5.0 Natural Resources 80 days. The temperature drops below freezing only a few days a year and then only for brief

periods. 5.1 Natural Resource Overview Rainfall averages between 49 to 54 inches with Glynn County has geography typical of Georgia coastal greater rain in summer than in fall. The water table counties. The coastal area is defined by large areas of is usually highest in October due to these rainfall wetlands and marsh, with a series of barrier islands beyond. variations. The major inhabited islands of Glynn County are St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and Sea Island, the largest being St. Glynn County is potentially subject to tropical Simons Island. Large areas of marshland intercut with storms and hurricanes. During the 1900’s Glynn intercoastal waterway lie between the islands and the County experienced fewer hurricane-level storms mainland. than many other parts of the Atlantic coastline. However during the 1800’s Glynn County Glynn County has three rivers, the Altamaha, the Little experienced several major storms. Weather Satilla, and the Turtle River. Glynn County’s rivers are patterns are always evolving, and Glynn County intimately connected with its marshlands and barrier islands, may experience a major tropical storm or hurricane as marshlands surround most of the river corridors and the in the near future. Preparedness for the county and rivers add sediment to the marshlands and barrier islands. for county residents is vital. Glynn County has a local emergency management plan that is Wetlands play a vital role as both an ecological and cultural coordinated out of the Police Department. This resource for the County. plan is discussed in more detail in section 9.7, Hurricane Mitigation Planning. As a coastal county, Glynn County is very flat and drainage can be a problem. Some of the major aquifers are close to the surface and can easily be polluted by septic tanks and 5.3 Geology and Topography other sources of water contamination. Soils in the county are predominantly sandy on the coastal side of the county Glynn County is part of Georgia’ Coastal Plain. and predominantly clay on the western side of the county. The Coastal Plain consists partly of sediment The clay soils in the county drain poorly and demonstrate eroded from the Piedmont over the past 100 poor suitability for septic tanks. million years, and partly from limestone generated

by ocean creatures and ocean-related organic Overall, Glynn County’s many environmentally sensitive processes. As the edge of Georgia’s Coastal Plain, areas create a major constraint on development patterns. Glynn County consists primarily of sands and Much of Glynn County’s land lies in environmentally muds from the Quaternary era, the most recent ice constrained land such as wetlands, floodplains, and poorly age dating back 1.6 million years. drained soils. As a result, development patterns must largely conform to environmental constraints. Also, quality Due to its history of gradual formation by the land for development is relatively scarce and the search for receding of the Atlantic Ocean, Glynn County’s quality developable land forces development to spread out soils are primarily sedimentary, composed of sands to more rural areas. and muds. Receding ocean levels have resulted in

a series of ridges that represent former shorelines at 5.2 Climate times of higher ocean levels. Thus Glynn County is characterized by a series of gentle ridges running largely parallel to the current shoreline. As a The Glynn County climate is classified as subtropical, with result, the coastal plain has a very gradual slope high temperatures in summer and moderate temperatures in upwards from the Atlantic coast and little winter with generally high humidity. July is the hottest topographical variation. month with average highs of around 90 and average lows of around 75. December is the coolest month with average Barrier islands have been formed by the accretion highs around 66 and average lows around 44. The number of beach and dune sands, deposits from nearby of days with temperatures over 90 degrees ranges from 75- rivers, and as a result of stable ocean levels.

