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.

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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