Memorandum on research access to Sapelo Island

The University of Georgia Marine Institute, Sapelo Island, Ga, 31327

In cooperation with the:

Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division
Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve (SINERR)
Box 15, Sapelo Island, Ga. 31327
Lonice C. Barrett, Commissioner
David Waller, Director
PH (912) 485-2251
FAX (912) 485-2141

1 December 1998

MEMORANDUM

TO: All researchers conducting studies on SINERR and Natural Areas of Sapelo Island
FROM: Dorset Hurley / Jon Garbisch
RE: Procedure for requesting research access

     The ever-increasing demand of research activities on and around Sapelo Island have reached a point where utilization conflicts are occurring. To eliminate this problem, the Department of Natural Resources and the University of Georgia Marine Institute will now require advance notice from researchers of their desire to conduct studies on the island and its surrounding marshes and waterways. This requirement is solely for the purpose of ensuring optimum utilization of research areas and support facilities while ameliorating potential user conflicts. It is in no way intended to judge the importance or validity of the proposed research.

     An application of intent must be submitted and approved before research can be conducted. This application should be submitted and approval received before grant applications are processed to ensure that research sites and facilities will be available to the researchers if funding is forthcoming. Applications of intent to conduct research on Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve and associated state properties should be submitted in the format described below. These proposals and all subsequent results will be added to a central data base for future reference. This data base will serve as a tool toward development of better communication and coordination efforts among agencies and principle investigators, in addition to reducing user conflicts associated with geographically over-lapping studies. All potential researchers are encouraged to obtain a complete copy of this data base prior to developing an experimental design associated with a particular site or habitat on Sapelo Island. Copies of the data base can be acquired by contacting either the Department of Natural Resources on Sapelo Island or The University of Georgia Marine Institute.

     The following information is required by DNR (SINERR) and the UGA - Marine Institute for authorization to conduct research on Sapelo Island

1)   A short description of the proposed research including:
a. Principal investigators and associated academic or private affiliations.
b. Primary objectives with associated, itemized deadlines.
c. Specific geographical location.
d. Logistical and infrastructure support needed from one of the aforementioned agencies.
e. Scientific equipment to be left in situ for prolonged periods
f. Potential detrimental environmental effects of the study

2)  Upon authorization for conducting research:
a. Prior to initiation of the study, a preliminary proposal of the work is to be submitted to the Department of Natural Resources (located at the Long Tabby office on Sapelo Island) and the University of Georgia Marine Institute which will allow for more complete interagency support.
b. Summary reports describing results are expected annually and upon completion of the study.
c. If major changes in your experimental design occur i.e. location, scheduling, or support needs, the primary agency of correspondence must be advised promptly.

We are pleased that you have considered Sapelo Island as a location to conduct your study and encourage contacting us for any support service or information we may be able to provide.
 

Contacts:

Dorset Hurley
Research Coordinator
Sapelo Island NERR
P. O. Box 15
Sapelo Island , Georgia 31327
E-mail: dhurley@darientel.net
PH (912) 485 2251
FAX (912) 485 2151

Jon Garbisch
Educational Program Specialist
University of Georgia Marine Institute
Sapelo Island, Georgia 31327
E-mail: sapelo@uga.edu
PH (912) 485 2125
FAX (912) 485 2133

cc: Bob Monroe
Dr. Jim Alberts
Dr. Stuart Stevens
Dr. Bob Hodson
Buddy Sullivan