Glynn County – Natural Resources 37

Like the Glynn County coast, Glynn’s barrier islands reflect proportion of Glynn County lands, and constitute a a series of prehistoric terraces that represent fluctuating large coastal buffer for the mainland. primordial seashores. Georgia’s barrier islands are relatively short and wide compared to other islands on the The US Army Corp of Engineers defines wetlands Atlantic shoreline. Barrier islands are separated from the as follows: mainland by deep tidal inlets as well as salt marsh, tidal creeks, and estuaries. On the Georgia coast, sand generally “Those areas that are inundated or saturated by moves southward, meaning that barrier islands tend to erode surface or ground water at a frequency and at their northern ends and grow at their southern ends. duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of 5.4 Environmentally Sensitive Areas vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas.” 5.4.1 Regionally Important Resources Wetlands in their natural state protect adjacent lands from flooding, create nutrients for the river The Coastal Georgia Regional Plan, developed by the system, filter pollutants, and generally improve Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center, identifies downstream water quality. Wetlands also are often several potential Regionally Important Resources in Glynn habitat for many of wildlife and can serve County. Upon official designation of a Regionally as spawning habitat for many fish and shellfish Important Resources by the Department of Community species. Most commercial fish and shellfish Affairs, a resource management strategy can then be species, including shrimp, breed and raise their adopted for that resource. young among coastal marshes and estuaries. Migratory waterfowl also use coastal and inland Potential regionally important resources in Glynn County wetlands for resting, feeding, breeding and nesting. include (taken from the Coastal Georgia Regional Plan): The following is a simple classification scheme for A. Altamaha River different types of wetlands. It should be noted that many wetlands are difficult to classify due to The Altamaha River, which drains over 25 percent of the regional and seasonal variations in hydrology, land area of Georgia, is important in maintaining the soils, vegetation, and climate: ecological balance of Georgia’s estuarine coast. The undeveloped portion of the Altamaha contains the most • Nontidal Marshes – Marshes in general are extensive bottomland forest in the southeastern US. defined by soft-stemmed vegetation which is adapted to saturated conditions. These B. South end of Jekyll Island marshes occur adjacent to fresh bodies of

water or in poorly draining areas. The south beach area is an important loggerhead turtle • Tidal Marshes – Like non-tidal marshes, tidal nesting area. Rare birds also population the area. marshes have soft-stemmed vegetation but are

influenced by ocean tides and are often C. Jekyll Causeway Wood Stork Roost brackish. These are the dominant type of

wetlands in Glynn County. Wood Storks are known to use this area for roosting. Swamps – Swamps are dominated by woody Roosting habitats are important for the preservation of this • such as trees or shrubs. Swamps are species. characterized by saturated soils and occasional

standing water. 5.4.2 Wetlands • Bogs – Bogs are characterized by sphagnum moss, spongy peat and acidic waters. Most of Rivers, freshwater wetlands, tidal wetlands, inlets, marshes, their water comes form rainwater rather than and barrier islands all form an inter-related ecosystem from groundwater or surface water. involving the circulation of water, soil, nutrients, and • Fens – Fens are similar to bogs but most of biological life. Wetlands are a particularly fragile and their water comes from groundwater and valuable part of this ecosystem. Wetlands compose a large

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surface water. They are less acidic than bogs and have Erosion and Sedimentation Act, and the Georgia more nutrients. Marshlands Protection Act.

The Georgia Water Quality Control Act allows the Here are the findings of the Coastal Management Plan on Environmental Protection Division the authority to Freshwater Wetlands: monitor and ensure the quality of State waters. Environmental Protection Division regulations “Wetlands are some of the most productive natural areas in address the treatment of sewage, industrial waste, the world. Important fish and wildlife habitat, wetlands are and other wastes prior to discharge into State the nursery areas for most of the fish and shellfish used for waters. human consumption. These fish and shellfish also depend on wetlands for breeding, spawning, feeding, and cover. The Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Act Migratory birds and waterfowl use wetlands for food, requires a minimum 25’ undisturbed buffer shelter, breeding, and wintering grounds. Many other adjacent to any State waters in order to protect animal species, including many threatened and endangered water quality. species, rely on wetland habitats for their survival. The Georgia Coastal Marshland Protection Act Wetlands are critical to humans as habitat for commercially- helps to protect all estuarine areas that are coastally important fish and shellfish species, and as habitat for influenced, including waters, marshes, and hunted waterfowl and fur-bearers. They also provide marshlands. A permit is required to develop, important recreation areas for boaters, hunters, fishers, dredge, fill, or build upon any of the areas covered hikers, photographers, etc. Functionally, wetlands are by the Act, except docks for private recreational important in helping control flooding and erosion. They are use. Any type of community dock or marina also frequently located between water bodies and high requires a permit. Permits are issued at the ground, thus serving as buffers. Finally, wetlands help discretion of the Coastal Marshland Protection improve water quality and availability. They purify water Committee, which evaluates applications based by processing nutrients, suspended materials, and other upon their environmental impacts. Projects are pollutants. They help increase water availability by generally permitted if they are water-dependent, do absorbing water in wet seasons and gradually releasing it not alter the flow of navigational waters, do not during dry periods.” increase erosion, and do not interfere with marine Source: State of Georgia Coastal Management Program and life. Draft Environmental Impact Statement, 1997. Individual private docks must apply for a Wetlands are regulated through federal, state, and local Revocable License Permit, available through the regulations. Wetlands are also indirectly regulated through Coastal Resources Division. regulations pertaining to surface waters, as surface water quality upstream directly affects the water quality of Glynn County has some policies in place to protect wetlands downstream. wetlands, but less than many similarly situated communities. Glynn County’s Conservation The most important federal regulation pertaining to Preservation zoning classification applies to much wetlands is Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. If a of the county’s wetlands. The Conservation wetland is considered to be part of federal jurisdiction, it is Preservation zoning classification generally known as a “jurisdictional wetland.” Any development on prohibits most types of development but permits jurisdictional wetlands requires a permit from the Army compatible uses such as forestry and wildlife Corps of Engineers. Because of extensive federal preserves. requirements on identifying and mitigating potential environmental impacts on jurisdictional wetlands, Another initiative that will help protect wetlands is development on jurisdictional wetlands is severely Glynn County’s recently passed Water Resources restricted. Protection ordinance. This ordinance will protect wetland quality by minimizing the volume of State regulations of importance to wetland protection stormwater runoff and improving stormwater include the Georgia Water Quality Control Act, the Georgia quality. High volumes of stormwater and/or

