    [From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                              Final Environmental Impact Statement
                                      and Draft Management Plan
                                                      for the proposed
                         MASONBORO ISLAND COMPONENT
                                                           of the

                                                 NORTH CAROLINA
                                    NATIONAL ESTUARINE SANCTUARY

                                                U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
                                    NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
                                                   NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE
                                                SANCTUARY PROGRAMS DIVISION

                                                         North Carolina
                                      Department of Natural Resources and Community Development
                                                   Office of Coastal Management

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                                                 United States

                                            Department of Commerce

                                     FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

                                                      and

                                             DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN

                                               for the proposed

                                          MASONBORO ISLAND COMPONENT

                                                    of the

                                THE NORTH CAROLINA NATIONAL ESTUARINE SANCTUARY

                                              - September 1984

                                                       Prepared by:

                                                       U.S. Department of Commerce
                                                       National Oceanic and Atmospheric
               ftoperty of CSC Libraxy                   Administration
                                                       National Ocean Service
                                                       Sanctuary Programs Division
                                                       3300 Whitehaven Street, N.W.
            U  S - DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA         Washington, D.C.  20235
            COASTAL SERViCES CENTER
            2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE                             and
            CHARLESTON    SC 29405-24 13               State of North Carolina
                                                       Department of Natural Resources
                                                         and Community Development
                                                       Office of Coastal Management
                                                       P.O. Box 27687
                                                       Raleigh, N.C. 27611

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                    DESIGNATION:         Final Environmental Impact Statement and Draft
                                         Management Plan for the proposed addition of
                                         Masonboro Island as the Fourth Component of the
                                         North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary.

                    ABSTRACT:            The State of North Carolina has proposed designation
                                         of Masonboro Island as the fourth component of the
                                         North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary.

                                         The North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary
                                         presently consists of three components:     1.) Zeke's
                                         Island, New Hanover County (466 hectares/1,165
                                         acres), 2.) Rachel Carson, Carteret County (810
                                         hectares/2,025 acres), and 3.) Currituck Banks,
                                         Currituck County (1,122.8 hectares/2,807 acres).
                                         Fee simple acquisition is complete for Zeke's Island
                                         and Currituck Banks, while the final tract at Rachel
                                         Carson is presently being negotiated.      These three
                                         components were established by a total $1,767,100
                                         grant   award   from    the   National    Oceanic   and
                                         Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).     This award has
                                         been matched by an equivalent amount of state funds
                                         from land donations and bargain sales and services.

                                         Proposed facilities    at the components primarily
                                         consist of boardwalks and interpretive trail devel-
                                         opments, and a small public beach recreation area
                                         (parking lot and restrooms) planned for Currituck
                                         Banks.    Memoranda   of    understanding   would    be
                                         developed between the North Carolina        office of
                                         Coastal   Management    and     applicable    research/
                                         educational institutions and governmental   agencies.

                                         The Masonboro Island marsh/estuarine area   encompass-
                                         es approximately 87% of the island's 2,018 hectares
                                         (5,046 acres).     This undisturbed natural area
                                         already serves as a locally prominent natural labo-
                                         ratory for research and educational purposes.
                                         Masonboro Island has an embayment basin type with
                                         bar-bound structure, an estuarine type not presently
                                         represented in the Carolinian biogeographic region
                                         of the National Estuarine Sanctuary Program.

                                         Masonboro Island would be acquired with federal
                                         financial assistance that the State has requested
                                         from   NOAA.     If   approved,    the    supplemental
                                         acquisition award would be matched by an equivalent
                                         amount of state funds, already available from
                                         previous land donations and bargain sales received
                                         in the acquisitions of the first three components',
                                         and services for acquisition of privately-owned

                                        uplands.     Proposed   facilities   would    primarily
                                        consist of a boat dock, boardwalk, and interpretive
                                        trail    construction.    Research    facilities     and
                                        accommodations are situated at nearby Carolina Beach
                                        State Park, the Marine Resources Center at Fort
                                        Fisher, and the University of -North Carolina at
                                        Wilmington.    Proposed memoranda of understanding
                                        between these institutions and the sanctuary program
                                        would detail uses and responsibilities.

                                        The proposed component would be primarily used for
                                        research and educational purposes,      especially to
                                        provide    information  for   use   in   coastal    zone
                                        management decisionmaking.     Multiple use would be
                                        encouraged to the extent that it is compatible with
                                        the proposed component's research and educational
                                        programs.   Research and monitoring in and near the
                                        proposed     component    would    provide     baseline
                                        information against which the impacts of human
                                        activities elsewhere in the North Carolina estuarine
                                        environment and the Carolinian biogeographic region
                                        could be assessed.      These activities will also
                                        provide the data base upon which to develop
                                        strategies for protecting or rehabilitating similar
                                        estuarine ecosystems.

                   APPLICANT:           North Carolina Department of
                                         Natural Resources and Community
                                         Development
                                        Office of Coastal Management

                   LEAD AGENCY:         U.S. Department of Commerce
                                         National Oceanic and Atmospheric
                                         Administration
                                        National Ocean Service
                                        Office of Oc ean and Coastal Resource Management

                   CONTACT:             Dr. Nancy Foster
                                        Chief, Sanctuary Programs Division
                                        NOS/NOAA
                                        3300 Whitehaven Street, N.W.
                                        Washington, D.C. 20235
                                        (202) 634-4236

                                                LIST OF ACRONYMS

                   AEC       Areas of Environmental Concern
                   AIWW      Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway
                   CAMA      Coastal Area Management Act
                   COE       Corps of Engineers
                   CP&L      Carolina Power and Light Company - Brunswick Biological
                              Laboratory
                   CZMA      Coastal Zone Management Act
                   DMF       Division of Marine Fisheries (North Carolina)
                   D14P      Draft Management Plan
                   DNRCD     Department of Natural Resources and Community Development
                   DOC       Department of Commerce
                   DPR       Division of Parks and Recreation (North Carolina)
                   ECU       East Carolina University
                   EIS       Environmental Impact Statement
                   HIS       Final Environmental Impact Statement
                   LRIS      Land Resources Information Service
                   MP        Management Plan
                   MRC       Marine Resources Center
                   NCNES     North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary
                   .4 C: 31 Jlhpi-tL (azolina State University
                   NESP      National Estuarine Sancturay Program
                   NMFS      National Marine Fisheries Service
                   NOAA      National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
                   0CM       Office of Coastal Management (North Carolina)
                   OCZM      Office of Co6fitaj. Zone liaiagement (NOAA)
                   OCRM      Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (NOAQ
                   REICEP    Research and Education Information Coordination and Exchange
                             Program
                   UNC       University of North Carolina
                   UNC-W     University of North Carolina-Wilmington

                                                      TABLE OF CONTENTS

                        SECTION                                                               PAGE

                        SUMMARY          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   *  . . . . . . . . .

                        PART 1:    INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

                                   A.  The National Estuarine Sanctuary Program   . . . . . . .
                                       1.  Legislation/Authority   . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                                       2.  Objectives and Purposes   . . . . . . . . . . . . .    2
                                       3.  Existing National Estuarine Sanctuaries    . . . . .   3

                                   B.  The North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary

                                       1.  Background ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     4
                                           a. Goals and Objectives   . . . . . . . . . . . . .    6
                                           b. Site Selection Criteria     . . . . . . . . . . .   7
                                       2.  Management Plan . . . 0   . . . . . . . . . . . . .    10
                                       3.  The Components of the North Carolina
                                            National Estuarine Sanctuary    . . . . . . . . . .   11
                                           a. Zeke's Island    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    11
                                           b. Rachel Carson    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    13
                                           c. Currituck Banks    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    13

                                   C. The  Proposed Masonboro,Island Addition   . . . . . . . .   16
                                       1.  Purpose of the Addition   . . . . . . . . . . . . .    17
                                       2.  Need for Action  . . . . ... . . . . .   0 . . . . .   17
                                       3.  Benefits of Inclusion in the North Carolina
                                            National Estuarine Sanctuary System   . . . . . . .   18

                        PART II: ALTERNATIVES (Including Proposed Action)     . . . . . . . . .   21

                                   A.   Preferred Alternative  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    21

                                        1.   Boundaries and Acquisition of    Sanctuary
                                                   Component Lands   . . . . . . . . . . . . .    22
                                        2.   Public and Private Access    . . . . . . . . . . .   24
                                        3.   Management   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     25
                                             a.    Management Plan   . . . . . . . . . . . . .    25
                                             b.    Management Structure   . . . . . . . . . . .   26
                                             C.    Sanctuary Staff   . . . . . . . . . . . . .    28
                                             d.    Research Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . .    29
                                             e.    Educational Policies   . . . . . . . . . . .   34
                                             f.    Policies for Traditional
                                                        Uses and Other Activities   . . . . . .   38
                                             g.    Policies for Surveillance,
                                                        Enforcement, and Maintenance  . . . . .   43

