Bill Text: GA SR1064 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Natural Resources, Dept.; urge to take measures to preserve, protect, and promote; historical heritage; Sapelo Island, Georgia
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-02-28 - Senate Read and Referred [SR1064 Detail]
Download: Georgia-2011-SR1064-Introduced.html
12 LC 35
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Senate
Resolution 1064
By:
Senators Ligon, Jr. of the 3rd, Jeffares of the 17th, Hooks of the 14th, Hill of
the 4th and James of the 35th
A
RESOLUTION
Urging
the Department of Natural Resources to take measures to preserve, protect, and
promote the important historical heritage and beautiful natural treasures of
Sapelo Island, Georgia; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
Greater Sapelo Island of McIntosh County, Georgia, is this state's fourth
largest barrier island and the home of wildlife, treasured historical
structures, and the significant community consisting of the Geechee Gullah
people; and
WHEREAS,
approximately 97 percent of Sapelo Island is owned by the State of Georgia and
is managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, while the remaining 3
percent of the island is under private ownership; and
WHEREAS,
the island also consists of the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research
Reserve, the University of Georgia Marine Institute, and the Reynold's Mansion
State Park; and
WHEREAS,
the Geechee Gullah people are the direct descendants of the slaves of Thomas
Spalding who was the original landowner of Sapelo Island, and following the
conclusion of the Civil War, ownership of designated lands of the island were
legally transferred to these original freed men; and
WHEREAS,
in 1983, Georgia law established the Sapelo Island Heritage Authority for the
purpose of preserving the culture in the endangered historical areas of Sapelo
Island; and
WHEREAS,
the unique Geechee Gullah culture and their community is of significant
historical value to the citizens of this state; and
WHEREAS,
access to the educational historical sites and natural beauty of Sapelo Island
by the public is limited and could be expanded;
and
WHEREAS, the island has an abundance of significant historical sites that need state funding for conservation, renovation, and promotion as tourist attractions; and
WHEREAS, the island has an abundance of significant historical sites that need state funding for conservation, renovation, and promotion as tourist attractions; and
WHEREAS,
much of the island is composed of natural habitats which need to be managed and
protected and made available for viewing and enjoyment by the public;
and
WHEREAS,
in order to preserve the historical heritage of the island and promote economic
development for the island, the Department of Natural Resources needs to study
the preservation of significant historical sites and promotion of and access to
Sapelo Island.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body urge the
Department of Natural Resources to study and make recommendations for action on
the following issues:
(1)
The need for preservation and revitalization of historical sites on Sapelo
Island;
(2)
Means by which accessibility and awareness of the island's natural beauty and
historical sites may be improved; and
(3)
Development, incorporation, and promotion of the Geechee Gullah people and
culture as a part of the historical heritage of the island.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the Department of Natural
Resources, the Sapelo Island Heritage Authority, and Governor Nathan Deal.
