Plants

Table 5 Animals

Table 6 Federal Status Attribute Definitions

Table 7 State Status Attribute Definitions

Table 8 GA-DNR Global Rank

Table 9 GA-DNR State Rank

Table 10 Dungeness Historic Structures

Table 11 National Register Information System

### This Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) evaluates alternatives and associated environmental impacts arising out of the proposed stabilization of the Dungeness Ruins located at Cumberland Island National Seashore (CUIS).

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

### Comments on this draft EA for the Stabilization of the Dungeness Ruins 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 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.

**ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT**

#  1.0 PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR ACTION

The NPS is considering stabilizing the Dungeness Ruins at Cumberland
Island National Seashore, St. Mary's, Georgia. This action is needed to
ensure visitor safety and enhance the understanding of the Dungeness
Ruins as well as to slow deterioration of a national cultural resource.

An EA analyzes the preferred action and alternatives and their impacts
on the environment. This EA has been prepared in accordance with the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and regulations of the
Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR 1508.9).

## 1.1 Purpose and Significance of the Park

Cumberland Island is the southernmost sea island off the coast of
Georgia and is separated from the mainland by the Cumberland River
(which is part of the Intracoastal Waterway). Cumberland Island is
approximately 17.5 miles long and 0.5 mile wide in the south, to 3 miles
wide at its widest point. It is located south of Jekyll Island and north
of Amelia Island, Florida. The island is made up of Little Cumberland
and Great Cumberland. Great Cumberland is the southern portion that
makes up the CUIS. While the NPS does not administer Little Cumberland,
it is included in the boundary of CUIS.

The Island's undeveloped natural areas attract recreation enthusiasts
for activities such as swimming, fishing, hiking and beachcombing.
Significant archeological artifacts, such as the shell heaps on the
island, are evidence of the existence of villages during the archaic
period of 5,000 to 10,000 years ago. Evidence of human burial in sand
mounds also indicates pre-historic Indian occupation of the Island.
Other artifacts have added to the historical significance of the island
through the colonial times, the plantation era and to the present day.

The Island was included in the National Park System because of its
outstanding historical, natural and cultural resources. It was
established as Cumberland Island National Seashore on October 23, 1972.
Public Law 92-536, which is the establishing legislation, sites the
purpose of the park as "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..."

## 1.2 Project Background and Scope 

Indians originally occupied Cumberland Island from the archaic time
period until European settlement in the mid-16^th^ century. Spanish
settlers established the first permanent settlement at this time but
lost influence to the English in the early 18^th^ century. The Creek
Indian Toonahawi named the island "Cumberland" after the English Duke of
Cumberland.

By the mid-18^th^ century, land grants were given; however, there was no
extensive development at the time. In the late 18^th^ century,
Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene purchased land on the island.
Several years after the General's death, his widow, Catherine, and her
new husband Phineas Miller, built the Dungeness mansion. The mansion and
surrounding property were retained by Catherine's descendants until the
Civil War.

Robert Stafford purchased Dungeness, as well as other Greene holdings,
but later abandoned it after the Civil War. The mansion burned in 1866.
In 1881, Thomas Carnegie acquired Dungeness and, in the next two years,
several other Stafford holdings. The Dungeness mansion was rebuilt in
1884 by Thomas and Lucy Carnegie, but burned again in 1959.

The project site is located on the southern end of CUIS in the most
developed area of the Dungeness Ruins and immediate grounds. The
Dungeness Ruins are located in the Dungeness Historic District, which
was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

The NPS completed a previous stabilization effort in the 1980s and, in
1996; a report recommended further stabilization and improved visitor
access. In 2001, a Value Analysis Workshop (VAW) analyzed functional
planning issues and various alternate proposals. The proposed project
incorporates both the 1996 project and items from the VAW. A proposal
was developed in 2002 for the stabilization of the Dungeness Ruins. In
May of 2003, a management assessment was done to review the conditions
of the site and further analyze the proposed alternatives in the 2002
proposal.

The preferred alternative calls for the most intact portions of the
Dungeness Ruins to be stabilized. Minor and urgent masonry repair will
be performed, as well as the addition of historic metal grille fencing
around the mansion to enhance visitor safety. Visitor access will also
be enhanced with this alternative.

## 1.3 Relationship to Other Planning Projects

The stabilization of the Dungeness Ruins is consistent with the
objectives of the 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.

The Dungeness Ruins were last stabilized in the 1980s. In 1996,
recommendations were made to re-stabilize the Dungeness Ruins. This EA
draws from the 2001 Value Analysis Workshop, the 1996 Report of
Dungeness Ruins, and the 2002 drawings for the preferred alternative. In
May of 2003, a management assessment was done to review the conditions
of the site and further analyze the proposed alternatives in the 2002
proposal.

## 1.4 Issues and Impact Topics

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

Issues and concerns affecting this proposal were identified from past
NPS planning efforts. Major issues are the conformance of this proposal
with the CUIS General Management Plan; natural resources, visitor use
and experience, archeological, historic and ethnographic resources, and
seashore operations.

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

Specific impact topics were developed for discussion focus, and to allow
comparison of the environmental consequences 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 impacted 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.

Site preparation was completed for the stabilization of the Dungeness
Ruins and included the selective removal of all non-historic vegetation
located inside and outside of the Dungeness Ruins. This excluded vines
and embedded root systems that provide support for walls and other
building features. This topic was included because of the presence of
vegetation including vines and different species of trees.

Threatened and Endangered 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 of all federal
candidate species, as well as state-listed threatened, endangered,
candidate, rare, declining and sensitive species. This topic is included
in the assessment because there are over 50 potentially threatened or
endangered plants and animals in Camden County, Georgia. Although,
according to NPS staff, there are only five threatened and endangered
animal species commonly found on the island.

