Rule 391-4-6-.01 - Introduction(1) The State of Georgia owns most of Sapelo Island. The Island consists of three management units assigned to the custody of the Department of Natural Resources (hereinafter sometimes referred to in this Chapter as DNR): (a)Richard J. Reynolds Wildlife Management Area (hereinafter sometimes referred to in this Chapter as Reynolds WMA): management of forest and wildlife resources; public hunting, fishing, camping and beach use.(b)Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve (hereinafter sometimes referred to in this Chapter as the SINERR): protection of the Duplin River estuary; scientific research; public education; public hunting and fishing.(c)Sapelo Island Natural Area (hereinafter sometimes referred to in this Chapter as the Natural Area): public education; low-intensity recreation; scientific research.(2) There is considerable public interest in Sapelo Island, which is created by the value of its natural and cultural resources, the amount of State investment in the Island, and the benefits which members of the general public receive from visiting it. The State, acting through DNR, is responsible to protect the natural and cultural resources of and the public interest in this unique Island.(3) State lands surround private lands known as the Hog Hammock Community. Some of its current permanent residents and their forebears have lived on Sapelo for generations. The State has acknowledged its duty to protect Hog Hammock's heritage by creating the Sapelo Island Heritage Authority, which furthers the preservation of the community's cultural and historic values (Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) Section 12-3-440et seq.).(4) The State may provide certain essential services and water transportation for permanent residents and State employees living on Sapelo Island and their families. O.C.G.A. Section 12-2-5 grants DNR the authority to provide these services.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 391-4-6-.01
O.C.G.A. Title 27, Secs. 12-2-5, 12-2-24, 12-3-9.
Original Rule entitled "Introduction" adopted. F. Jan. 25, 1996; eff. Feb. 14, 1996.