CAROL RUCKDESCHEL on Keeping Cumberland Island Wild /217
Feral horses run along Cumberland Island National Seashore; photo via Marinas.com
Cumberland Island is one of Georgia’s most biologically diverse barrier islands, with its maritime forests, coastal beaches, and salt marshes providing a habitat for many endangered kin, in addition to being a resting point along the transatlantic migratory flyway. This wild place has been fervently loved and protected over the past couple of decades by biologist, naturalist, environmental activist, and full-time resident of the island, Carol Ruckdeschel. This week on the program we speak to Carol about the importance of places like Cumberland Island, some of the most pressing threats Cumberland currently faces, and the dangerous precedent that will be set if we continue to allow private-interest to chip away and fragment the very little bit of wilderness that is currently protected.
Over the years Cumberland has been targeted by many developers, but perhaps never before so flagrantly than by the proposed development of the neighboring Spaceport Camden launch site, which would launch small rockets across Cumberland Island National Seashore, sending flaming debris and toxic materials, potentially destroying remaining wilderness areas, and possibility setting fire to Cumberland’s centuries-old maritime forest. With only 5% of the United States recognized as protected wilderness, and less than 3% of that existing in the contiguous United States, paying attention to Cumberland Island is important as ever.
“I’m not really a people person, so it just seems natural that I formed more lasting impressions with the animals of the island.”
Carol Ruckdeschel
In 2018, the Federal Aviation Administration received over 15,000 public comments opposing Spaceport Camden, yet the FAA moved forward without any opportunity for public comment. The FAA will issue its final decision for the Spaceport Camden launch site in March 2021, we’re asking listeners to get involved and send a message to the FAA and the state of Georgia to let them know that wild places cannot be destroyed by the whims of private interest. To learn who you can write to and how to get involved visit Wild Cumberland and No Rockets Over Wilderness.
Carol Ruckdeschel is a biologist, naturalist, environmental activist, and author. She shot the ‘Hooch with President Jimmy Carter, documented new species of lizards in the north Georgia mountains, and discovered that sea turtles were dying by the tens of thousands along the Georgia coast. She has lived on the island for over 40 years and was instrumental in the establishment of the Cumberland Island National Seashore and its ensuing Wilderness designation. Ruckdeschel has fought a lifelong battle with families like the Carnegies, Rockefellers, and Candlers – who thought of Cumberland Island as their personal playground and summer retreat.
♫ Music featured in this episode includes “Ramble” by Eliza Edens, “We’re All Going To Die” by Kesia Nagata, “Bristlecone Pines” by Lauren Alegre, and “Crazy Flame” by I Goodfriend.
Take Action
Email Gov. Kemp via Wild Cumberland
Email the FAA via Wild Cumberland
Email the DNR via Wild Cumberland
No Rockets Over Protected Wilderness Areas Petition
Listen to “WILL HARLAND on the Wild Woman of Cumberland Island /07
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For The Wild is a slow media organization dedicated to land-based protection, co-liberation, and intersectional storytelling. We are rooted in a paradigm shift away from human supremacy, endless growth, and consumerism. As we dream towards a world of grounded justice and reciprocity, our work highlights impactful stories and deeply-felt meaning making as balms for these times.