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, contamination of the soil or its
contamination of other resources (NPS *Management Policies*, 2001). The
stabilization treatments for the Dungeness Ruins will include minor 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 EA.

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 Dungeness Ruins that may adversely affect
visitor experiences and is addressed in this environmental assessment.

Visitor Use and Experience. CUIS is open year round with the exception
of December 25th. 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 CUIS\' General Management Plan to give
visitors an uncrowded, largely wild and natural experience on the
island. Travel on the island is typically by foot, with most visitation
concentrated on the southern end of the island. Visitor use and
experience may be affected by temporary construction activities at the
Dungeness Ruins and is addressed in this environmental assessment.

Historic, Archeological 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 *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 site is located
within the Dungeness Historic District and is included in the National
Register of Historic Places. Five pre-historic or archeological sites
are located within the Dungeness Ruins area.

Seashore Operations. CUIS is regularly patrolled by park rangers to
ensure visitor safety, resource protection and compliance with
applicable laws. In addition, the CUIS is responsible for maintaining
Coleman Avenue for use by staff and island residents. Since construction
equipment and materials will be transported along Coleman Avenue to the
Dungeness Ruins, CUIS operations will be addressed in this EA.

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

Air Quality: Section 118 of the Clean Air Act (CAA), as amended (33
U.S.C. 7401 *et seq*.), requires each park unit to meet all federal,
state and local air pollution standards. CUIS is designated as a Class
II air quality area under the CAA. Section 163 of the CAA indicates the
maximum allowable increase in concentrations of particulate matter and
sulfur dioxide over baseline concentrations for Class II designations.
Further, the CAA 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. The
proposed alternatives would result in negligible but temporary
degradation of local air quality. CUIS\' Class II designation would not
be affected by the proposed actions. 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 alternatives 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 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 site is characterized as stable
dune/beach ridges (NPS, 1980). The proposed alternatives and staging
areas do not contain any geologic features, so no impacts are expected
to the geology of Cumberland Island. The proposed alternatives will not
involve extensive grading around the Dungeness Ruins, 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 alternatives are
expected to be completed 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. Overall, the Dungeness Ruins
stabilization will not draw more visitors to the island due to
established park visitation limitations. Therefore, 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. Preferred 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 Dungeness Ruins does not
lie within the 100-year floodplain. The site is above the 13-14 foot
elevation generally assumed to define the 100-year floodplain of CUIS
(NPS, 1980). Therefore, water resources were dismissed from further
analysis.

Wilderness. Approximately 45 percent of the federally owned land at CUIS
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 site and construction staging area will
not be located within designated wilderness areas of CUIS, therefore,
wilderness impacts were dismissed from further analysis.

# 2.0 PREFERRED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES

### [Introduction]{.underline}

The alternatives section describes three management alternatives for the
Dungeness Ruins. Alternatives for this project were developed to resolve
the issues of stabilizing masonry, walls, and chimneys as well as
improving visitor access and safety. Alternatives were derived from an
NPS value-analysis workshop and management assessment, rather than an
agency or public scoping meeting, which was not deemed necessary.

## 2.1 Description of Alternatives

### [Alternative A (No Action)]{.underline} 

Alternative A describes the action of continuing the present management
and operation of the Dungeness Ruins. 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 Dungeness Ruins deterioration without
major actions or changes in the present course.

### [Alternative B (Preferred)]{.underline}

This alternative stabilizes only the most intact portion of the
Dungeness Ruins. The extent of masonry repair is reduced as only the
most urgent repairs will be addressed. This alternative includes
historic metal grilles as a measure to protect visitors at the site and
new wayside panels, which will show historic photographs of the mansion.

The seven divisions of work for this alternative include general
requirements, site improvements, concrete, masonry, metals, wood and
plastics, thermal and moisture protection. The following are detailed
descriptions of each division of work (CSI Estimate, 2002, Management
Assessment, 2003)

*Division 1 -- General Requirements*

These requirements are to prepare the site for the stabilization. The
general requirements will include temporary protection of the terrace
for scaffolding, temporary power, wall shoring during lintel replacement
and temporary scaffolding for the stabilization. Other general
requirements include the transportation, handling and hoisting of
materials. Some of the preliminary work to be performed will include
removing loose cement from bricks, and removing existing steel lintels,
loose steel from the lintel, and removing an existing wood frame. These
requirements also include improvements to the existing interpretive
facilities (additional historical photos).

*Division 2 -- Site Construction/Site Improvements*

Site improvements include clearing vegetation at the building, terraces,
and fountain. Access control gates and historic metal grilles/barriers
will also be added in this division.

*Division 3 -- Concrete*

Concrete will be used to reinforce concrete lintels and as stabilization
for the opening.

*Division 4 -- Masonry*

There are numerous proposed masonry improvements to the Dungeness Ruins.
Some of the improvements include parging at tops of walls, repointing of
original brick and masonry, and repairing the cracked and collapsed
arch.

*Division 5 -- Metals*

Stainless steel anchors will be placed at jambs at the opening. A new
stainless steel structure will be placed at opening 2-1. Also, several
stainless corner braces will be added including plates, tube steel and
anchors.

*Division 6 -- Wood and Plastics*

Several new wood frames will be added at the opening stabilization.

*Division 7* -- Thermal and Moisture Protection

All parging and sills will be treated with a sealer.

### [Alternative C (Comprehensive)]{.underline}

This alternative is the most comprehensive of all being considered and
addresses a wide range of stabilization issues. In addition to the work
proposed in alternative B, repairs would be made to the concrete steps
and fountain, the upper and lower terrace walls and to terrace pavers.
Other items would be restored, such as historic metal grilles, a
handrail, the gate, and torcheres.

The seven divisions of work for this alternative would include general
requirements, site improvements, concrete, masonry, metals, wood and
plastics, thermal/moisture protection. The following are detailed
descriptions of each division of work (CSI Estimate, 2002).

