Beach and Dune Habitat Protection at Gulf Islands National Seashore
Implementing Organization
US Department of the Interior
Overview
DWH Project Funding
$853,821
Known Leveraged Funding
$0
Funding Organization
Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees (NRDA)
Funding Program
Natural Resource Damage Assessment NRDA
Details
Project Category
Environmental
Project Actions
Habitat Restoration and Enhancement
Targeted Resources
Other
Project Description
The project will protect beach-dune habitat and associated wildlife in the Perdido Key, Fort Pickens, and Santa Rosa areas at Gulf Islands National Seashore (GUIS) from three different threats: 1) human disturbance, 2) vehicle collisions on paved roads, and 3) predators. The project will last for three years. Specifically, this project will: 1) identify and, with symbolic fencing (i.e., post and rope fences), temporarily close sensitive areas to protect habitat, wildlife, and bird nests, and also prevent dune trampling; 2) if feasible, establish wildlife viewing areas at the edge of major bird colonies; 3) educate visitors on habitats and wildlife (including breeding birds) with public outreach materials such as score cards of hatches and mortality provided at the entrance stations; 4) set up temporary signage and speed bumps and also establish law enforcement patrols to monitor and control speeding vehicles and reduce vehicle collisions with wildlife; 5) implement predator management techniques such as perch deterrents and enclosures around bird and turtle nests; 6) survey animal burrows, bird nests, and colonies for predator activity and human disturbance; and 7) monitor bird nesting and fledge rates. This information will provide insights into causes of mortality and allow for adaptive management throughout the project by identifying the most effective closure areas and protection methods.
Contact
Ashley Warren(850) 232-3640
ashley_warren@nps.gov
Project Website
None
For official trustee information regarding the Deepwater Horizon NRDA, including information regarding the NRDA process and the status of projects, see https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/