                               B.   Other Alternatives Considered     . . . . . . . . . . .   44

                                    1.    No Action                                           44
                                    2.    Alternative Si@e; ;n@ ;h; s*i;e'S;I;c;i;n*
                                               Process for North Carolina    . . . . . . .
                                    3.    Alternative Boundaries    . . . . . . . . . . .     45
                                          a.   Inclusion of Primary Resources    . . . . . .  45
                                          b.   Adequate Protection and Manageability.     . . 48
                                          c%   Terrestrial Buffer Zones and Access   . . . .  48
                                          d.   Present Ownership    . . . . . . . . . . . .   49
                                    4.    Alternative Management Scheme   . . . . . . . . .   49
                                    5.    Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     49

                   PART III. AFFECTED    ENVIRONMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    51

                               A.   Masonboro Island - General    Description  . . . . . . .  51

                                    1.    Natural Environment   . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   54
                                          a.   Geology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    54
                                          b.   Soils   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    55
                                          C.   Hydrology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    55
                                          d.   Climate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    56
                                          e.   Biology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    57
                                          f.   Estuarine Ecosystem  . . . . . . . . . . . .   65
                                    2.    Current Uses of the   Site . . . . . . . . . . . .  65
                                          a.   Commercial and   Recreational Fishing . . . .  65
                                          b.   Hunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    67
                                          C.   Recreation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    67
                                          d.   Spoil Disposal   . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   68
                                          e.   Archaeological   Resources . . . . . . . . .   69
                                          f.   Research and Education   . . . . . . . . . .   69

                    PART IV: ENVIRONMENTAL    CONSEQUENCES   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    73

                               A.   General Impacts    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    73

                               B.   Specific Impacts   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    74

                                    1.    Natural Environment   . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   74
                                          a.   Fish and Wildlife Habitat  . . . . . . . . .   74
                                          b.   Soils and Vegetation   . . . . . . . . . . .   74
                                          C.   Water Quality    . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   75
                                    2.    Human Environment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    75
                                          a.   Residents of the Towns and   Counties . . . .  75
                                          b.   Scientific and Educational    . . . . . ... .  75
                                          C.   State and Federal  . . . . . . . . . . . . .   76

                               C.   Unavoidable Adverse Environmental or
                                          Socioeconomic Effects   . . . . . . . . . . . . .   76

                                D.   Relationship Between the Proposed Action on the
                                           Environment and the Maintenance and
                                           Enhancement of Long-term Productivity      . . . . .   77

                                E.   Irreversible or Irretrievable Commitment of
                                           Resources   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      78

                                F.   Possible Conflicts Between the Proposed Action and
                                           the Objectives of Federal, State, Regional,
                                           and Local Land Use Plans, Policies, and
                                           Controls for the Areas Concerned    . . . . . . . .    78

                    PART V:     LIST OF PREPARERS   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       81

                    PART VI:    LIST OF  AGENCIES, ORGANIZATIONS AND PERSONS
                                     RECEIVING COPIES OF THE DEIS     . . . . . . . . . . . .     83

                    PART VII:   WRITTEN AND VERBAL COMMENTS RECEIVED ON THE DEIS/DMP
                                     AND NOAA RESPONSES    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      89

                                A.   Responses to Comments by Speakers at the Public Hearing
                                           and List of Speakers    . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    91

                                B.   Written Comments and NOAA's Responses       . . . . . . . .  95

                                C.   Written Comments: No Response Necessary         . . . . . .  155

                    PART VIII:       APPENDICES    . . . . . . . .   o      o . . . . . .   o     .245

                                Appendix 1:      Bibliography and Literature Cited    . . .   o o 247

                                Appendix 2:      National Estuarine Sanctuary Program
                                                       Regulations; Final Rule
                                                       (June 27, 1984)     . . . o . o        o . 251

                                Appendix 3:      Research and Educational Forms for the
                                                       Proposed Component  . . .   o      o . o . 273

                                Appendix 4:      Site Selection Process .    . . .        o o . . 283

                                Appendix 5:      Salinity and Flow Patterns in the
                                                       Masonboro Island Area . o . . o      . . o 293

                                Appendix 6:      Vascular Plant Species of Masonboro
                                                       Island   . . . .  o . .  0  0 00   0 . . 0 301

                                Appendix 7:      Vertebrate Fauna of Masonboro Island       . . . 309

                                Appendix 8:      Macroinvertebrates of the Masonboro
                                                       Island Area  . . . . . . . .   o   . . . . 323

                                                          LIST OF FIGURES

                                                                                                   PAGE

                        Figure 1. Components of the North.Carolina National Estuarine
                                          Sanctuary   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       9

                        Figure 2.   Physiographic Features of the Zeke's Island Site        . . .   12

                        Figure 3.   Physiographic Features     of the Rachel Carson Site    . . .   14

                        Figure 4.   Physiographic Features     of the Currituck Banks Site          15

                        Figure 5.   Physiographic Features     of the Masonboro Island Site         23

                        Figure 6.   Management Structure:      North Carolina National
                                          Estuarine Sanctuary    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      27

                        Figure 7. Alternative Boundary I (North/South)                    . . . .   46

                        Figure 8. Alternative Boundary II (Excluding Oceanfront)          . . . .   47

                        Figure 9. Regional Map     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        52

                        Figure 10. Vicinity Map       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       53

                        Figure 11. Generalized Energy Flow of Terrestrial and
                                           Estuarine Ecosystems    . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      66

                                                    LIST OF TABLES

                                                                                              PAGE

                      Table 1. Biogeographic Classification and Typology for
                                       Proposed and Acquired North Carolina.
                                       National Estuarine Sanctuary Components   . . . . . .   5

                      Table 2. Ownership of Upland Parcels on Masonboro Island
                                       and Total Island Area by General Habitat
                                       Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     24

                      Table 3. Masonboro Island Local Advisory Committee
                                       (Tentative Composition)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    25

                      Table 4. Plants Recorded at the Proposed Masonboro Island
                                       Component Having State Status   . . . . . . . . . . .   58

                      Table 5. Animals Recorded at the Proposed Masonboro Island
                                       Component Having Federal or State Status     . . . . .  61

                      Table 6. Some Institutions and Agencies that are Potential
                                       Research and Educational Users of the Proposed
                                       Masonboro Island Component    . . . . . . . . . . . .   71

                                                         SUMMARY

                           Section 315 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 as amended,
                      16 USC 1451, provides states with 50 percent matching grants for
                      acquiring, developing, or operating areas that provide students,
                      scientists, and the general public with places to learn about natural
                      and human processes within the estuarine environment.          In 1983, the
                      Department of Commerce (DOC) awarded North Carolina $454,100 to begin
                      the establishment of a multiple-site Sanctuary.        The establishment of
                      the first two component s--Zeke's Island and Rachel Carson--began with
                      this initial grant.    By the close of FY 1983, North Carolina received
                      supplemental grants of $61,263 and $1,251,737 to continue administration
                      of these sites and to acquire the third component located on Currituck
                      Banks. These sites include approximately 2,400 hectares (6,000 acres)
                      of terrestrial and estuarine habitats.

                           Lead management responsibility for the North Carolina National
                      Estuarine Sanctuary (NCNES), including the development of the present
                      management   plan,   liaison    with   affected    state   agencies,     grant
                      administration and coordination of acquisiton, has been assigned to the
                      Office of Coastal Management (OCM) within       the Department of Natural
                      Resources and Community Development (DNRCD). The sites will be managed
                      as a system, though each component has its       own character and its own
                      needs. This requires an individual approach for managing each site to
                      protect its valuable and unique resources for    future generations.

                           The proposed action, the designation of Masonboro Island as the
                      fourth component of the NCNES, involves the application by the State of
                      North Carolina for a supplemental grant award to the Office         of Ocean
                      and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM). This site was selected      for this
                      proposal by a nomination process completed during 1980 when the OCM
                      concluded that a multiple site system was needed and that           the f our
                      previously mentioned components be given initial priority.

                           Masonboro Island is located in New Hanover County, North Carolina
                      and consists of approximately 2,018 hectares (5,046 acres):           87% is
                      marsh/estuary and 13% is uplands. The site is an outstanding example of
                      a pristine non-drowned river mouth estuary associated with an entire,
                      undisturbed barrier island.       It represents an estuarine type not
                      presently included in the Carolinian biogeographic region            of the
                      National Estuarine Sanctuary Program (NESP).       Similar barrier islands
                      along the southeastern coast of North Carolina are under             intense
                      development pressures and Masonboro Island may suffer a similar      fate in
                      the near future if it is not preserved.