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polluted stormwaters can impair the functioning of wetlands as wildlife habitats.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources requires local government to map wetlands over a certain minimum size and indicate the presence of wetlands in their comprehensive plans. The comprehensive plan must address the following impacts on wetlands:

1. Whether impacts to an area would adversely affect the public health, safety, welfare, or the property of others.

2. Whether the area is unique or significant in the conservation of flora and fauna, including threatened, rare or endangered species.

3. Whether alteration or impacts to wetlands will adversely affect the function (including the flow or quality) of water, cause erosion or shoaling, or impact navigation. 4. Whether impacts or modification by a project would adversely affect fishing or recreational use of wetlands.

5. Whether an alteration or impact would be temporary in nature.

6. Whether the project contains significant state historical and archaeological resources, defined as “Properties On or Eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.”

7. Whether alteration of wetlands would have measurable adverse impacts on adjacent sensitive natural areas.

8. Where wetlands have been created for mitigation purposes under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, such wetlands shall be considered for protection.

Recommended uses for wetlands by the Department of Natural Resources include timber production, wildlife and fisheries management, wastewater treatment, recreation, and natural water quality treatment. Hazardous waste facilities and landfills should not be permitted in wetlands.

Glynn County – Natural Resources 40 F.I.R.M. data based on latest DFIRM information as of September, GLYNN COUNTY 2006. WETLANDS AND SPECIAL FLOOD A L T A WAYNE M AH HAZARD AREAS A R COUNTY IV ER MCINTOSH COUNTY ¤£341 LEGEND Wetlands

95 Special Flood Hazard Areas ¨¦§ FIRM Zones A, AE & VE Major Roads 32 17 ¤£ ¤£99 ¤£ Interstate BRANTLEY Highways Arterial COUNTY Railroads Glynn County ST SIMONS Brunswick Boundary ISLAND Hydrography Upland Marsh Water ¤£82 ¤£303 CITY OF BRUNSWICK ATLANTIC OCEAN

TURTLE RIVER

¤£17 BRUNSWICK RIVER CAMDEN 520 COUNTY ¤£ JEKYLL ISLAND L OCT 2006 IT T LE SAT ILLA 00.5 1 2 3 4 R Miles IV

E R ´ DISCLA IMER: This map has been prepared to facilitate public access to information. Data shown is for planning purposes only and its accuracy is NOT warranted. EDAW and Glynn County, GA assume no liability for the quality, content, accuracy, completeness of the information and other items contained in this map. It is advised that you independently verify important information before use.

