The Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island State Park
Who We Are and What We Stand for
The Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island State Park
The Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island State Park (IPJI) was founded in September of 2006 as a means of sampling public opinion on Jekyll’s redevelopment and of allowing the island’s many friends to work together to help preserve the park and shape its future. An all-volunteer, non-profit association with a modest beginning, the IPJI has grown to over 10,000 supporters committed to the preservation of Jekyll’s unspoiled qualities and unique characteristics, the promotion of the island as a model of restrained development, and the maintenance of the park as an affordable and family-friendly vacation destination.
The IPJI Supports
The promotion of Jekyll Island as a model of restrained development, a living laboratory of nature’s wonders, and a park blessed with a wealth of family recreational and environmental education opportunities.
The identification of Jekyll’s environmentally and historically sensitive areas, and their protection from further development.
The safeguarding of Jekyll’s unique personality and characteristics, meaning that magical charm which has captivated generations of the island’s visitors.
The protection of Jekyll’s dune and sand-sharing system, the health of which is essential to the island’s well-being.
The preservation of Jekyll’s maritime forest - a natural feature vital to migratory birds and native species, and a habitat that is fast disappearing up and down the east coast.
The adoption of a model ordinance for sea turtle protection.
The improvement of Jekyll’s existing lodgings, with the majority of the accommodations remaining affordable for mainstream citizens.
The modernization of Jekyll’s Convention Center, including the addition of an adjacent hotel, with affordability being a key planning consideration.
The adoption of green building norms equal to or higher than those specified by the United States Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design’s (LEED’s) silver standard.
Certification of Jekyll’s golf complex by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, which has established and sanctions environmentally responsible maintenance practices for golf course operation.
The protection of Jekyll’s recreational facilities from encroachment by development, including the maintenance of a condominium-free environment within the p ark’s wildlife-rich and historic golf courses.
The enhancement of nature-based tourism opportunities, particularly the provision of non-intrusive wetland walkways, nature trails, bird-viewing stations, and additional signage educating the public about the island’s flora and fauna.
The IPJI’s Activities
Survey public opinion on Jekyll’s redevelopment and associated issues.
Promote an “Open Beach Resolution” calling for the restriction of development along Jekyll’s remaining open seaside land.
Petition on behalf of keeping the majority of Jekyll’s lodgings affordable for most citizens.
Support for responsible improvement of Jekyll’s accommodations, amenities and facilities.
Conduct research on the impact of proposed development projects.
Monitor developers’ projects for compliance with the provisions of Georgia’s Shore Protection Act and other environmental legislation.
Disseminate information through press releases, op-ed pieces, a quarterly newsletter, e-mail alerts, and a multi-faceted website.
Speak to community, environmental, civic, groups.
Encourage legislation that further secures accessibility to an affordable Jekyll and protects the island’s environmentally-sensitive areas and fragile ecology.
Attend monthly board meetings of the Jekyll Island Authority in order to represent the IPJI’s views and raise questions on behalf the park’s advocates.
Cooperate closely with leading civic and environmental groups, including the Center for a Sustainable Coast, Altamaha Riverkeepers, Satilla Riverkeepers, and the Georgia Chapters of such national organizations as Common Cause, the Audubon Society, the Sierra Club, and the Wildlife Federation.
