Figure Eight Island:  Coastal Management Microcosm

Objective:  Environmental concerns associated with management of barrier islands are myriad on Figure Eight Island.  This field trip is an opportunity to visit one of only a couple of private barrier islands in North Carolina.  It also affords an opportunity to observe the scope and magnitude of the many management concerns associated with a developed barrier island.  We also have the occasion to discuss the responses of property owners to the threats to stability of their island.

Methodology: On our field trip we will make several stops along Figure Eight Island that have undergone changes likely to have long-term effects on the island.  We will discuss historical aspects of these changes and consider the future of the island given the natural and man-made forces at work.  Using the information gleaned from the discussion at each stop, provide causes and potential responses to the various environmental issues that you confront on Figure Eight Island.

Due date: Tuesday, 9 September 2004