*Division 1 -- General Requirements*

These requirements are to prepare the site for the stabilization. The
general requirements would include temporary protection of the terrace
for scaffolding, temporary power, wall shoring during lintel replacement
and temporary scaffolding for the stabilization. Other general
requirements include the transportation, handling and hoisting of
materials. Some of the preliminary work to be performed would include
removing loose cement from bricks; removing existing steel lintels,
removing loose steel from the lintel and loose tabby; and removing the
existing wood frame.

*Division 2 -- Site Construction/Site Improvements*

Site improvements would include clearing vegetation at the building,
terraces, and fountain. This will include removing tree stumps and minor
grading to restore the disturbed areas. Access control gates and access
control aluminum fencing will also be added in this division.

*Division 3 -- Concrete*

Concrete would be used to reinforce concrete lintels and as
stabilization for the main entrance.

*Division 4 -- Masonry*

There would be numerous proposed masonry improvements to the Dungeness
Ruins. Some of the improvements would include parging at tops of walls,
repointing of original brick and masonry, and repairing the cracked and
collapsed arch. Additional improvements would be made to the concrete
steps, the concrete slab near Brick Drive and to footing. Pavers would
be both re-installed in some parts of the mansion grounds and uneven
pavers would be reset in the driveway.

*Division 5 -- Metals*

Stainless steel anchors would be placed at jambs at the opening. A new
stainless steel structure would be placed at opening 2-1. Also, several
stainless corner braces would be added including plates, tube steel and
anchors. The metal grille would be repaired and painted and support
saddles would be added. The metal gateway would be removed, repaired and
re-installed. Several metal items would be painted including the
downspout and ladder. Preservatives would also be added to metal items.

*Division 6 -- Wood and Plastics*

Several new wood frames would be added at the opening stabilization.

*Division 7 -- Thermal and Moisture Protection*

All parging and sills would be treated with a sealer.

### [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, 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 and embraces the tenets expressed in the national
environmental policy discussed above.

Alternative B makes the most progress towards securing preservation of
the Dungeness Ruins for future generations. The Dungeness Ruins are an
important part of our national heritage linking us to our past and
provides a glimpse into the Carnegie period on CUIS. Alternative B will
slow catastrophic deterioration and keep key defining features intact
for several years before additional stabilization work is required.

Deterioration to tabby walls has occurred since the fall of 2002. Tabby
wings to the east and the west are showing signs of accelerated
deterioration as steel lintels have corroded and expanded, pushing tabby
from around window openings. This condition could contribute to the
collapse of sections of walls if no action is taken. This also
contributes to the destabilization of the western most chimney.
Alternative B allows for selective demolition of tabby wings, which will
minimize danger to park visitors and improve the stability of the
Dungeness Ruins.

No threatened or endangered species exist at the stabilization site, so
this is not considered an environmental concern. Minor temporary soil
disturbance will occur with alternatives B and C, although there will be
less soil disturbance with Alternative B. There will not be any soil
disturbance with Alternative A. There will be temporary minor
disturbance to vegetation at the site with Alternatives B and C. General
facility maintenance will occur with Alternative A, causing minor
vegetation disturbance resulting from vegetation removal and landscape
treatments.

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, 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 Dungeness Ruins. The staging area would not be
located in an environmentally sensitive area. No temporary living
quarters for workers will 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 impact 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.

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

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

-   To reduce the potential for erosion, and to accelerate the
    re-establishment of vegetation, disturbed or denuded areas will be
    revegetated upon completion of construction operations.

-   During construction, heavy equipment will be strictly confined to
    areas of proposed stabilization to limit the disturbance of
    vegetation to the minimum necessary to meet project objectives.

### [Cultural Resources]{.underline}

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

-   CUIS personnel familiar with the Dungeness Ruins will supervise
    stabilization work to minimize disturbance to archeological
    resources and damage to delicate masonry of the mansion.

-   Should archeological resources be encountered during construction,
    activities will immediately cease while appropriate studies are
    conducted.

## 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 the intended use of
the Dungeness Ruins.

## 2.5 General Construction Schedule and Costs

Alternative A (No Action)

The annual cost associated with maintaining the status quo of the
Dungeness Ruins is estimated between \$1,000 and \$5,000. This includes
wooden fence installation and repair, vegetation removal, signage,
landscape treatments, and incidentals.

Alternative B (Preferred Action)

There are seven divisions of work to be performed for the stabilization
of the most intact portions of the Dungeness Ruins. General site
improvements are expected to take 12 months to complete. The project is
anticipated to begin in 2005; however, the total duration has not yet
been determined. Table 1 shows the budget for each division of work to
be performed, as well as the approximate construction contract award
price.

Table 1: Preferred Action

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  Component Description               Subtotal

  General Requirements                \$449,559

  Sitework                            39,511

  Concrete                            16,060

  Masonry                             102,563

  Metals                              20, 030

  Wood and Plastics                   25,991

  Thermal/Moisture Protection         2,738

  SUBTOTAL                            656,462

  Detailed design/market conditions   98,469
  contingency 15%                     

  **CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARD       **\$754,931**
  PRICE**                             
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

Alternative C (Comprehensive)

There are seven divisions of work to be performed for the comprehensive
stabilization of the Dungeness Ruins. General site improvements would be
expected to take 12 months to complete. The project is anticipated to
begin in 2005; however, the total duration has not yet been determined.
Table 2 shows the budget for each division of work that would be
performed, as well as the approximate construction contract award price.