5.4.3 Floodplains and environmental conditions, a review of water quality conditions, and recommended actions by Large areas of Glynn County lie within the 100 year the Environmental Protection Division, resources floodplain as determined by the Federal Emergency management agencies, and local governments. Management Agency (FEMA). Glynn County is Generally, the trend is towards greater water susceptible to flooding from three sources: 1) from heavy planning efforts being required for local amounts of local rainfall, usually caused by tropical storms, governments to ensure adequate quality water and 2) storm surge from a tropical storm or hurricane, and 3) watershed protection. rainfall occurring upstream along the Altamaha during storm events. Flooding can cause massive damage to 5.4.5 Soils existing property and poses a threat to the health and welfare of Glynn County citizens. Some of the strategies for addressing flooding are included in the Community Many soils in Glynn County demonstrate a poor Facilities section of this Community Assessment. suitability for the use of septic tanks. In the last Comprehensive Plan, it was estimated that 67% of One way Glynn County seeks to minimize flood damage is soils in Glynn County are not suitable for septic by participating in the National Flood Insurance Program system usage without extreme modification. (NFIP). This program includes minimum standards for Although general suitability for septic systems can construction including minimum heights above sea level. be determined by soil maps, each site requires its Some areas are prohibited from construction altogether due own evaluation to determine if it is suitable for to the high probability of flooding. In Glynn County, these septic system waste disposal. In Glynn County, restrictions are enforced though the issuance of development this evaluation is performed by the Environmental permits. Health Department.

FEMA also offers a Community Rating System program, in When a septic system is located in inappropriate which Glynn County participates. This system encourages soils or in areas of high water tables, the septic the county to use its zoning and subdivision regulations to system may fail or contaminate nearby waters. further reduce the likelihood of flood damages. Because Ground and surface waters as well as wetlands may Glynn County participates in this program, National Flood be threatened by inappropriately located septic Insurance is available to Glynn County homeowners. systems.

Most commonly, the solution to the problems 5.4.4 River Corridors posed by septic tanks is to extend public water and sewer systems to areas seeing strong development Three rivers flow into the Atlantic Ocean through Glynn or of particular environmental susceptibility. County. Each of these rivers also has buffers of marshland in their estuary areas, often several hundred feet in width. Erosion is less of a concern in Glynn County due to The Little Satilla River and Turtle River have small its gradual slopes and wet soils. However, erosion drainage basins primarily located within Glynn County and can occur during major construction with earth Camden County and empty out on the southern end of moving equipment. Glynn County addresses Glynn County. The Altamaha River has a larger drainage erosion concerns through its Soil Erosion and basin, reaching about 140 miles inland to near the fall line, Sediment Control Ordinance, which is enforced by and it empties out on the northern end of the county. The the Community Development Department. This river serves as the boundary between Glynn County and ordinance specifies certain erosion control McIntosh County to the north. The Altamaha has a great measures be installed by contractors who work on volume of discharge, the largest of any river on the Georgia construction projects in the county. coast. The Altamaha is a potential source of potable water, limited by the fact that the water is brackish for tens of miles upstream.

The Altamaha River Basin Plan was completed by the Environmental Protection Division in 2004. The Altamaha River Basin Plan includes an inventory of natural resources

Glynn County – Natural Resources 42

5.4.6 and Animal Habitat Other Species of Special Concern

Glynn County’s unique habitats – its coastal areas, its Animals marshes, its river corridors, and its forests – are host to a Species Scientific number of rare and endangered species. The following lists Name Common Name from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources include Ammodramus henslowii Henslow's Sparrow plant and animal species in Glynn County of special Aramus guarauna Limpkin concern. Cyprinella leedsi Bannerfin Shiner

Species with a Federal Status Farancia erytrogramma Rainbow Snake Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum Eastern Milk Snake Animals Menidia beryllina Inland Silverside Species Scientific Name Common Name Micrurus fulvius fulvius Eastern Coral Snake Acipenser brevirostrum Shortnose Sturgeon Myotis austroriparius Southeastern Myotis Caretta caretta Loggerhead Ophisaurus Charadrius melodus Piping Plover compressus Island Glass Lizard Chelonia mydas Green Sea Turtle Rynchops niger Black Skimmer Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Sea Turtle Tyrannus dominicensis Gray Kingbird