                           Considerable public support exists for preservation of the island,
                      but funding to purchase all of the privately owned tracts (approximately
                      eighty-one) has not been available. A number of newspaper articles have
                      appeared in the Wilmington Morning Star in support of saving Masonboro
                      Island. A public interest group, the Society for Masonboro Island, held
                      a public meeting in Wilmington on October 26, 1983, that was widely
                      publicized in the local news media. The OCM staff was invited to that

                                                         i

                     meeting to explain the NCNES program and the state's intentions relative
                     to acquisition and protection of the area.

                          This final EIS presents four alternatives for the proposed action.
                     The preferred alternative is the acquisition of the entire Masonboro
                     Island complex. The no action alternative would involve no acquisition
                     by the State and therefore no control over the potential development of
                     the island.     Two other alternatives describe estuarine sanctuary
                     boundaries which encompass different portions of the island complex.

                          Because the majority of the site consists of intertidal and
                     subtidal lands held in trust by the state, acquisition efforts for the
                     preferred alternativ@ will concentrate on the natural uplands of the
                     sandy barrier. Acquisition of sound-side spoil areas will be a second
                     priority.

                          Management of the site will be according to the goals and
                     objectives of the approved management plan for the NCNES.              Specific
                     policies for Masonboro Island are presented in this final EIS and draft.
                     management plan.

                          Principal resources affected by the proposal include, in general,
                     the barrier beach ecosystem and the associated embayment estuarine type.
                     The island area supports a wide array of terrestrial and estuarine
                     biota.    Endangered species including the brown pelican, peregrine
                     falcon,   and the threatened loggerhead sea turtle use the area for
                     feeding   or nesting activities.     Plant and animal species of special
                     interest occur in the area, including tough bumelia, osprey, ipswich
                     sparrow,  colonial nesting waterbird colonies, and a number of polychaete
                     and tunicate species.       The natural features include a microtidal
                     transgressive barrier island with a low profile which is frequently
                     overwashed by storm tides.      Habitats present include maritime forest,
                     shrub thicket, high and low salt marsh, grassy flats, dunes, and ocean
                     beach. Masonboro Sound supports an active local fishery and serves as a
                     primary nursery area for marine and estuarine fish and shellfish
                     species.

                          The environmental effects of the proposed action would be
                     beneficial in terms of research, education, traditional uses, and
                     natural resource protection benefits. There would be no adverse impacts
                     to residents because the island is uninhabited.

                          The adverse impacts of the proposed action would be loss of tax
                     revenues and loss of potentially developable property.           However, the
                     approximately $1,625 paid in county taxes each year would be offset by
                     additional income from local services required by researchers,
                     educational groups, etc. attracted to the site. Much of the island is
                     presently undevelopable because of county and state setbacks and other
                     regulations.    In addition, Masouboro Island is within the Undeveloped
                     Barrier Island System under the Federal Coastal Barrier Resources Act of
                     1982   (16   USC   3501).     Federal   financial    assistance for public
                     improvements for development in this area will not be available. The
                     act also provides that federal flood insurance will not be available in
                     the area for structures built after October 1, 1983.

                          The no action and boundary modification alternatives will have an
                     adverse effect on the biological resources of Masonboro Island. Owners
                     of the island developments would benefit in the short-term, but
                     deterioration of water quality and associated fishery resources along
                     with destruction of upland habitats will negatively impact terrestrial
                     and estuarine biota in the long-term.

                          No irreversible or irretrievable commitments of resources would
                     occur with the preferred alternative other than those resources
                     committed    to, facilities     construction    (e.g.,   simple    boat    dock,
                     interpretive trail with boardwalk) in support of the management plan
                     goals, objectives, and policies.

                                             PART I: INTRODUCTION

                        A. The National Estuarine Sanctuary Program

                          . 1. Legislation/Authority

                        In response to intense pressures on the coastal resources of the
                   United States, Congress enacted the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA),
                   which was signed into law on October 27, 1972, and amended in 1976 and
                   1980. The CZMA authorized a Federal grant-in-aid and assistance program
                   to be administered by the Secretary of Commerce.

                        The CZMA affirms a national interest in the effective protection
                   and development of the nation's coastal zone, and provides financial and
                   technical assistance to coastal states (including those bordering on the
                   Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Great Lakes)
                   and U.S. territories to develop and implement state coastal zone manage-
                   ment programs.   The act establishes a variety of grant-in-aid programs
                   to such states for purposes of:

                             developing coastal'zone management programs (Sec. 305);

                             implementing and administering coastal management programs
                             that receive Federal approval (Sec. 306);

                             avoiding or minimizing adverse environmental, social, and
                             economic impacts resulting from coastal energy activities
                             (Sec. 308);

                             coordinating, studying, planning, and implementing interstate
                             coastal management activities and programs (Sec. 309);

                             conducting research, study, and training programs to provide
                             scientific and technical support to state coastal zone manage-
                             ment programs (Sec 310); and

                             acquiring land for estuarine, sanctuaries and island preserva-
                             tion (Sec. 315).

                        Section 315 of the act establishes the National Estuarine Sanctuary
                   Program (NESP) to provide matching grants to states to acquire, develop,
                   and operate natural estuarine areas as sanctuaries, so that scientists,
                   students, and the general public may be provided the opportunity to
                   examine the ecological relationships within the areas over time.
                   Section 315 provides a maximum of $3 million in federal funds, to be
                   matched by an equivalent amount from the state, to acquire and manage
                   lands for each sanctuary.    The regulations for implementation of the
                   NESP are found.at 15 CFR Part 921.   Final regulations revising the NESP
                   Regulations (see Appendix 2) were published on June 27, 1984, in 49
                   Federal Register 26502 (to be codified at 15 CFR Part 921).

                        Under Section 315 of the CAMA, the Assistant Administrator for
                   Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management, on behalf of the Secretary
                   of Commerce, designates estuarine sanctuaries.       This Environmental

                       Impact Statement and Management Plan is prepared in accordance with the
                       provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of'1969, as amended,
                       42 USC 4321 et seq. , to analyze the environmental and socioeconomic
                       impacts of es-tablishing the proposed Masonboro Island Component of the
                       North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary (NCNES) and implementing the
                       management plan for the site.

                                2. Objectives and Purposes

                       Uses of national estuarine sanctuaries are intended to serve objectives
                       such as the following:

                            to enhance resource protection by implementing a long-term
                            management plan tailored to the site's specificresources;

                            to gain a more thorough understanding of ecological relationships
                            within the estuarine environment;

                            to make baseline ecological measurements and serve as a natural
                            control in order to monitor changes and assess the impacts of human
                            stresses on similar ecosystems;

                            to provide, through resource interpretive programs, a vehicle for
                            increasing public knowledge and awareness of the complex nature of
                            estuarine ecosystems, their values and benefits to man and nature,
                            and the problems confronting them;

                            to promote federal-state cooperative efforts in managing estuarine
                            areas; and

                            to encourage multiple use of estuarine sanctuaries to the extent
                            that such usage is compatible with the primary sanctuary purposes
                            of research and education.

                            To ensure that the NESP includes sites that adequately represent
                       regional and ecological differences, the program regulations establish a
                       biogeographical   classification    scheme    that   reflects   geographic,
                       hydrographic, and biological characteristics. Eleven (11) bi    iogeographic
                       categories are def ined in the program regulations.       Sub-categories of
                       this basic system are developed and utilized as appropriate to
                       distinguish different subclasses of,each category.

                            In addition, the NESP Final Regulations (Appendix 2) details
                       typological categories including sub-categories of estuarine biology,
                       geology, hydrography, and chemistry.

                            Estuarine sanctuaries have the dual purposes of (1) preserving
                       relatively undisturbed areas so that a representative series of natural
                       estuarine systems will always remain available for ecological research
                       and education, and. (2) ensuring the availability of natural areas for
                       use as a control against which impacts of human activities in other
                       areas can be assessed. These sanctuaries are to be used primarily for
                       long-term scientific and educational purposes, especially to provide
                       information useful to coastal zone management decislonmaking.

                                                                 2

                          Research'purposes may include:

                               Gaining a more complete understanding of the natural ecologi-
                               cal relationships within the various estuarine environments of
                               the United States;

                               Acquiring baseline ecological measurements;

                               Serving as a natural control against which changes in other
                               estuaries can be measured, and aiding in evaluation of the
                               impacts of human activities on estuarine ecosystems; and

                               Providing a vehicle for increasing public knowledge and
                               awareness of the complex nature of estuarine systems, their
                               benefits to people and nature, and the problems confronting
                               these ecosystems.

                          While the primary purposes of estuarine sanctuaries are scientific
                     and educational, multiple use of estuarine sanctuaries by the general
                     public is encouraged to the extent that such usage is compatible with
                     the primary sanctuary purposes.       Such/ uses may generally include
                     low-intensity recreational boating, fishing, shellfishing, hunting, and
                     wildlife   photography   or    observation.    Commercial    fishing    and
                     shellfishing may also be compatible uses.