Table 2: Comprehensive Action

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  Component Description               Subtotal

  General Requirements                \$526,632

  Sitework                            91,822

  Concrete                            17,360

  Masonry                             164,636

  Metals                              41,185

  Wood and Plastics                   25,991

  Thermal/Moisture Protection         2,912

  SUBTOTAL                            870,538

  Detailed design/market conditions   130,581
  contingency 15%                     

  **CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARD       **\$1,001119**
  PRICE**                             
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

## 2.6 Alternatives Considered, But Dismissed 

The National Park Service also considered an alternative that addressed
a wide range of stabilization issues. The alternative was referred to as
the "90%" alternative. This alternative would stabilize the majority of
the existing walls and upgrade security and safety fencing. This
alternative was dismissed because it was cost prohibitive and did not
address all stabilization issues. The cost of this alternative was
estimated at \$904,045.

## 2.7 Impact Comparison Matrix

This is a matrix or table of impacts for comparison purposes among
project alternatives, including no action. The matrix presents a concise
summary of each alternative's potential effects by impact topic. 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.

**TABLE 3: Summary of Direct and Indirect Impacts for Alternatives
Considered**

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc51745622 .anchor}**3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT**

The Affected Environment section succinctly describes existing
environmental resources of the areas that would be affected by the
implementation of any of the proposed 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 CUIS
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 preferred action.

## 3.1 General Environmental Setting 

The Dungeness Ruins sits within the Historic Zone of Cumberland Island
and the area around the Dungeness Ruins include an upland-forest
community as well as pastures and lawns. Forests surrounding the grounds
consist of mixed oak-hardwood and oak-palmetto forest.

## 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 CUIS\' 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 CUIS boundary, with
most of the remainder being privately owned, owned by the State of
Georgia, or owned by the NPS 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 CUIS boundaries. Their
abundance is due to the CUIS 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 CUIS 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 Island 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, CUIS 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 CUIS\' 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.

### [Threatened and Endangered Species]{.underline}

Information on threatened and endangered species is from the Georgia
Natural Heritage Program, a program of the Wildlife Resources Division
of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Tables 4 and 5 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 CUIS: loggerhead sea turtle, piping plover,
leatherback sea turtle, wood stork, and manatee. However, these species
are not commonly associated with the project site.

Table 4: 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 5: 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                                           
  ---------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------- --------- --------

### [Field Definitions]{.underline}

*Common Name* - The common name of an element.

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

*State Rank* - The rank that 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.

### [Attribute Definitions]{.underline}

**Federal Status (US Fish and Wildlife Service, USFWS)**

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

**Table 6: 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.
  ---------- --------------------------------------------------------------

**State Status (Georgia Department of Natural Resources, GA-DNR)**

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

**Table 7: 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.
  ------- ----------------------------------------------------------------

**Table 8: GA-DNR Global Rank**

  -------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
  **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.\"
  -------- ----------------------------------------------------------------

**Table 9: GA-DNR State Rank**

  -------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
  **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?**).
  -------- ----------------------------------------------------------------

### [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, and 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.

Soil types in the area of the Dungeness Ruins include: Leon fine sand
(with 0-2% slope), Chipley sand (0-5% slope) and Lakeland sand (0-8%
slope).

## 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.

### [Visitation Patterns]{.underline}

CUIS is open year round with the exception of December 25th. In the past
decade, visitation to CUIS has averaged between 40,000 and 50,000 people
per year. Peak visitation is during spring break (March --May).
Visitation is limited to 300 persons per day by the CUIS General
Management Plan (1984) and based on two ferry trips a day of 150
passengers. Consequently, visitors enjoy an uncrowded, largely wild and
natural experience on the island. Overnight guests of Greyfield Inn,
guests of island residents, and visitors by private boat are not counted
toward the visitor limit number. Travel on the island is primarily by
foot, with most visitations concentrated on the southern end of the
island.

### [Visitor Experience/Activities]{.underline}

Visitors to Cumberland Island first begin their journey at the St,
Mary's Visitor Center. From there, visitors can view limited exhibits of
the natural and historical treasures of the island. Visitors also have
opportunities for audiovisual programs about the aesthetics of the
island. An NPS concessionaire runs the passenger ferry that takes
visitors on a 45-minute ride to the Dungeness Ruins or Sea Camp Docks on
the western shore of Cumberland Island. From March 1st to November 30th,
two daily round trips are made departing St. Mary's at 9:00 a.m. and
11:45 a.m. and departing Cumberland Island at 10:15 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.
(from March 1^st^ to September 30^th^ there is an additional departure
from Cumberland Island at 2:45 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday). From
December 1^st^ to February 28^th^ the ferry keeps the same departure and
arrival schedule with the exception that there is no ferry service on
Tuesdays or Wednesdays. No bicycles or pets are permitted on the ferry.
Charter service is available.

Frontcountry and backcountry campsites limit overnight visitation to 120
campers. Visitors to the island are restricted to a maximum of seven
days. A network of over 50 miles of hiking trails, as well as the beach
itself allow for easy exploration of the island.

### [Interpretation]{.underline}

Daytime visitors to the Dungeness Ruins are taken to the dock at the
historic entrance to the island. There is a dock house here with
information regarding the interpretive opportunities throughout the park
and activities at the Dungeness Ruins. Restrooms are available at the
Icehouse Museum, which has been adaptively restored. Here, visitors can
learn about the island's history including the Greene-Miller and
Carnegie periods by looking at memorabilia, including photographs with
descriptions.

The NPS provides interpretive facilities in order to educate visitors to
the park about the sensitivity of its resources, as well as to enhance
the visitor\'s experience on the Island. In the Dungeness Ruins area,
wayside panel exhibits educate visitors following the self-guided tour.
After disembarking at the historic dock, visitors walk along the
oak-lined Coleman Avenue to Main Road -- to the formal entrance of the
Dungeness Ruins. Along here, visitors can view the Dungeness Ruins, the
gardens and a waterwheel. Visitors next walk to the Tabby House -- a
historic house museum that presents the house as it was used by the
record keeper during the Carnegie Period. Visitors can then return to
the dock by passing the small formal walkway (pergola) adjacent to the
Tabby House.

