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This serves as notification from the Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources of a request from Mark Hanly and Kim C. Hanly 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 a living shoreline at 1800 Blythe Island Drive, Hillery Creek, Glynn County, Georgia.
The project site is located at Hillery Island, a 13-acre privately owned island historically known as “Camp Glynn”. The shoreline is currently unprotected and is experiencing active tidal erosion. There is an existing 10.49ft. x 20,744ft. causeway that leads to a 15.64ft. x 180ft. bridge to access the island. Currently, approximately 100 linear feet (624sq.ft.) of riprap abuts the north side of the bridge and approximately 100 linear feet (414sq.ft.) of riprap runs along the western section of the shoreline below and adjacent to an existing private recreational dock. The applicant proposes to construct and maintain a living shoreline along two distinct segments of the shoreline (southern bank and western bank) within CMPA jurisdiction.
The marshlands component of the proposed project consists of constructing and maintaining a living shoreline along two shoreline segments totaling approximately 1,373 linear feet. Before the stabilization project can be constructed, the creek bank will be graded to establish a 2:1-3:1 slope.
The southern shoreline segment extends from the area adjacent to the existing bridge to the southwest corner of the island. Approximately 695sq.ft. of Spartina alterniflora will be harvested from the southern shoreline and stored for replanting once the shoreline is installed. Approximately 771sq.ft. (90cu.yds) of riprap will be placed on the existing riprap armoring the bridge abutment. The proposed stabilization of the southern shoreline begins immediately west of the existing rip rap with the placement of 420 linear feet (3,904sq.ft.) of DredgeSox. The DredgeSox is pre-seeded with native vegetation species that will propagate once the material is secured. The shoreline immediately west of and adjacent to the proposed DredgeSox will be stabilized with 680 linear feet (10,116sq.ft.) of Flexamat that will be planted with Spartina alterniflora that was harvested from the southern shoreline. The toe of the proposed Flexamat will be protected with 680 linear feet (1,387sq.ft.) of riprap.
The western shoreline extends from the southwest corner of the island to the northwest corner of the island. The area directly beneath the existing private recreational dock, located near the middle of the western shoreline, is protected by approximately 100 linear feet of existing rip rap. The existing rip rap will be supplemented by placing an additional 725sq.ft. (55cu.yds) in the already impacted footprint. The shoreline to the north and south of the existing dock and rip rap will be stabilized with 693 liner feet (5,617.47sq.ft.) of Flexamat. Approximately 1,595sq.ft. of temporarily harvested Spartina alterniflora will be replanted into the Flexamat. The toe of the proposed Flexamat will be protected with 693 linear feet (1,425sq.ft.) of riprap.
Total impacts to coastal marshlands for the proposed living shoreline are 23,654.83sq.ft. (0.54 acre) and will include 145 cubic yards of fill.
There is no upland component for the living shoreline as it does not qualify under 391-2-3-.02, Regulation of Upland Component of a Project.
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 31, 2025 to Maitland Bass, Department of Natural Resources, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, Georgia 31520 or via email at maitland.bass@dnr.ga.gov.
Click here to view Application.