                          The Federal regulations envision that     the NESP will ultimately
                     represent the full variety of regional and ecological differences among
                     the estuaries of the United States.     The regulations state that "the
                     purpose of    the National    Estuarine   Sanctuary Program ... shall be
                     accomplished by the establishment of a series of estuarine sanctuaries
                     which will be designated so that at least one representative of each
                     estuarine ecosystem will endure into the future for scientific and
                     educational purposes" [15 CFR 921.3(a)]. As administered by OCZM, the
                     NESP defined 11 different biogeographic regions based on geographic,
                     hydrographic, and biological characteristics.     Sub-categories of this
                     basic system are established as appropriate to distinguish different
                     subclasses of each biogeographic region.

                              3. Existing Estuarine Sanctuaries

                          Since 1974, the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management or
                     OCRM (formerly the Office of Coastal Zone Management) has awarded grants
                     to establish fifteen National Estuarine Sanctuaries. These include (in
                     order of acceptance by NOAA):

                     Sanctuary                           Biogeographic Classification

                     South Slough                        Columbian/Middle Pacific
                     Coos Bay, Oregon

                     Sapelo Island                       Carolinian/South Atlantic
                     McIntosh County, Georgia
                     Waimau Valley                       Insular/Hawsiian Islands
                     Island of Hawaii, Hawaii

                                                                3

                     Rookery Bay                        West Indian/West Florida
                     Collier County, Florida

                     Old Woman Creek                    Great Lakes/Eastern Lakes
                     Erie County, Ohio

                     Apalachicola River/Bay             Louisianian/Panhandle Coast
                     Franklin County, Florida

                     Elkhorn Slough                     Californian/Central California
                    @Monterey County, California

                     Padilla Bay                        Columbian/Washington Coast
                     Skagit County, Washington

                     Narragansett Bay                   Virginian/Southern New England
                     Newport County, Rhode Island

                     Chesapeake Bay (2 components)      Virginian/Chesapeake Bay
                     Maryland

                     Jobos Bay                          West Indian/Carribean
                     Puerto Rico

                     Tijuana River                      Californian/Southern California
                     San Diego County, California

                     North Carolina National Estuarine  Virginian/Middle Atlantic
                      Sanctuary (3 components)          Carolinian/North Carolinas
                     North Carolina                     (see Table 1)

                     Wells Sanctuary                    Acadian/Southern Gulf at Maine
                     York County, Maine

                     Hudson River (4 components)        Virginian/S6uthern New England
                     New York

                         The Masonboro Island Component, if established, would represent a
                     different typology (see Table 1) within the Carol inian/North Carolina's
                     biogeographic region. This biogeographic region includes over 300 miles
                     of Atlantic coastline extending from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina to
                     the Santee River in South Carolina.
                         B. The North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary

                              1. Background

                         The State of North Carolina is committed to maintaining the re-
                     source productivity of its coastal zone.    The  Coastal Area Management
                     Act (CAMA) (GS 113A-100 et seq.) was passed by  the state legislature in
                     1974.  This act provides for regulation of development in fragile
                     coastal habitats known as Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC), of these
                     intertidal marshes and estuaries are given high priority. The estuaries
                     of North Carolina support a valuable fishery resource and Are -a
                     biological and aesthetic treasure used and enjoyed by millions of

                                                              4

                                                      Table 1. Biogeographic Classification and Typology for
                                                                  Proposed (1),and Acquired (2) North Carolina
                                                                  National Estuarine Sanctuary Components;
                                                                  Unique Features of Masonboro Island
                                                                  Masonboro         Zeke's      Rachel Carson     Currituck
                                                                  Island (1)       island (2)        (2)          Banks (2)

                                     BIOGEOGRAPHY
                                     Region/Subregion             Carolinian       Carolinian     Carolinian      Virginian
                                                                  N. Carolinas     N. Carolinas N. Carolinas     Middle Atlantic

                                    TYPOLOGY

                                     Ecosystem Types

                                      Maritime Forest                 +                                                  +

                                      Coastal Shrublands              +                 +             +                  +

                                      Coastal Grasslands              +                 +             +                  +

                                      Coastal Marshes                 +                 +             +                  +

                                      Intertidal Beaches              +                 +             +                  +

                                      Incertidal Mud                  +                 +             +                  +
                                       and Sand Flats

                                      Subtidal Softbottoms            +                 +             +                  +

                                      Subtidal Grassbeds              +                               +                  +

                                     Physical Characteristics

                                      Basin Type                  exposed coast    exposed coast  shelt. coast   exposed coast
                                                                  shelt. coast     shelt. coast   tidal river    shelt. coast
                                                                  embayment        lagoon/t. rv.                 embayment

                                      Basin Structure             bar-bound        bar-bound      coastal plain  bar-bound
                                                                                   c. p. estuary  estuary

                                      Inlet Type                  permanent        temporary      permanent      cemporary

                                      Bottom Type                   sand             sand            sand           sand

                                      Circulation                 non-stratified non-stratified non-stratifie( non-stracified

                                      Tides                       semi-diurnal     3emi-diurnal   semi-diurnal wind-influenced

                                      Freshwater                  surface/grd.     surface/grd.   surface/grd. surface/grd.
                                                                  water            water            water          water

                                     Chemistry
                                      Salinity                    Poo. estuary     pos. estuary pos. estuary     pos. estuary

                                      Salinity Zone               euhaline to       euhaline      euhaline        mixohaline/
                                                                  polyhaline                                       oligohaline

                                      pH regime                   circumneutral    circ-neutral circ-eutral alkaline

                                        present        according to the   revised  regulations for the National Estuarine
                                       absent          Sanctuary Program -August, 1983 (see Appendix 2)

                                         Unique Features of Masonboro Island in Comparison to the Other Components:

                                           1. Masonboro Island encompasses an entire, undisturbed barrier island/estuarine
                                               complex-microtidal transgressive barrier island with a non-drowned river
                                               mouth (embayment) estuary.
                                           2. Masouboro Island has a higher salinity regime and different biota in contrast
                                               to the embaymenc associated with Currituck Banks.
                                           3. Masonboro Sound contains a very diverse polychaete fauna and range extensions
                                               of several tunicate species (see invertebrate discussion under Natural
                                               Environment/Biology and Appendix 8).

                   people.   In order to protect and manage effectively the diversity of
                   North Carolina's estuaries, an understanding of the estuarine ecology of
                   representative sites is essential. For this reason, establishment of an
                   estuarine sanctuary system in North Carolina provides a valuable tool
                   for enhancing the management of the state's estuaries.

                                a. Goals and Objectives

                        The North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary (NCNES) creates a
                   set of natural field laboratories in which to study the natural and
                   human processes' occurring within estuarine ecosystems.     The NCNES will
                   be managed to meet the following goals:

                        1.   To preserve estuarine ecosystems representative of the
                             biogeographic regions and typologies in North Carolina and to
                             make them available for continuous future study of processes,
                             functions, and influences which shape and sustain the
                             estuarine ecosystems;

                        2.   To provide new information on estuarine ecosystem processes to
                             decisionmakers as A basis for the promotion of sound
                             management of coastal resources;

                        3.   To provide a focal point for educational activities that
                             increase the public awareness and understanding of estuarine
                             ecosystems, effects of man on them, and the importance of the
                             estuarine system to the state and the nations; and

                        4.   To accommodate traditional recreational activities, commercial
                             fishing, and other uses of the sanctuary system as long as
                             they do not disturb the sanctuary environment and are
                             compatible with the research and educational activities taking
                             place there.

                        The NOES has the following objectives to meet the research goals
                   (1 and 2) listed above:

                        establish priorities and operational procedures for the different
                        types of research to be carried out in the sanctuary system;

                        establish procedures for permitting and monitoring research
                        activities; and
                        establish procedures for disseminating research results.

                        The educational goal (3) has the following objectives:

                        establish procedures for developing and supporting educational
                        programs at each site;

                        establish procedures for coordinating educational activities; and

                        establish procedures for transferring scientific information
                        generated from the sanctuary research program into non-technical
                        terms.

                                                                6

                        The traditional uses and special concerns goal (4) are addressed by
                   these objectives:

                        define standards for recreational activities on the lands and
                        waters of the sanctuary system;

                        define standards for the use of off-road vehicles within         the
                        sanctuary system;

                        establish guidelines for commercial fishing operations within    the
                        sanctuary system;

                       'define guidelines for the disposal of dredge spoil within        the
                        sanctuary system; and

                        develop criteria for managing the Rachel Carson site's feral horse
                        population.