Drymarchon couperi Eastern Indigo Snake Plants Eubalaena glacialis Northern Right Whale Species Scientific Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise Name Common Name Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle Pineland Purple Himantopus mexicanus Black-necked Stilt Agalinis divaricata Foxglove Lepidochelys kempii Kemp's Or Atlantic Ridley Asclepias pedicellata Savanna Milkweed Mycteria americana Wood Stork Carex decomposita Cypress-knee Sedge Sterna antillarum Least Tern Coreopsis integrifolia Tickseed Trichechus manatus Manatee Eleocharis albida White Spikerush Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Forestiera segregata Privet Hibiscus grandiflorus Swamp Hibiscus Georgia Protected Species Leitneria floridana Corkwood Palafoxia integrifolia Palafoxia Animals Peltandra sagittifolia Arrow Arum Species Scientific Name Common Name Piloblephis rigida Pennyroyal Charadrius wilsonia Wilson's Plover Plantago sparsiflora Pineland Plantain Elanoides forficatus Swallow-tailed Kite Polygala balduinii White Milkwort Haematopus palliatus American Oystercatcher Psilotum nudum Whisk Fern Sterna nilotica Gull-billed Tern Quercus austrina Bluff White Oak

Plants Quercus chapmanii Chapman Oak Thalia dealbata Flag Species Scientific Name Common Name bartramii Bartram's Air-plant Epidendrum conopseum Green-fly Orchid Tillandsia setacea Pine-needle Air-plant Litsea aestivalis Pondspice Zamia integrifolia Florida Coontie Sageretia minutiflora Tiny-leaf Buckthorn Sarracenia minor Hooded Pitcherplant Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Tillandsia recurvata Ball-moss Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

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5.4.7 Other Natural Resources posed by saltwater intrusion and chloride contamination. Monitoring of the Floridan aquifer Glynn County does not have any areas that would qualify has detected a T-shaped plume of chloride for Mountain Protection according to the Georgia contamination beneath downtown Brunswick. The Department of Natural Resources’ definition of protected Environmental Protection Division has a four-part mountain, and therefore does not need a Mountain strategy to manage contamination: Protection Plan. 1) Avoiding further water withdrawals in sensitive areas, Since Glynn County’s river corridors all have significant 2) Increased conservation and reuse for all water wetlands around their perimeter, protection of these users, wetlands provides a substantial protection for the river 3) Clear and consistent justification of need for corridor itself. The Department of Natural Resources water withdrawal permits, and normally recommends a 100-foot buffer around rivers to be 4) Continuous monitoring of the Floridan aquifer. protected from development. In Glynn County, this area is The EPD report forecasts that the City of generally covered by wetlands and is therefore undeveloped. Brunswick and Glynn County have enough joint water and wastewater capacity to meet growth demands for the next couple of decades. The 5.5 Significant Natural Resources report suggests that water demands could be more efficiently met through the cooperation of the city 5.5.1 Ground Water Supply and the county.

Nearly all water supply in Glynn County is obtained from The status of the Miocene and surface aquifers are ground water. Ground water is obtained from three aquifer less well known and are currently under study. systems: 1) The surface aquifer, 2) The Miocene aquifer, Generally, these shallower aquifers are thought to and 3) The Floridan aquifer. The Miocene and surface be more susceptible to contamination than the aquifers are shallow relative to the Floridan aquifer, which larger and deeper Floridan aquifer. The quantity is the major source of water for much of southeastern and quality of these aquifers must be better known Georgia and parts of Florida as well. The Floridan aquifer before adequate regulation of these sources can be is generally between 600 and 800 feet below the surface. put in place.

