How Georgia Protected Its Salt Marsh 50 Years Ago, And Why That’s Important For The Future

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Georgia law that protects the state’s coastal salt marsh.

Alphonso Whitfield / WABE

Listen: Part one above and part two below

Georgia doesn’t have a very big coastline; it’s only about 100 miles. But the coast it does have is lined by salt marsh, the muddy expanse of tall grass and meandering creeks between the mainland and the barrier islands.

“I don’t know that anybody could look out across the Georgia salt marsh, the Golden Isles, and not be filled with ecstasy,” said Georgia writer Janisse Ray, sitting on the edge of the marsh looking towards Sapelo Island.