Cumberland Island National Seashore is the largest and southernmost barrier island in the state of Georgia. The island was designated a National Seashore in 1972 and is managed by the National Park Service. It encompasses 36,000 acres and offers an 18-mile continuous stretch of undeveloped and undisturbed beach. While Loggerhead sea turtles are the primary nesting species, Green, Kemp's Ridley and Leatherback sea turtles also nest here sporadically. The beach is equally important to numerous species of nesting and winter migratory shorebirds and wading birds. Access is by boat only. The park's sea turtle monitoring program consists of daily patrols from May 1st through October 30th each year. The turtle project is a cooperative effort between the park's Resource Management Division and GADNR.