## 3.4 Cultural, Historic, and Archeological Resources

### [Historic, Archeological and Ethnographic Resources]{.underline} 

There are 40 historic structures in the Dungeness area (Torres Historic
Resources Study). Table 10 lists the structures along with their
corresponding National Park Service Inventory of Classified Structures
number. These structures make up the complement of buildings in the
Dungeness area which require some form of preservation and are managed
as the Dungeness Historic District (GMP, '80), which is listed on the
National Register of Historic Places. Figure 2 is a map of the Dungeness
Historic District and its major elements. There are also five
pre-historic sites in the Dungeness area: three in Raccoon Key (NPS 9
CAMs 2-4), Dungeness South (NPS 9 CAM 5) and Dungeness Wharf (NPS 9 CAM
6).

Table 10: Dungeness Historic Structures

  ------------ -------------------------- ------------ ----------------------------
  **Number**   **Name**                   **Number**   **Name**

  \(60\)       Mansion                    \(82\)       Garden House

  \(61\)       Tabby House                \(83\)       Dungeness Dock

  \(62\)       Carriage House             \(84\)       Dungeness Dock Cistern

  \(63\)       Dungeness Cemetery         \(85\)       Dock Ice House

  \(64\)       Recreation/Guest House     \(86\)       Captain's House Cistern
               (the pool)                              

  \(67\)       Kitchen (YCC)              \(87\)       Boat Captain's House

  \(68\)       Dairy Manager's House      \(88\)       Carnegie Family Cemetery

  \(69\)       Dormitory                  \(89\)       Silo

  \(70\)       Smokehouse                 \(90\)       Dairy Barn Foundation

  \(71\)       Laundry House              \(91\)       Poultry Manager's House

  \(72\)       Kitchen (YCC Rec.          (92-100)     Chicken Houses (frame
               building)                               portions)

  \(73\)       Water Tower Foundations    \(101\)      Children's Playhouse (frame
                                                       portion)

  \(74\)       Carriage House Cistern     \(102\)      Tabby concrete walls and
                                                       pillars

  \(75\)       Black Servants' Quarters   \(103\)      Frame Cottage

  \(76\)       Woodworking Shop           \(104\)      Frame Shed

  \(77\)       Wagon Shed                 \(105\)      Frame House near Dock

  \(78\)       Grange                     \(106\)      Seawall

  \(79\)       Greene Dockhouse           \(107\)      Large Formal Gardens

  \(80\)       Waterwheel House           \(108\)      Small Formal Gardens
               Foundation                              

  \(81\)       Greenhouse                 \(109\)      Ice/Powerhouse Foundation
  ------------ -------------------------- ------------ ----------------------------

### [Cultural Landscapes]{.underline}

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.

**Table 11: 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 p.m. CUIS facilities are closed on December
25. Cumberland Island is accessible by private boat or passenger ferry
only. Bicycles and kayaks may be transported to the island by an
authorized concessionaire charter boat. The passenger ferry operates on
a more limited basis and does not transport pets, bicycles, kayaks or
cars to the island.

# 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.

The analysis of potential impacts associated with each alternative on
the structural resources at the Dungeness Ruins includes discussion of
effects on natural resources, visitor use and experience, cultural,
historic and archeological resources, and CUIS operations. Information
on the known existing characteristics of these resources was compiled.
Predictions about short- and long-term impacts to structural resources
at the site were based upon construction documents and costing
estimates.

## 4.1 General Environmental Effect

The impact analysis and conclusions are based on a review of existing
park studies, architectural drawings and photographs, as well as
discussions with NPS staff, expert consultants, and professional
judgment. For this analysis, the intensity of impact is characterized as
none, minor, moderate, or major. 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 CUIS 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 Director's
Order #12 identify impairments as impacts that would harm the park
integrity or unit resources or values. Impairments may result from NPS
management activities, visitor activities, or activities of contractors
or others operating in the park unit. To determine whether the
implementation of an alternative would result in impairment of CUIS
resources, each alternative was evaluated to determine if it would have
a major impact on the CUIS values or resources whose conservation is
necessary to fulfill specific purposes identified in the enabling
legislation of CUIS; 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
Dungeness Ruins will have a positive, moderate effect on the general
environment of CUIS, preventing the further deterioration of the ruins.
Positive impacts of the structural stabilization are expected to be
long-term with the continued stewardship of an important cultural
resource on CUIS. A negative, moderate effect would occur on the general
environment of CUIS without the structural stabilization of the
Dungeness Ruins, as the ruins would continue to deteriorate over time
with the eventual loss of these historic resources. Negative impacts of
the structural stabilization are expected to be short term during the
construction period.

## 4.2 Natural Resources

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

Alternative A (No Action)

There would be a minor, negative impact to vegetation and wildlife under
Alternative A.

Alternative B (Preferred Action)

Under the preferred action alternative, there will be minor, negative
impacts of the clearing of vegetation at the building, terraces and
fountain. Palm and Cedar trees were previously removed during prior
routine maintenance activities. Under the comprehensive action, no
additional trees would be removed unless they have become overgrown and
are not physically supporting the ruins. Under the preferred action
alternative, there will be minor, negative impacts as a result of the
staging of materials and equipment at the building, terraces and
fountain. The adjacent Natural Environment Subzone and Environmental
Protection Subzone will not be adversely affected by the project.

Alternative C (Comprehensive)

Under the comprehensive alternative, there will be minor, negative
impacts of the clearing of vegetation at the building, terraces and
fountain. Palm and Cedar trees were previously removed during prior
routine maintenance activities. Under the comprehensive action, no
additional trees would be removed unless they have become overgrown and
are not physically supporting the ruins. Under the comprehensive
alternative, there will be minor, negative impacts as a result of the
staging of materials and equipment at the building, terraces and
fountain. The adjacent Natural Environment Subzone and Environmental
Protection Subzone will not be adversely affected by the project.

