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This serves as notification from the Shore Protection Committee (SPC) and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources of a request from Tybee Island Marine Science Foundation, Inc. for a Shore Protection Act (SPA) Permit under O.C.G.A. 12-5-230 et. seq. to construct and maintain a retaining wall, pedestrian bridge, and install native landscaping at an educational facility on Tybee Island, Chatham County, Georgia.
The Tybee Island Marine Science Center (TIMSC) is a nonprofit, environmental education facility that welcomes approximately 50,000 annual visitors. The interactive facility provides school groups, scout troops, and public access to guided indoor gallery exhibits and outdoor classrooms. TIMSC is proposing enhancements to the facility’s existing backyard garden.
The subject parcel is approximately 38,590sq.ft. (0.89 acre), of which approximately 11,070sq.ft. (0.25 acre) is located within SPA jurisdiction.
Existing impacts in SPA jurisdiction include a wooden fence, decks, an ADA ramp, stairs with an associated concrete landing area, a portion of a manmade stormwater retention pond, and bird feeding stations within an area of maintained lawn with other naturalized vegetation. A public access dune crosswalk maintained by the City of Tybee Island is located immediately seaward of the facility. Total existing impacts within SPA jurisdiction associated with the existing decks and hardscape structures total approximately 762sq.ft. (0.017 acre).
As proposed, all existing decks, ramps, stairs, and the associated concrete landing area will be maintained. Improvements will occur within the backyard garden area landward of the landward toe of the most landward dune. The existing bird feeding stations will be removed and the project area landward of the existing fence will be cleared and graded. The existing retention pond will be excavated, terraced, and a liner will be installed to create a rain garden (713sq.ft.). A portion of a wooden pedestrian walking bridge (65sq.ft.) and a retaining wall will be constructed (13sq.ft.). Native landscaping beds (980sq.ft.), and an earthen walking path (740sq.ft.) surround the enhanced wetland. The entrance that opens onto the new backyard garden from the educational facility will be anchored by raised planters (34sq.ft.) and pervious pavers (35sq.ft.). Turtle friendly lighting and light posts will illuminate the earthen path. Temporary irrigation will also be installed. The remainder of the SPA jurisdictional area seaward of the wooden fence includes vegetated sand dunes (5,733sq.ft.) that will be retained in their naturally vegetated and topographical condition. Temporary impacts associated with site preparation include the use of heavy equipment, grading, and the removal of trees in SPA jurisdiction. No additional modifications are proposed to the existing educational facility amenities. A private dune crosswalk is not proposed. Impacts to SPA jurisdiction for improvements associated with the backyard garden total approximately 2,580sq.ft. (0.059 acre).
Impacts for the existing (762sq.ft.) and proposed improvements (2,583sq.ft.) total approximately 3,345sq.ft. (30%). Approximately 7,725sq.ft. (70%) of the SPA jurisdictional area will be retained or restored to its natural vegetated and topographic state.
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. In passing upon the application for permit, the permit issuing authority shall consider the public interest which for purposes of this part shall be deemed to be the following considerations: (1) Whether or not unreasonably harmful, increased alteration of the dynamic dune field or submerged lands, or function of the sand-sharing system will be created; (2) Whether or not the granting of a permit and the completion of the applicant's proposal will unreasonably interfere with the conservation of marine life, wildlife, or other resources; and (3) Whether or not the granting of a permit and the completion of the applicant's proposal will unreasonably interfere with reasonable access by and recreational use and enjoyment of public properties impacted by the project.
A detailed public notice with drawings has been distributed and is available by visiting the Division's website: CoastalGaDNR.org under “Public Notices”.
Please provide this office with substantive, site-specific comments as to why the proposed project should or should not proceed. Comments and questions concerning the proposed project should be submitted in writing by the close of business on November 7, 2026, to Deb Barreiro via email at deb.barreiro@dnr.ga.gov or mailed to One Conservation Way, Brunswick, GA 31520.