                                b. Site Selection Criteria

                        Congress established the NESP in response to disturbing trends
                   appearing in coastal areas throughout the country -- namely, the
                   pollution of coastal waters, the closing of shellfish beds, the draining
                   of marshes, and other man-induced damages to valuable and productive
                   estuarine ecosystems.    Fewer and fewer undisturbed or unpolluted
                   estuarine areas remain for scientific study and public education.      At
                   the same time, the need is growing for more and more information about
                   the functions and processes of estuarine ecosystems, and man's effect on
                   them, to improve the management of development in the nation's coastal
                   areas.

                        In response to the same trends and concerns, the State of North
                   Carolina has for several years been actively           considering the
                   establishment of estuarine sanctuaries in general and the preservation
                   of specific sites as unique natural areas.    The NESP helped bring the
                   state's sanctuary plans to fruition.

                        The State of North Carolina's involvement In the  NESP has spanned
                   approximately four years. Because of the diversity of   North Carolina's
                   estuarine biogeography and typology, a multiple site system was
                   essential for adequate representation.
                        A site selection process was initiated by North Carolina's
                   Department of Natural Resources and Community Development (DNRCD) in
                   early 1980 to determine the most representative areas in the state
                   appropriate for inclusion in the sanctuary system (see Appendix 4).
                   Detailed inventories of over 112 important natural areas were reviewed
                   and a solicitation of nominations for potential sites was sent to over
                   fifty (50) key parties (state and federal agencies, researchers,
                   interest groups, and interested citizens) in June 1980. Personnel from
                   the OCZM (now OCRM) and DNRCD visited and evaluated potential sites
                   along the coast in mid-1980.

                        Because most of the twenty-eight sites nominated are viable
                   candidates for sanctuary status from a physical /biological standpoint,

                                                          7

                     the Office of Coastal Management (OCM) sought to incorporate various
                     practical considerations into the selection process.        Such additional
                     site selection criteria include:        1.)    development pressure,      2.)
                     estuarine research/educational interest, 3.) availability of lands that
                     would constitute a natural, yet manageable estuarine unit, 4.) local
                     interest in estuarine preservation,       5.) accessibility, 6.) lack of
                     on-site disturbance, and 7.) compatibility of adjacent land uses.

                          After careful analysis OCM staff determined that the estuaries
                     associated with the state's barrier islands deserved initial priority
                     consideration because of the greater development pressure on the islands
                     than on the mainland. Several such estuarine areas that were available
                     for acquisition were also known to be highly desirable sites for
                     research by local universities or colleges. Similarly, public sentiment
                     favored preservation of these sites for education and traditional
                     hunting and fishing.      By combining all of these factors with the
                     physical/biological variations of the state's estuaries, the OCM
                     selected four sites--Zeke's Island, Carrot Island-Bird Shoal (now called
                     Rachel Carson), Currituck Banks, and Masonboro Island (see Figure 1).
                     Each   of these selections represents    a distinctly different estuarine
                     typology or biogeographic region (see    Table 1) according to the revised
                     regulations.

                          The first three sites recommended by the OCM have been accepted by
                     the OCRM as components of the NCNES.      Masonboro Island would complete
                     barrier island estuary representation in the NCNES because. the island
                     encompasses an excellent example of a polybaline to eubaline, embayment
                     basin type with bar-bound structure in the Carolinian Region.

                          Masonboro Island represents a pristine, non-drowned river mouth
                     estuary associated with an entire, undisturbed barrier island. None of
                     the sites presently within the NCNES nor the other sites nominated
                     encompass such a large, entire, and undisturbed barrier island estuary.
                     This site received priority consideration because of the extensive
                     barrier island development occurring elsewhere along the*'North Carolina
                     coast and within the Carolinian biogeographic region. Masonboro Island
                     serves as an important "control" estuary which can be compared to
                     inhabited barrier islands relative to the environmental impacts of
                     development.    Such intensive development is not presently occurring
                     along the mainland estuaries.     In addition, the Masonboro Island area
                     contains a number of distinctive natural features: an extremely diverse
                     polychaete fauna, nesting loggerhead sea turtles, colonial           nesting
                     waterbirds, distinctive tunicate species, eel grass beds             at the
                     southern-most location in the state, and the plant and animal
                     communities   and   physical    features   associated    with   an   entire,
                     undisturbed, microtidal, transgressive barrier island.

                          Masonboro Island is used in various programs which conform to the
                     goals and objectives previously stated for the national and state
                     sanctuary programs.    The University of North Carolina at Wilmington
                     UNC-W), a school with a strong marine science faculty, utilizes the site
                     for research and education.    The Marine Resources Center (MRC) at Fort
                     Fisher, the New Hanover County Public School System, and several private
                     groups use the island for educational activities.      In addition, support

                                                                      Gates   k
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                                                       Craven                                             Cape Hatteras

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                                                 Onslow
                                                                                     RACHEL CARSON SITE (CARROT ISLAND)

                                    Pender                                    Cape Lookout

                          Wilmington..,
                                        `0-
                                        AX
                                             Wrightsville Beach
                                                 MASONBORO ISLAND SITE (PROPOSED)
                         Brunswick      Carolina Beach
                        Southport
                                                 ZEKE'S ISLAND SITE
                             Cape Fear

                                                                                                      SCALE: 1"   19 miles (approx.)

                                       FIGURE 1: COMPONENTS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA
                                                       NATIONAL ESTUARINE SANCTUARY

                    for preservation of the island has also been expressed by landowners,
                    the New Hanover County Commissioners, the town councils of adjacent
                    Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, and numerous private citizens.
                    For these reasons, the OCM proposes that Masonboro Island be the next
                    component included in the NCNES.

                         2. Management Plan

                         In June 1982, after several years of state and local efforts to
                    establish estuarine sanctuaries along the coast, the NCNES became a
                    reality. The approved final draft management plan describes the three
                    sites within the system and how they are to be used and maintained.

                         The Office of Coastal Management (OCM) within the DNRCD has lead
                    management responsibility for the NCNES, including the development of
                    the approved management plan, liaison with affected state agencies, and
                    grant administration and coordination of acquisition.       The sites are
                    managed as a whole, though each component has its own character and its
                    own needs. This requires an individual approach for managing each site
                    to protect its valuable and unique resources for future generations.

                         The management plan defines how the goals previously listed in Part
                    I, Section B-1-a will be met. Developing a plan such as this is a means
                    by which objectives and policies are formulated and an optimum 11imagerl
                    of the sanctuary is portrayed.       In this manner, the research       and
                    educational programs are properly directed, achievements can be
                    measured, and the protection of the system's resources is assured.      The
                    plan also provides guidance for the day-to-day operation of             the
                    sanctuary.
                         The policies for the protection and use of the NCNES resources     are
                    summarized as follows:

                    Research Activities.    The management plan establishes procedures by
                    which research will be permitted in the sanctuary. Though a very wide
                    range of research can take place, priorities are given for projects
                    depending upon the amount and type of previous work done within a given
                    component. Priority research topics include:

                         (1)  Baseline measurements of chemical, physical, biological, and
                              ecological characteristics;

                         (2)  Monitoring changes in these characteristics over various time
                              frames; and

                         (3)  Research to help improve coastal decisionmaking.

                    This sequence of research priorities is in the best interest of the
                    Sanctuary--protecting it from adverse impacts and guaranteeing its
                    long-term value and suitability for research, education, and other
                    compatible human activities. The ultimate goal of the research program
                    is the third priority--to provide information to improve coastal
                    decisionmaking.

                                                          10

                          The management plan also provides procedures for permitting and
                    monitoring research activities and procedures for disseminating research
                    results to educate scientists, coastal resource managers, and the
                    general public. Research in the Sanctuary will enhance their awareness
                    and understanding of natural processes in the coastal region and human
                    effects on the estuarine ecosystem.

                    Educational Activities.       Publications, lectures, slide shows, field
                    trips, and other related programs will actively draw on and be
                    coordinated with the activities of the public schools, the MRC's,
                    colleges and universities, museums, and other educational organizations.
                    Policies related to on-site interpretive programs for students and other
                    groups have been developed. A visitor orientation packet will also be
                    developed to provide individuals that enter one of the sanctuary
                    components with a self-guided tour.         The on-site educational programs
                    will not disturb research activities.          Off-site educational programs
                    will be coordinated with various marine science programs such as the
                    University of North Carolina Sea Grant College Program.

                    Other Uses. Policies addressing traditional uses of the components have
                    been presented to maintain a harmonious balance between them and
                    research and educational activities.             Standards for recreational
                    activities and the use of off-road vehicles have been defined.
                    Guidelines for commercial fishing operations, traditional hunting and
                    fishing, the disposal of dredge spoil, and vehicular access have been
                    developed.    Criteria for managing feral horses and developing a small
                    day-use recreation area are presented.         The policies are designed to
                    ensure minimal disruption to research projects and to the sanctuary's
                    plants, animals, and habitats.

