This serves as notification from the Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources of a request from Georgia Department of Natural Resources for a Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) permit under Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) 12-5-280 et seq., to construct and maintain the public access dock facility located on Rhetts Island, Champney River, McIntosh County, Georgia. The proposed project is under 1/10 of an acre, and therefore may be considered a minor alteration of coastal marshlands under O.C.G.A. 12-5-280 et. seq.
The project will be located on Rhetts Island, McIntosh County, Georgia which is a part of the Altamaha Wildlife Management Area. The existing upland is located adjacent to a water control structure on the western portion of a dike that runs parallel to the Champney River. Currently there is only one other public access dock on the island, located on the far eastern side of the dike approximately 2.7 miles downstream. Rhetts Island is only accessible by boat and is frequently utilized for hunting, fishing, and other recreational opportunities. The proposed project will enhance public access and increase safety for people using this state-owned resource.
The applicant proposes to construct a new public access dock. A 6ft. x 79ft. aluminum walkway will extend seaward from the upland. A 4ft. x 24ft. gangway will be attached to the terminus of the walkway to provide access to a 10ft. x 20ft. floating dock that will extend perpendicular to the channel. A 10ft. x 30ft. floating dock will be attached to the east side of the perpendicular float, parallel to the channel. The proposed floating dock will extend approximately 30ft. into the waterway at a point where the waterway is 1,270ft. wide at Mean Low Water. The total impact to coastal marshlands for the proposed dock facility will be 1,070 sq.ft. (0.02 acres).
The applicant has stated there is no upland component associated with the proposed activities.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate that the project is not contrary to the public interest and that no feasible alternative sites exist. Impacts to coastal marshlands must be minimal in size. In passing upon the application for permit, the Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee shall consider the public interest: (1) Whether or not unreasonably harmful obstruction to or alteration of the natural flow of navigational water within the affected area will arise as a result of the proposal; (2) Whether or not unreasonably harmful or increased erosion, shoaling of channels, or stagnant areas of water will be created; and (3) Whether or not the granting of a permit and the completion of the applicants proposal will unreasonably interfere with the conservation of fish, shrimp, oysters, crabs, clams, or other marine life, wildlife, or other resources, including but not limited to water and oxygen supply.
A detailed public notice with drawings has been distributed and is available by visiting the Department of Natural Resources website: CoastalGaDNR.org under “Public Notices.”
Please provide this office with substantive, site-specific comments as to why the proposed work should or should not proceed. Comments and questions concerning this proposed project should be submitted in writing and be submitted by the close of business on October 18, 2025, to Paul Tobler, Department of Natural Resources, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, Georgia 31520 or via email at paul.tobler@dnr.ga.gov.
Click here to view Application.