GEOH-006. David Kyler interviewed by Betsy Bean, September 24, 2013.
David Kyler discusses
his work as a regional development planner for the Area Planning and
Development Commission and the use of the market-based approach to water
management. He talks about the pressures put on planning commissions by
business interests.
Kyler discusses the connection between natural systems of
the coast and economic value. He discusses the Coastal Management Program of
the 1970s and his work with the Georgia Conservancy and the Nature Conservancy.
Kyler also talks about off-shore drilling, the Sea Island Company (including
the conflict over bike paths), and the difficulty of maintaining cordial
relationships with business interests as an environmental activist.
Kyler discusses the founding of the Center for a Sustainable
Coast in 1997, including the support of the Sapelo Foundation and the goals of
the organization. He discusses efforts at outreach and education for the public
through public forums. He also discusses various lawsuits filed by the Center
for a Sustainable Coast, including a lawsuit about the development of marsh
hammocks. Kyler talks about the support and the resources of the Southern
Environmental Law Center.
Kyler discusses the evolution of non-profits on the Georgia
Coast and the support of the Dobbs Foundation. He talks about the role of the
Center for a Sustainable Coast in establishing Riverkeeper organizations for
watersheds affecting the coast. He discusses producing the Citizens Guide to
Coastal Development with the goal of making the public more aware of the laws
concerning environmental issues and development. Kyler also touches on issues
such as the 65/35 clause governing the development of Jekyll Island, global
warming, and harbor deepening and dredging.
For more information, please see the Russell Library Finding Aid for the Georgia Environmental Oral History Collection:
http://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL345GEOH/findingaid