All of the aquifers are ultimately recharged from the Glynn County does not currently have an ordinance surface. Groundwater recharge areas are areas where to protect groundwater recharge areas. Significant aquifers are thought to source most of their water. Limiting groundwater recharge areas are susceptible to the kinds of waste disposed in groundwater recharge areas pollution and contamination of water quality and and regulating the land uses in groundwater recharge areas need special protections. The Georgia Department are ways of protecting the water quality of ground water of Natural Resources has developed a model supply resources. It is thought that the different aquifers ordinance for counties to protect significant exchange flows of water, so any contamination in one groundwater recharge areas. The ordinance works aquifer has the potential to contaminate the aquifers above by limiting the location of landfills and hazardous or below it. wastes, establishing containment mechanisms for other types of waste, and establishing minimum The groundwater recharge area for the Floridan aquifer is lots sizes for the use of septic tanks in these areas. near the fall line of Georgia. The groundwater recharge Adoption of an ordinance based upon Georgia areas for the Miocene aquifer include most of St. Simons Department of Natural Resources guidelines is Island and the area in the vicinity of the US 82 exit (Exit 29) recommended. off of I-95. Land use protections for these groundwater recharge areas are advisable for protecting the quality of the Miocene aquifer.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division completed a report on water and wastewater management for coastal Georgia in June of 2006. The report responds to the potential threat to the water quality of the Floridan aquifer

Glynn County – Natural Resources 45

5.5.2 Surface Water Supply coastal Georgia water permitting plan, all new and continuing industrial water users will be held to high standards with regard to water conservation, Glynn County does not currently use any surface water for the efficient use of water resources, and the drinking or industrial use. However, surface water quality is justification of water need. Also, no new water important as natural habitat, and surface water may become permits will be issued for areas near the existing a major water source in Glynn County’s future. saltwater plume boundary.

The current main obstacle to using surface waters is cost. To draw quality surface water from the Altamaha, the 5.5.4 Air Quality source must be many miles inland to avoid salt water contamination. As a result, expensive infrastructure must be The Georgia Environment Protection Division put in place to bring the water from the Altamaha to monitors ambient air quality including the levels of concentrations of current development. In the long run, different pollutants in the air. Acceptable levels of surface water from the Altamaha may be a viable source of pollutants are defined by the US Environmental water for Glynn and other adjoining counties. Protection Agency. Pollutants of concern to the US EPA include Sulfur Dioxide, Particulate Surface waters can become contaminated from point and Matter, Carbon Monoxide, Ozone, Nitrogen non-point pollution sources. Point sources refer to specific Dioxide, and Lead. The Environmental Protection industrial plants that dispose of waste into a water body. Division’s air monitoring site in Glynn County has Nonpoint sources of pollution include any surface area on not detected any pollutants in excess of EPA the earth that can carry pollutants, such as parking lots, standards. In short, Glynn County appears to have roads, and farms with fertilizers. Surface waters can be good air quality according to EPA air monitoring protected in part from nonpoint sources of pollution by conducted to date. vegetative buffers and by good stormwater management practices. 5.5.5 Agricultural and Forestry Lands The Department of Natural Resources is currently developing watershed management plans in order to protect Glynn County does not have significant surface water quality throughout the state. agricultural lands; however it does have significant forestry lands. High water levels in soils make much of the land suitable for both soft and hard Glynn County does not currently have an ordinance to wood production. Trees in these forests include protect water supply watersheds. The Georgia Department slash pine, loblolly pine, longleaf pine, cypress, of Natural Resources has developed a model ordinance for blackgum, sweetgum, and water oak. Over counties to protect water supply watersheds. The purpose of 100,000 acres, about 42% of Glynn County’s land, the ordinance is to protect current and future water supplies is estimated to currently be in forestry uses. Most and to ensure that water from water supplies remain of this land is believed to be owned by private treatable to meet drinking water standards. The model forestry concerns. Forestry products are important ordinance protects water supplies through buffer zones for Glynn County’s paper and pulp industries. around streams feeding into water supply reservoirs, through regulating the amount of impervious surfaces The State of Georgia produces about 1 billion allowed inside watersheds, and through the establishment of cubic feet of softwood roundwood and about 200 reservoir management plans. Different standards are set for million cubic feet of hardwood roundwood large and small water supply watersheds. Adoption of an annually. “Roundwood” is the term used to ordinance based upon the Georgia Department of Natural describe trees as a product when they are first cut Resources guidelines is recommended. down and before they are processed. Glynn County’s production in 2003 was about 12.2 5.5.3 Water Use million cubic feet of softwood roundwood and about 0.1 million cubic feet of hardwood

roundwood. So Glynn County supplies Most water use in Georgia’s coastal areas is for power approximately 1% of the state’s softwood generation and industrial production that is water-intensive roundwood and a negligible amount of the state’s – namely pulp and paper manufacturing. With the new