Conclusions

The Dungeness Ruins have been a human-altered, cultural landscape for a
long period of history on CUIS. The effects of removing some vines and
groundcover would be a minor negative impact on the overall island
vegetation and wildlife. Cumulative impacts of the preferred alternative
and other actions at CUIS would be minimal in the near-term and
non-existent in the future. Since no major negative impacts to the
vegetation of CUIS from the preferred action are expected, there would
be no impairment of the CUIS\' resources or values whose conservation is
necessary to fulfill specific purposes of the enabling legislation; are
key to the natural or cultural integrity of CUIS; or are identified as a
goal in the General Management Plan.

### [Threatened and Endangered Species]{.underline} 

Alternative A (No Action)

This alternative would have no impact on threatened and endangered
species.

Alternative B (Preferred Action)

This alternative would have no impact on threatened and endangered
species. Actions under this alternative would not remove any protected
species habitat or significantly alter existing site conditions. No
known protected animal or plant species exist in the project area.

Alternative C (Comprehensive)

This alternative would have no impact on threatened and endangered
species. Actions under this alternative would not remove any protected
species habitat or significantly alter existing site conditions. No
known protected animal or plant species exist in the project area.

Conclusions

Alternatives A, B and C would have no impact on threatened and
endangered species. Implementation of alternatives A, B or C would not
impair the Dungeness Ruins' threatened and endangered species resources
or contribute to cumulative impacts. Since no impacts to the threatened
and endangered species of CUIS from the preferred action are expected,
there would be no impairment of CUIS\' resources or values whose
conservation is necessary to fulfill specific purposes of the enabling
legislation, are key to the natural or cultural integrity of CUIS, or
are identified as a goal in the General Management Plan. Although no
formal or informal consultation with the USFWS was deemed necessary,
this EA will be sent to the agency for review and comment.

### [Soils]{.underline}

Alternative A (No Action)

This alternative would have no impact on soils.

Alternative B (Preferred Action)

This Alternative would have a minor, negative impact on soils
temporarily.

Improvements to the basement would involve some minor digging.

Alternative C (Comprehensive)

This Alternative would have a minor, negative impact on soils
temporarily. Improvements to the basement would involve some minor
digging.

Conclusions

Alternative A would have no impact on the soil at the Dungeness Ruins.
Both Alternatives B and C would incur minor negative impacts to soil at
the basement level. Since no major negative or cumulative impacts to the
soils of CUIS from the preferred action are expected, there would be no
impairment of the CUIS\' 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 CUIS, or are identified
as a goal in the General Management Plan.

## 4.3 Visitor Use and Experience

### [Visitation Patterns]{.underline}

Alternative A (No Action)

In the long term, the physical capacity restrictions of the CUIS itself
would continue to

limit the number of visitors that would experience the Dungeness Ruins.
If no action is taken to preserve the Dungeness Ruins, conditions would
become unsafe for visitors to see the resource and therefore visitation
to the ruins would be reduced. There would be minor, negative impacts to
the visitation patterns of the CUIS.

Alternative B (Preferred Action)

In the long term, the physical capacity restrictions of the CUIS itself
would continue to limit the number of visitors that would experience the
Dungeness Ruins. There will be minor, negative temporary impacts to
visitation patterns as visitors will be restricted from direct access to
the Dungeness Ruins during stabilization.

Alternative C (Comprehensive)

In the long term, the physical capacity restrictions of the CUIS itself
would continue to limit the number of visitors that would experience the
Dungeness Ruins. There will be minor, negative temporary impacts to
visitation patterns as visitors will be restricted from direct access to
the Dungeness Ruins during stabilization.

Conclusions

Alternative A will have a minor, negative impact on the number of
visitors that will be able to visit the ruins, long term. Alternatives B
and C will temporarily have minor, negative impacts to visitation
patterns by limiting direct access to the Dungeness Ruins during
stabilization. In the long term, visitation patterns to the island will
not be affected by either alternative B or C as this is a function of
CUIS\' daily carrying capacity. Visitation to the Dungeness Ruins,
however, may increase due to visual and safety improvements. There could
be positive, moderate cumulative impacts on visitation patterns due to
alternatives B and C. Since no major, negative impacts to the visitation
patterns of CUIS from the preferred action are expected, there would be
no impairment of CUIS resources or values whose conservation is
necessary to fulfill specific purposes of the enabling legislation, are
key to the natural or cultural integrity of CUIS, or are identified as a
goal in the General Management Plan.

### [Visitor Experience/Activities]{.underline}

Alternative A (No Action)

Under the No Action alternative, there will be a minor, negative impact
to the visitor experience. Eventually this resource will become too
unstable to approach and visitors will be restricted from viewing this
resource.

Alternative B (Preferred Action)

Alternative B will enhance the visitor experience moderately by
improving the condition and appearance of the Dungeness Ruins. Historic
metal grille barriers and improved wayside panels will improve the
experience. Alternative B contributes to the longevity of the most
intact portions of the Dungeness Ruins. Conversely, visitors will be
able to better experience the mansion with improvements to the masonry
and interpretive facilities and also with the safety provided by the
historic metal grille barriers.

Alternative C (Comprehensive)

Alternative C will enhance the visitor experience moderately by
improving the condition, appearance and safety of the Dungeness Ruins.
Alternative C addresses a wide range of stabilization issues and would
restore many elements such as the historic metal grilles, fountain,
handrails, gates, light fixtures and downspouts. Access is also enhanced
with this alternative because of the improvements to concrete steps and
pavers on the first level.

