Managing dune landscape changes at Jockey's Ridge State Park, North Carolina

O Mitas, H. Mitasova, G. Brothers, K. Weaver

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)
211 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Coastal dunes are challenging to manage due to their dynamic nature, vulnerable ecosystems, and recreational demand. A limited management approach was studied at Jockey's Ridge, the largest active dune on the US Atlantic coast. Visitor experience data, digital elevation models, and informal stories and photos were integrated in a case study approach. Data revealed the value of an integrated management approach that preserved the dune as a unique "living" geomorphological feature with interventions limited to the park borders. The accessibility of the dune to visitors facilitated intense, enjoyable interactions with nature. Elevation data show that the management approach has maintained the dune's unique naturally dynamic character, revealing the benefits of preserving processes rather than features.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)155-167
Number of pages13
JournalTourism in Marine Environments
Volume9
Issue number3-4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

Keywords

  • Coastal dunes
  • Conservation
  • Dynamic landscape
  • Visitor impacts
  • Visitor management

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