                          The Final Draft Management Plan for the NCNES is available to the
                    public through the OCM.
                          3. The Component Elements of the NCNES

                          On behalf of the State of North Carolina, DNRCD/OCM submitted a
                    $454,100 grant application to the NOAA/OCRM in June, 1982 for
                    establishment of the NCNES.      This initial amount was approved for land
                    acquisition of Zeke's Island     and Rachel Carson, and was matched by land
                    donations and bargain sales      of these sites to the state.         Subsequent
                    award amendments ($61,263 - June 1983; $1,251,737 - July 1983) for
                    operating    expenses     (eg.,   establishment     of   Estuarine      Sanctuary
                    Coordinator and Sanctuary        Analyst positions) and acquisition of
                    Currituck Banks have been matched by previous land donations and bargain
                    sales to the state.         Since the initial award, Zeke's Island and
                    Currituck Banks have been acquired, Rachel Carson acquisition is lacking
                    only one small tract currently under negotiation. Draft and final draft
                    management plans for the three components have been completed.

                              a. Zeke's Island

                          The Zeke's Island component (see Figure 2) consists of approximate-
                    ly 466 hectares (1,650 acres) of islands, marsh, tidal flats, New Inlet,
                    and shallow estuarine waters located about six miles north of Cape Fear

                                                                                                      N.C. DOT Fer
                                                                                                                          ry
                                                         Wildlife ResourcesCornmission                                                                                                                  arine Resources
                                                                       Boat Ramp
                                                                                                                                                                                                          Center
                                                                                                                               ........ ------

                                                                                                                                               . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . .

                                                                                                                                                  . ........
                                                                                                                                                                                      A

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                                                                                         ,ZEKE'S

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                                                        01,                                                                              ............

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                                                                                         . .. ... . .

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                                                                                                                                                                   SCALE: 1"        2400-
                                                     "IN                             R
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                                                                                                    NEWINLET

                                                  FIGURE 2: PHYSIOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF THE ZEKE'S ISLAND SITE

                    at the southern end of Federal Point. "The Rocks", a jetty built by the
                    Corps of Engineers in the late 1800s, forms the site's western boundary
                    and has virtually eliminated the Cape Fear River's influence over the
                    site's characteristics. The site's physical processes are dominated by
                    New Inlet which allows the mixing of ocean tides with sound waters
                    behind a barrier spit that has been migrating south over the past 50
                    years.  This creates an excellent opportunity for studying the effects
                    of inlet dynamics on estuarine systems. At the same time, the marshes
                    and flats of the site are rich and expansive. Because "The Rocks" keep
                    the Cape Fear River from flushing through New Inlet, the Zeke's Island
                    site provides a laboratory for observing the slow sedimentation of an
                    estuarine basin and the ecological succession of flats, marshes, and
                    uplands.  The site also contains a number of shipwrecks from the Civil
                    War era.   Immediately north of the site is Federal Point, which is
                    occupied  by a number of state-operated educational and research
                    institutions that will facilitate public education on this site:          the
                    MRC/Fort Fisher, Fort Fisher State Historic Site, the Department of
                    Cultural Resources' Underwater Archaeology Laboratory, and - Carolina
                    Beach State Park.   Other nearby institutions include the University of
                    North Carolina at Wilmington (UNC-W) and the Carolina Power and Light
                    Company's Brunswick Biological Laboratory-(CP&L) (in Southport).

                             b. Rachel Carson

                         The Rachel Carson (Carrot Island) component (see Figure 3) lies
                    inside Beaufort Inlet and Shackleford Banks, across Taylor's Creek from
                    the historic  town of Beaufort.    The site- occupies about 810 hectares
                    (2,025 acres) of islands, marshes, vast intertidal flats, tidal creeks,
                    and shallow   estuarine waters.     The site supports a locally high
                    concentration of flora and. fauna, including a population of feral
                    horses.   One hundred sixty-one species of birds and 47 species of
                    invertebrates have been observed at the,site. The diversity of its bird
                    and plant populations caused The Nature Conservancy to purchase part of
                    the site (Carrot island) in the late 1970s. One cause of,this diversity
                    has been the periodic deposition of dredge spoil from n6rby navigation
                    channels on certain upland areas of Carrot Island and Town Marsh. The
                    Rachel Carson site provides an excellent laboratory for the study of
                    habitat succession, bird and invertebrate populations, feral horses, and
                    other aspects of the estuarine system. The site has long been used for
                    estuarine research due to its proximity, to the Duke University Marine
                    Lab and the National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) - Beaufort Lab
                    (both on Piver's Island, immediately across a narrow channel from the
                    site) as well as the University of North Carolina Institute of Marine
                    Sciences and the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Lab (both in Morehead
                    City).  Other nearby research and educational institutions include the
                    Hampton Mariner's Museum (in Beaufort), Carteret Technical Institute (in
                    Morehead City), and the N.C. Marine Resources Center/Bogue Banks (in
                    Pine Knoll Shores).

                             c. Currituck Banks

                        The Currituck Banks (see Figure 4) component covers approximately
                    1,122.8 hectares (2,807 acres) of beach, dunes, maritime forest,
                    marshes, islands, and a portion of Currituck Sound.        It lies in the

                                                           13

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                                            FIGURE 3:                             SHACKLEFORD BANKS
                       LCurrent Landing Sit,

                                                     PUYS'OGRAPHIC FEATURES OF THE RACHEL CARSON SITE

                                                                                                        CURRITUCK SOUND

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                                                                                                                                                                                              X*

                                       VILLAGE OF                    OCEAN HILL         MONKEY ISLAND
                                         COROLLA                    SUBDIVISION         JOINT VENTURE               THE NAJURL CONSERVANCY

                                                                                                                                                                         PROPOSED SANCTUARY BOUNDARY
                                                                                                                                                                                                  SCALE: I" - I Soo,

                                                                      FIGURE 4: PHYSICAL RESOURCES, CURRITUCK BANKS COMPONENT
                                                                                                  N.C. NATIONAL ESTUARINE SANTUARY

                      northeastern corner of the state and is the only site in the North
                      Carolina    system    that    falls   into    the   Virginian     biogeographic
                      classification, Middle Atlantic subregion.            It exhibits a marked
                      diversity of plant and animal life.         Northern and southern estuarine
                      species are found side-by-side and in abundance.        Since Currituck Sound
                      is about 30 miles from the nearest ocean inlet, it has a lower salinity
                      than the other sites and thus a different vegetative regime supporting
                      grasses and shrubs found in both estuarine and palustrine wetlands.
                      This variety and richness of vegetation make Currituck Sound and the
                      wetlands surrounding it one of the best feeding grounds in the Atlantic
                      Flyway for migratory waterfowl.         Despite its current low salinity,
                      Currituck Sound periodically receives doses of ocean salts by storm
                      waters washing over the banks.      Currituck Sound was directly connected
                      to the ocean by an inlet until the early 1800s; this inlet could reopen
                      naturally in the future.      Nearby research and educational institutions
                      that will be recruited to use the site include the N.C. Marine Resources
                      Center/Roanoke Island, East Carolina University's Institute for Coastal
                      and Marine Resources (in Greenville), College of the Albemarle and
                      Elizabeth City State University (both in Elizabeth City), Old Dominion
                      University (in Norfolk, Virginia), and the Virginia Institute of Marine
                      Sciences (in Gloucester Point, Virginia).

                           C. The Proposed Masonboro Island Addition

                           The State of North Carolina has requested a land acquisition grant
                      from NOAA for the establishment of Masonboro Island as the fourth
                      component of the NCNES.      This figure represents the remaining amount
                      available to the State of North Carolina from the $3,000,000 maximum per
                      sanctuary for acquisiton. This amount would be matched by an equivalent
                      amount of state funds, available from previous land donations and
                      bargain ' sales,   and    services   used   for    the   establishment    of    a
                      2,000-hectare (5,000-acre) component of the NCNES.
                           Of the Masonboro Island acreage, 181 hectares (452 acres) are
                      natural uplands (dunes, maritime forest, and shrub thicket), 66 hectares
                      (166 acres) are derived uplands consisting of spoil sites, while the
                      remaining 1,771 hectares (4,428 acres) are intertidal marsh/subtidal
                      estuary held in trust by the State of North Carolina. Acquisition will
                      therefore focus on the 247 hectares (618 acres) above mean high tide.
                      Of this upland acreage, approximately 35.6 hectares (89 acres) are owned
                      by the State of North Carolina and administered by DNRCD/Division of
                      Parks and Recreation as a natural area. Approximately 6 hectares (15
                      acres)  is owned by New Hanover County. It has been resolved by the
                      county commissioners that this acreage will be donated to the state
                      should  Masonboro Island be accepted as the fourth component of the
                      NCNES.   The United States Government (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
                      (COE))  owns the northernmost 4.9 hectares (12.2 acres) of uplands for
                      the maintenance of a rock jetty constructed in 1977-80 along the south
                      side of Masonboro Inlet. The COE also has an easement over the spoil
                      areas along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW).           The remaining
                      natural upland area (134.7 ha./337 ac.) is divided among 81 privately
                      owned tracts.

