Population growth and impacts from sea level rise are major threats to the long term health of Georgia’s coast, according to a collaborative report released Friday.

The Georgia Coast Collaborative, launched in May 2017, is 12 organizations. The report is their first and aimed at documenting progress made toward shared conservation goals.

Altamaha Riverkeeper, Center for a Sustainable Coast, Georgia-Alabama Land Trust, Greenlaw, Ogeechee Riverkeeper, One Hundred Miles, Satilla Riverkeeper, Savannah Riverkeeper, Southern Environmental Law Center, St. Simons Land Trust, the Georgia Conservancy, and The Nature Conservancy in Georgia launched the Georgia Coast Collaborative in May 2017.

As described in the State of Coastal Conservation 2017, the GCC is an initiative designed to celebrate the unique resources of Georgia’s 100-mile coast to unite organizations and residents around a common vision and goals for its the future.

GCC members work in four major priority areas: land conservation, project advocacy, policy advocacy, and legal enforcement and compliance. The progress report released today highlights achievements and significant areas of impact made by GCC organizations since the collaboration launched in May 2017. "GCC’s collective success is a direct result of a foundation of long-standing coastal conservation efforts in Georgia and the commitment of the 12 GCC member organizations to work together in incorporating traditional and non-traditional public allies," said Altamaha Riverkeeper and Executive Director Jen Hilburn.

Organized by goal, the progress report showcases select initiatives and campaigns of the past year, such as efforts opposing offshore drilling and promoting living shorelines. "The GCC progress report is a great way to share with the public how 12 non-governmental organizations are contributing to the conservation of Georgia’s coastal wildlife habitat, vast landscapes, and rich culture," says Megan Desrosiers, president and CEO of One Hundred Miles. "It celebrates how our efforts are contributing to the long-term protection of the coast we love."

Visit www.OneHundredMiles.org/GCC to download the State of Coastal Conservation 2017 and the first annual GCC Progress Report.