Conclusions

Alternative A would have a minor, negative impact on the visitor
experience or activities at the mansion. Alternative B would improve the
visitor experience by enhancing the visual appearance and safety of the
ruins. Alternative C would greatly improve visitor experience by
addressing the most comprehensive stabilization issues and visual
improvements and by providing better and safer access with improvements
to walkways and new protective fencing. Alternatives B and C would
moderately contribute to positive cumulative impacts to visitor
experience and activities. Since no major negative impacts to the
visitor experience/activities of CUIS from the preferred action are
expected, there would be no impairment of CUIS resources or values whose
conservation is necessary to fulfill specific purposes of the enabling
legislation, are key to the natural or cultural integrity of CUIS, or
are identified as a goal in the General Management Plan.

### [Interpretation]{.underline}

Alternative A (No Action)

The No Action alternative would have a minor, negative impact on the
interpretation of the Dungeness Ruins. Eventually, this resource will
become too unstable to approach and visitors will be restricted from
viewing the resources. Interpretation will be compromised if visitors
cannot tour the Dungeness Ruins.

Alternative B (Preferred Action)

Alternative B would have a positive, moderate impact on the
interpretation of the Dungeness Ruins. The stabilization of the most
intact portions of the mansion will allow visitors to interpret the
resource for a longer period of time. Historic metal grille barriers and
additional historic photography for the exhibits will also improve the
interpretation of the grounds.

Alternative C (Comprehensive)

Alternative C would have a major, positive impact on the interpretation
of the facilities. The comprehensive changes including improvements to
historic metal grilles, handrails, gates, and light fixtures, will allow
the visitor to better interpret the grounds. Improved access due to
improvements to the pathways and stairs will also allow better
interpretation.

Conclusions

Alternative A will have a minor, negative impact on the interpretation
of the mansion. Alternative B will have a moderate, positive impact on
the interpretation of the mansion by stabilizing the facility for the
future and making visual and interpretive improvements. Alternative C
would have a major positive impact on the interpretation of the mansion
by offering improvements to pathways and stairs, as well as many other
visual elements. Alternatives B and C would moderately contribute to the
cumulative positive impacts on visitor interpretation. Since no major,
negative impacts to the interpretation opportunities of CUIS from the
preferred action are expected, there would be no impairment of CUIS
resources or values whose conservation is necessary to fulfill specific
purposes of the enabling legislation, are key to the natural or cultural
integrity of CUIS, or are identified as a goal in the General Management
Plan.

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

Alternative A (No Action)

The No Action alternative will not increase human-caused sound at CUIS.
Existing human-caused sound is attributed to visitor noise and noise
generated during the maintenance of the lawns and gardens that make up
the grounds of the Dungeness Ruins.

Alternative B (Preferred Action)

The effects of Alternative B on ambient noise levels would be primarily
associated with stabilization activities on the ruins\' grounds and the
operation of construction vehicles on the grounds. Stabilization
activities for Alternative B would result in intermittent short-term
noise effects for the duration of noise-generating stabilization
activities. The noise produced during stabilization would vary daily
depending on the type of stabilization activity. Alternative B
activities would include the movement of stabilization equipment and
materials to the site, the removal of debris from the site, and the
commuting of the construction crew to and from the Island. There will be
temporary minor negative human-caused sound due to Alternative B.

Alternative C (Comprehensive)

The effects of Alternative C on ambient noise levels would be primarily
associated with stabilization activities on the ruin grounds and the
operation of construction vehicles on the grounds. Stabilization
activities for Alternative C would result in intermittent short-term
noise effects for the duration of noise-generating stabilization
activities. The noise produced during stabilization would vary daily
depending on the type of stabilization activity. Alternative C
activities would include the movement of stabilization equipment and
materials to the site, the removal of debris from the site, and the
commuting of the construction crew to and from the Island. There will be
temporary minor negative human caused sound due to Alternative C.

Conclusions

The historic and natural resources of CUIS are a major draw of visitors
to the island. The effect of the temporary construction noise would be
minor on the existing soundscape of CUIS and areas adjacent to the
ruins. Given that there is existing human--caused sound at the Dungeness
Ruins, the cumulative impacts of alternatives B and C 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 CUIS
resources or values whose conservation is necessary to fulfill specific
purposes of the enabling legislation, are key to the natural or cultural
integrity of CUIS, 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, Archeological and Ethnographic Resources]{.underline} 

Alternative A (No Action)

The No Action alternative will have a negative, moderate impact on the
condition of the historic structures of the Dungeness Ruins. Without any
preservation, there will be a loss of an historical and ethnographic
resource. Stabilization efforts from past efforts have lasted
approximately 20 years. It has been over 20 years since the previous
stabilization and there is deterioration to steel lintels which will
lead to the collapse of the tabby walls in the near future (Management
Assessment, 2003)

Alternative B (Preferred Action)

Alternative B will have major positive impacts on the historic
structures at the Dungeness Ruins. Stabilization of the most intact
portions of the Dungeness Ruins will improve the historic setting and
the integrity of the historic structures.

Alternative C (Comprehensive)

Alternative C will have major positive impacts on the historic
structures at the Dungeness Ruins. The comprehensive stabilization of
the Dungeness Ruins along with the improvements to historical elements
will improve the historic setting and the integrity of the historic
structures.

Conclusions

The No Action alternative will have a moderate, negative impact on
historic, archeological and ethnographic resources. Alternatives B and C
would have major positive cumulative impacts on historic, archeological
and ethnographic resources. Since more resources would be stabilized,
Alternative C would have the greatest positive impact. Since no major
negative impacts to the historic, archeological and ethnographic
resources of CUIS from the preferred action are expected, there would be
no impairment of CUIS resources or values whose conservation is
necessary to fulfill specific purposes of the enabling legislation, are
key to the natural or cultural integrity of CUIS, or are identified as a
goal in the General Management Plan. Although consultation with State of
Georgia Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) was not deemed necessary,
the EA will be sent to the agency for review and comment.