                           Anticipated development for estuarine sanctuary component purposes
                      will consist of a boat dock, boardwalk, and interpretive trail. Primary

                   emphasis will be placed upon the development of a coordinated program of
                   research and education that would not be realized otherwise.

                             1. Purpose of the Addition

                        The NESP has recognized the dynamic and fragile character of
                   estuaries and has endeavored to protect sites representative of          the
                   various biogeographic regions and typologies found throughout            the
                   nation. Presently, fifteen sanctuaries, three containing more than       one
                   component, are in the Program.          Among these sanctuaries is       the
                   three-component  NCNES.

                        Within the DNRCD, the OCM has been designated as the lead agency
                   for the NCNES    Sanctuary Program.     The State of North Carolina has
                   acquired title   to sites within the sanctuary primarily for research,
                   education, and   traditional uses.    The sanctuary program thus protects
                   estuarine and associated upland habitats and biota from the impacts of
                   potential development.      However, Masonboro      Island   represents    an
                   estuarine type not presently represented within the sanctuaries in the
                   Carolinian biogeographic region.

                        Masonboro Island is an excellent example of a non-drowned river
                   mouth estuary associated with an undisturbed barrier island.             The
                   estuaries associated with barrier islands are among the most productive
                   ecosystems known to man. They provide nesting and feeding grounds for
                   numerous bird and animal species in addition to being important nursery
                   and spawning areas for finfish and shellfish.

                        This Final Environmental impact Statement and Draft Management Plan
                   (FEIS/DMP) presents the alternative actions which could be taken to
                   preserve Masonboro Island as a component of the NCNES.                   This
                   embayment/bar-bound estuary serves as an unspoiled example of an
                   estuarine type which is under intense direct or indirect development
                   pressure elsewhere within the Carolinian biogeographic region.           The
                   island provides habitats for endangered species such as the brown
                   pelican and peregrine falcon and threatened species such as the
                   loggerhead sea turtle.     The area is also located along the Atlantic
                   Flyway.   Other species of special, interest, including terrestrial
                   mammals, colonial nesting waterbirds, ipswich sparrow, osprey, numerous
                   polychaetes, tunicates, mollusks, and other invertebrates, add to the
                   genetic diversity of the site.      Loss of Masonboro Island to private
                   development would not only be -detrimental to the above species, but
                   would negatively impact a pristine barrier island/estuarine complex that
                   could serve as a natural laboratory and important "control" for
                   comparison to similar but developed estuarine areas.

                             2. Need for Action

                        The barrier islands and associated estuaries. of southeastern North
                   Carolina have been under development pressure for decades, with a rapid
                   acceleration in oceanfront construction following the last major
                   hurricanes of the 1950's. Even on the very few undeveloped islands, of
                   which Masonboro is the best example in this area, there has been a

                                                          117

                   speculative wave of purchasing relatively inexpensive oceanfront lots by
                   private individuals.

                        Now that development is nearly continuous on the barrier islands
                   having the best topographies for permanent structures, developers are
                   looking toward the remaining low-lying islands for second home or
                   private beach club use.       Masonboro Island is currently zoned R-20,
                   low-density residential, which could allow for some development-
                   -particularly on the north end of the island.           However, the entire
                   island is within the Undeveloped Barrier Island System under the.Federal
                   Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982 (16 USC 3501). Federal financial
                   assistance for public improvements for development (roads, sewers, water
                   facilities, etc.) in this area will therefore not be available. The act
                   also provides that federal flood insurance will not be available in the
                   area for structures built after October 1, 1983.           Nevertheless, one
                   local developer has recently voiced plans of constructing a private club
                   house on a portion of the north end of the site.

                        Over the years, there has been considerable state and local support
                   to preserve Masonboro Island.       However, lack of funds has been the
                   primary reason why the island has not been acquired as a natural area.

                        The need to initiate protective action for the Masonboro Island
                   complex while the site still retains its undisturbed character has been
                   considered in the priorities for the development of the NCNES.             This
                   FEIS/DMP presents the Preferred Alternative as the solution to             this
                   preservation need.

                             3. Benefits of Inclusion in the North Carolina National
                                 Estuarine Sanctuary

                        North Carolina's proposed addition follows many years of interest
                   in and desire to preserve Masonboro Island by state and local officials,
                   and university and conservation groups. A local group, the Society for
                   Masonboro Island, has been organized as a local effort to preserve the
                   island.   A number of articles have appeared in the Wilmington Morning
                   Star concerning the need to save Masonboro Island from development. A
                   public interest group, the Society for Masonboro Island, held a public
                   meeting in Wilmington on October 26, 1983, that was widely publicized in
                   the local news media.      The OCM staff was invited to that meeting to
                   explain the NCNES program and the state's intentions relative to
                   acquisition and protection of the area.

                        Approval of this grant application would permit the establishment
                   of an estuarine sanctuary component representing an embayment/bar-bound
                   estuary within the Carolinian/North Carolinas biogeographic region. The
                   proposed sanctuary component would be used primarily for research and
                   educational purposes, especially to provide information useful for
                   coastal zone management decision-making.           Multiple use would be
                   encouraged to the extent that it is compatible with the proposed
                   component's research and educational programs.

                                                             JLF_

                       The overall and major benefits of designation of the proposed
                  Masonboro Island Component will be development of a better scientific
                  and public understanding of the estuary and its resources. The proposed
                  sanctuary component does not conflict with existing commercial or
                  recreational uses of the Masonboro Island vicinity and any conflicts
                  that arise in the future can be reduced through negotiation.       Without
                  this sanctuary component, Masonboro Island would not be dedicated
                  specifically and permanently for research and education. However, with
                  a sanctuary component, present uses of the site, including surf fishing,
                  hunting, and other recreational uses where currently allowed, would
                  continue where compatible with research and educational programs.

                  COORDINATED MANAGEMENT

                       The DNRCD/OCM will administer the proposed component and will be
                  directly responsible for the content and structure of the site manage-
                  ment plan, the expenditure of program funds, and the formulation and
                  implementation of general program elements (such as research and educa-
                  tional programs). A Masonboio Island Local Advisory Committee will be
                  formed and comprised of local, state, county, and private individuals
                  representative of the various administrative, research, educational, and
                  traditional use interests associated with Masonboro Island.            The
                  committee will include representatives with the following affiliations:
                  UNC-W, MRC-Fort Fisher, Carolina Beach State Park, COE - Wilmington
                  District, New Hanover County Commissioners, New Hanover County Public
                  Schools, N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, N.C. Division of Archives
                  and History/Underwater Archaeology Branch, Fort Fisher Management Board,
                  Sierra Club, The Society for Masonboro Island, Lower Cape Fear Bird
                  Club, traditional user(s), and landowner(s).    The Estuarine Sanctuary
                  Coordinator will chair this local advisory committee. The committee is
                  advisory to DMRCD/OCM on issues related to the formulation and
                  implementation of the component's management plan, the expenditure of
                  program funds, and formulation and implementation of general program
                  elements.

                       A memorandum of understanding, to be signed by the appropriate
                  agencies--N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation, MRC-Fort Fisher, N.C.
                  Division of Marine Fisheries, COE - Wilmington District, and UNC-W would
                  be developed to outline interagency agreements for the administration
                  and management of the component, and would express the agencies'
                  agreement to carry out the management plan.

                  RESEARCH

                       Estuarine component research problems would initially emphasize
                  baseline measurements of the site's chemical, physical, biological, and
                  ecological characteristics. Subsequent studies would monitor changes in
                  the above processes and focus on impacts of human activities.          The
                  ultimate goal is to have ongoing research that provides, information on
                  estuarine ecosystems that will improve coastal resource management
                  decisionmaking in North Carolina and the nation. Little is known of the
                  estuaries associated with the southeastern North Carolina barrier
                  islands. However, many significant coastal management issues need to be
                  addressed because of increasing developmental pressures in this area.

                                                       19

                  The establishment of the Masonboro Island Component would help to
                  coordinate and to unify state estuarine research-among the four
                  components as well as other state sites--and to provide information to
                  coastal managers of all levels of government and the private sector with
                  the goal of wise resource management.