Glynn County – Natural Resources 47

hardwood roundwood annually. Glynn County has among the highest productivity of softwood per acre for Georgia’s Glynn County’s identity is associated with the Live counties. Oak. Many of Glynn County’s streets are lined with Live Oaks that provide both beautiful views Much of the roundwood that is harvested in Georgia is also and ample shade. Glynn County’s management of processed by industrial facilities in Georgia. About 37% of trees on county land is based on the advice of the Georgia roundwood is processed in facilities in southeast Tree Board. Glynn County has no regulations Georgia. More than half of the roundwood from southeast concerning trees on privately owned land. Georgia is processed as “pulpwood” which includes paper, pulp, and related products. About 40% of roundwood from 5.5.6 Fishing Industry southeast Georgia is processed as “saw logs” which includes lumber, pallets, and timber. The rest of roundwood goes to The state of Georgia harvests an average of 10.9 other uses such as flat panels of wood and composite million pounds of fish products annually with an productions. average total value of $22.4 million. In terms of

value, the top products are shrimp, blue crabs, and Glynn County is host to a number of roundwood processing demersals (bottom feeding fish). Shrimp are by far industrial facilities. These facilities include Koch Cellulose the dominant product accounting for 75% of the LLC’s pulp and cellulose plant, Georgia Pacific’s gypsum value of the annual catch. The latest data from and sawmill operations, and Hercules’ resin and paper NOAA’s Fishery Office of Science and chemicals plant. Paper manufacturing is the largest Technology indicates that the port of Brunswick manufacturing sector in Glynn County and employed 1,849 brought in a catch of 1.9 million pounds worth $5.1 people in 2004. million in the year 2000.

Forestry lands are increasingly being viewed with an eye towards potential residential development. The size and 5.6 Natural Resource Needs location of these forestry tracts mean that any potential development of former forestry land can have major impacts Assessment in terms of land use, the natural environmental, transportation, and community facilities. As development occurs, Glynn County is losing its public access to its natural resources. Access to With proper planning, forestry programs can be managed to locations for fishing, boating, and scenic views are have a minimal impact on natural resources. Forest highly prized both by local residents and tourists. companies with an eye to long term stewardship often Glynn County needs a long term strategy for employ environmental scientists to help them manage their preserving public access to natural resources to lands. Large stands of trees can serve many purposes ensure their continuing value to the county. beyond forestry as they grow, such as serving as wildlife habitat and protection against erosion. Much of Glynn County is covered with environmentally sensitive lands that can be The Georgia Forestry Commission encourages responsible unsuitable for development. Development in some environmental practices through its voluntary program of of these areas poses an undue threat to the Best Management Practices. The Georgia Forestry environment; in other areas, development poses an Association, a voluntary organization of land owners and undue threat to property. The prime example of paper companies, promotes adherence to the Georgia development that poses an undue threat to property Forestry Commissions’ Best Management Practices. One of is development in floodplains. Glynn County the important BMPs for coastal areas is the establishment of needs a strategy for discouraging development in a minimum 20 foot Stream Management Zone along environmentally sensitive areas that pose undue perennial and intermittent streams. hazards.

Another voluntary program, the Forest Stewardship Septic systems must be maintained to be effective Program, addresses other forest-related concerns such as over the long term. Glynn County has seen an wildlife management and scenic view protection. increase in the number of septic systems that are Landowners that adhere to these standards can qualify as failing and has seen evidence of decreased water “Forest Stewards.” quality in beach areas. Also, most of the remaining

Glynn County – Natural Resources 48

developable land in the county is not suited to septic tanks. Glynn County needs an approach for dealing with existing septic tanks and controlling the growth of new septic tank dependent development.

Glynn County lacks many of the standard environmental protection ordinances recommended by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. It will be up to local stakeholders to set priorities along these diverse environmental protection regulations. Currently, Glynn County lacks ordinances for the protection of water supply watersheds, for wetlands, for groundwater recharge areas, and for the protection of river corridors. The State of Georgia has developed model ordinances for the protection of each of these resources, so Glynn County should consider adopting these ordinances as appropriate with the county’s priorities.

Glynn County – Natural Resources 49