### [Cultural Landscapes]{.underline}

Alternative A (No Action)

The No Action alternative will have a moderate, negative impact on the
overall Dungeness Ruins landscape. Without stabilization, the ruins will
continue to deteriorate slowly from structural instability and the
integrity of the ruins landscape will diminish as well.

Alternative B (Preferred Action)

The Preferred Action will have a major, positive effect on the Dungeness
Ruins. The structural stabilization of the most intact portions of the
ruins will prevent further deterioration and maintain the
characteristics of the Dungeness Ruins original landscape.

Alternative C (Comprehensive)

Alternative C will have a major, positive impact on the Dungeness Ruins.
The comprehensive structural stabilization and safety improvements will
prevent further deterioration and maintain the characteristics of the
Dungeness Ruins\' original landscape.

Conclusions

The No Action alternative will eventually have a moderate, negative
impact on the cultural landscape. Alternative B or C will have major,
positive cumulative impacts on the cultural landscape. Since no major
negative impacts to the cultural landscapes of CUIS from the preferred
action are expected, there would be no impairment of CUIS resources or
values whose conservation is necessary to fulfill specific purposes of
the enabling legislation; are key to the natural or cultural integrity
of CUIS; or are identified as a goal in the General Management Plan.

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

Alternative A (No Action)

The No Action alternative will have a moderate negative impact on the
condition of the historic structures of the Dungeness Historic District.
Without any stabilization to the mansion, there will be a loss of that
historic element of the Dungeness Historic District. Stabilization
efforts from past efforts have lasted approximately 20 years. It has
been over 20 years since the previous stabilization and there has been
subsequent deterioration to various steel lintels which will lead to the
possible collapse of the tabby walls in the near future (Management
Assessment, 2003).

Alternative B (Preferred Action)

Alternative B will have a major, positive impact on the condition of the
historic structures of the Dungeness Historic District. By stabilizing
the most intact portions of the ruins, that historic element of the
Dungeness Historic District will be preserved.

Alternative C (Comprehensive)

Alternative C will have a major, positive impact on the condition of the
historic structures of the Dungeness Historic District. By
comprehensively stabilizing the ruins, that historic element of the
Dungeness Historic District will be preserved.

Conclusions

The No Action alternative will have a moderate, negative impact on the
condition of the Dungeness Historic District. Alternatives B and C would
have a major, positive cumulative impact on the condition of the
Dungeness Historic District. Alternative C would have the greatest
positive impact on the Historic District due to the additional
improvements included in this alternative. Since no major negative
impacts to the Dungeness Historic District from the preferred action are
expected, there would be no impairment of CUIS resources or values whose
conservation is necessary to fulfill specific purposes of the enabling
legislation; are key to the natural or cultural integrity of CUIS; or
are identified as a goal in the General Management Plan.

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

Section 106 compliance procedures were completed for the site
preparation for stabilization of Dungeness Ruins in 1990. Approval was
given to remove non-historic elements from the historic structure
(Dungeness Ruins). The purpose was to improve the condition and
appearance of the historic Dungeness Ruins.

## 4.5 Seashore Operations

Alternative A (No Action)

The No Action alternative will not have an effect on CUIS operations.
The usual maintenance of the site will continue.

Alternative B (Preferred Action)

Alternative B will not have an effect on CUIS operations. While
interpretation and safety of the resource will improve, the actual
operation of CUIS will not be affected.

Alternative C (Comprehensive)

A comprehensive stabilization will have no impact on CUIS operations.
While interpretation and safety of the resource will improve, the actual
operation of CUIS will not be affected.

Conclusions

There will be no impact to CUIS operations as a result of any of the
alternatives. None of the alternatives are expected to have a cumulative
impact on CUIS operations. Since no major negative impacts to CUIS
operations from the preferred action are expected, there would be no
impairment of CUIS resources or values whose conservation is necessary
to fulfill specific purposes of the enabling legislation; are key to the
natural or cultural integrity of CUIS; or are identified as a goal in
the General Management Plan.

# 5.0 LIST OF PREPARERS

EDAW, Inc.

Ellen Heath, AICP Senior Planner, Principal Principal in Charge

Patrick M. Peters Environmental Planner Project Manager

Amy Louise Lang Planner/GIS Analyst Assistant Project Manager

# 6.0 CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION

### [Public Review]{.underline}

Per Director\'s Order #12, the NPS is required to make a diligent effort
to involve the interested and affected public when undertaking an EA.
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.

### [Agency Consultation List]{.underline}

John Fry

Cumberland Island National Seashore

P.O. Box 806

St. Mary's, GA 31558

tel: 912.882.4336 ext. 262

fax: 912.882.5688

[John_Fry@nps.gov](mailto:andy_ferguson@nps.gov)

##### 

Tom Little

Suber Barber Choate & Hertlien

1776 Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 700 South

Atlanta, GA 30309

tel: 404.872.8400

fax: 404.892.1940

email: <tlittle@sbcharch.com>

Georgia State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

156 Trinity Avenue, Suite 101

Atlanta, GA 30303

tel: 404.656.2840

**REFERENCES**

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 & Hertlein, May 2003. [Trip Report -- Management
Assessment for Dungeness Ruins and the Chimneys at Stafford and Rayfield
Plantations.]{.underline}

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

U.S. COST, August 2001. [Value Analysis Workshop, Dungeness Ruins
Stabilization, Cumberland Island National Seashore.]{.underline}

**INTERNET REFERENCES**

Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division,
Georgia Natural Heritage Program, March 2003. Locations of Special
Concern Animals, Plants and Natural Communities in Camden County,
Georgia. Social Circle, GA.

National Park Service, 2003. Geology Fieldnotes Cumberland Island
National Seashore Georgia. URL: <http://www.aqd.nps.gov/grd/parks/cuis/>

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