Marsh hammock development rejected in Savannah

SAVANNAH - Savannah&#39;s planning commission struck down a request to build houses on a marsh hammock, one of the small islands that dot the grassy wetlands of coastal Georgia. <br> <br> Environmental groups hope the move sets a precedent that will preserve the remaining undeveloped marsh hammocks in Chatham County and the rest of coastal Georgia. <br> <br> Patricia McIntosh, coastal program director for the Georgia Conservancy, said her group feared that allowing houses on the seven-acre hammock -- owned by Doctor James Gowen -- would leave several other hammocks vulnerable to development. <br> <br> She said the hammocks are part of the marsh ecosystem, adding ``Basically, they&#39;re barrier islands, and Georgia has a lot of what&#39;s left on the East Coast.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Savannah City Manager Michael Brown said the planning commission decided to forbid the houses because the hammock could be considered a valued recreational and conservation asset. <br> <br> Earlier this year, the Coastal Marsh Advisory Council recommended a halt to all development on hammocks smaller than ten acres. It also suggested restrictions for septic systems on marsh hammocks. <br> <br> Based on the council&#39;s recommendation, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is working on a uniform state policy for hammock protection. A new policy is expected by this fall.