                  EDUCATION

                       The proposed estuarine sanctuary component contains a variety of
                  fauna and flora in a non-drowned river mouth estuarine habitat rep-
                  resentative of the southeastern North Carolina barrier islands.        The
                  proposed component would provide an opportunity for many to learn more
                  of the estuary's geology, ecology, and resources.     Estuarine sanctuary
                  funds would be used to develop exhibit space at the MRC-Fort Fisher; the
                  facility is visited by over 200,000 people per year. The MRC would also
                  be the lead agency, by memorandum of understanding with the OCM, for
                  guided field trips.   Sanctuary funds would be used to develop a boat
                  dock, boardwalk, and interpretive trail on Masonboro Island.      Off-site
                  educational programs concerning the site will be developed and presented
                  by the Estuarine Sanctuary Coordinator and the Educational Specialist
                  for the University of North Carolina Sea Grant College Program--by
                  memorandum of understanding. Additionally, self-guided trail brochures
                  and educational media available on loan to public groups and schools
                  could be developed.

                  RECREATION

                       The primary objective of the proposed Masonboro Island Component is
                  to provide long-term protection from developmental disturbances so that
                  the site may be used for scientific and educational purposes.      Primary
                  emphasis at the site will be on its use for estuarine studies; however,
                  other existing activities such as hunting, fishing, boating, and
                  wildlife observation will continue, subject to existing state laws.

                                                          20

                                     PART Ii: ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED FOR THE
                                               THE ESTUARINE SANCTUARY COMPONENT
                                               (INCLUDING PROPOSED ACTION)

                          The action under consideration by the National Oceanic and
                     Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a proposal from the State of North
                     Carolina to establish the Masonboro Island Component of the North
                     Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary (NCNES).
                          This part considers five alternatives.    The first alternative is
                     the preferred alternative and encompasses the entire island area.     The
                     No Action alternative proposes that the island not be acquired as an
                     estuarine sanctuary site.      Two alternative boundaries are also
                     considered: I.) inclusion of only the north or south half of the island
                     complex, and II.) the island area west of a line drawn down the
                     north-south axis, thus, excluding the oceanfront from the sanctuary
                     component. An alternative management scheme is also discussed.

                          The State of North Carolina has applied to NOAA for an acquisition
                     and development grant to be matched by an equivalent amount of previous
                     land donations and bargain sales to the state and in-kind services (eg.,
                     ,surveys, and appraisals) to establish the Masonboro Island Component of
                     the NCNES. This component is composed of approximately 2,000 hectares
                     (5,000 acres) of water, marshes, and uplands in New Hanover County.
                     Acquisition funds will be spent to acquire property through easements or
                     purchase, as well as for developing limited facilities for research and
                     educational programs at the component.

                           A. Preferred Alternative for the Masonboro Island Component

                          The acquisition and development award would be used for acquisition
                     of nearly the entire island complex for the establishment of the
                     Masonboro Island Component.    Most of the lands included within the
                     proposed component boundary are intertidal or subtidal and held in trust
                     by the State of North Carolina.

                          The Masonboro Island estuary on the outer coast of southeastern
                     North Carolina is a long and narrow embayment containing pristine, high
                     quality natural areas and nationally significant biological features.
                     The area includes loggerhead sea turtle nesting areas, brown pelican and
                     osprey feeding areas, eel grass beds at the southern limit of
                     distribution in the state, several tunicate populations which represent
                     significant range extensions from farther south, polychaete species
                     given "special concern" status by state biologists, active waterbird
                     nesting colonies, an undisturbed area along the Atlantic Flyway, and
                     pristine subtidal softbottoms, salt marsh, shrub thicket, maritime
                     forest, grassy flats, dunes, and ocean beach. The proposed site is the
                     largest undeveloped barrier island in southeastern North Carolina and is
                     characterized by unpolluted water and air, moderate to low tidal ranges,
                     large tidal wetlands, a continuous line of dunes, ocean beach, great
                     diversity of fish, wildlife, plants, and no human residents.

                          The purpose of establishing this proposed sanctuary component is to
                     manage and to maintain Masonboro Island as it is now--a healthy,

                                                             21L

                     productive, unspoiled estuarine and upland natural system.             The
                     component will also be managed to encourage research and public
                     education on these waters, wetlands, and associated environments; and to
                     continue traditional uses of the site    (including hunting and fishing)
                     when these uses are consistant with the  character of the sanctuary as a
                     natural field laboratory.

                             1. Boundary and Acquisition of   Sanctuary Component Lands

                          The proposed boundary would include approximately 2,000 hectares
                     (5,000 acres) of water, wetlands, and uplands.      The boundary of the
                     proposed component is shown in Figure 5.      It will be noted that the
                     dredge spoil sites along the AIWW have been included within the
                     sanctuary boundary. This is based upon the anticipated development of a
                     management agreement with the COE with respect to these sites.         The
                     state-owned areas on the island are listed in Table 2.

                          Both the DPR and the COE have stated in writing that the
                     establishment of the proposed component would be compatibl  'e with their
                     present land uses. New Hanover County has offered to donate their land
                     to the state should the proposed award be approved.

                          The financial assistance request to NOAA will be matched by the
                     State of North Carolina, using previous land donations from other
                     components in the NCNES and land donations and bargain sales within the
                     proposed component.

                          Each site in the NCNES contains estuarine waters, submerged lands,
                     marshes, and uplands.      Each site is    (or was) a combination of
                     privately-owned lands and lands and waters held in the public trust by
                     the State of North Carolina. Under North Carolina common law, the state
                     holds claim to subtidal and intertidal lands in the coastal region, as
                     well as all navigable waters. Acquisition of these lands and waters is
                     not necessary for their inclusion in the NCNES.     Lands above the mean
                     high water line are vested in private lands unless they"have been duly
                     acquired by a federal, state, or local government agency. These uplands
                     are important components of the estuarine ecosystem; they provide
                     habitat and supply nutrients, sediments, and freshwater flows that
                     contribute to the unique physical processes and biological productivity
                     of the estuary.    It is therefore necessary for the State of North
                     Carolina to acquire interests in land above mean high water in order to
                     adequately protect estuarine environment in each sanctuary site.

                          Acquisitions of private land by the State of North Carolina is
                     intended to be fee simple acquisition and/or, where it is feasible and
                     consistent with sanctuary objectives, acquisition of conservation and
                     use easements. Leases and management agreements may also be considered
                     to ensure the proper management and protection of those areas not
                     immediately acquired.   The State will make every effort to acquire the
                     privately owned parcels on a willing seller basis and fair market value
                     will be offered for all land purchases.       Land acquisitions will be
                     undertaken as expeditiously as possible.      Prior to acquisition, an
                     independent appraisal must be performed in accordance with federal and
                     state -appraisal standards and must be approved by NOAA/Office of Ocean

                                                         22

                         Figure 5. Physiographic Features of the Masonboro Island Site

                 CA

                                                                       ", @Wk

                                           cn

              I'M
                                     En                                          Upland

                                                                                 Marsh

                                                                                 Spoil
                                                 N                               Proposed
                                                                                                  0.95mi.1
                                                 48    M
                                                                                  Boundary

                       and Coastal. Resource Management (OCRM).       The State of North Carolina
                       will actively pursue either full or partial donations' of the appraised
                       value of lands at each site; the value of donations will be applied to
                       the state matching share of the total cost of land acquisition for the
                       NCNES.

                             On Masonboro Island approximately eighty-one parcels of private
                       natural uplands proposed for acquisition are to be acquired as funds
                       permit.   Each parcel begins at the mean high tide level on the ocean
                       beach and encompasses a portion of the upland island area. Acquisition
                       of any privately-owned spoil sites is a second priority.         Furthermore,
                       cooperative management agreements may be sought with landowners :across
                       the inlets and Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW) from the island to
                       further protect the proposed component.

                             The State of North Carolina will make every,effort to keep the land
                       owners of Masonboro Island fully informed on the status of the
                       acquisition process.

                               Table 2. Ownership of Upland Parcels on Masonboro Island
                                          and Total Island Area by General Habitat Types

                       I.    Ownership
                                                                        Hectares        Acres

                             United States of America                      4.90           12.25
                               (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

                             New Hanover County                            6.08           15.20

                             State of North Carolina                      35.68           89.20
                               (Division of Parks and Recreation)

                             81 privately owned tracts                   134.67         336.68
                               (includes upland areas)

                             Total                                       181.33         453.33

                       II.   Island Area

                             Beach Upland         Spoil           Marsh/Estuary         Total

                             181 ha.              66 ha.           1771 ha.             2018 ha.
                             453 ac.              166 ac.         4427 ac.              5046 ac.

                             2.   Public and Private Access

                             Present access to Masonboro Island is by private boat, generally on
                       the sound side of the island adjacent to the most extensive upland area.
                       Land access on the island is totally undeveloped; most visitors normally
                       walk the intertidal sands of the ocean beach.

                                                                 24

                         The only improvements in access the state would make are:      (1) a
                    boat dock, (2) a boardwalk over the portion of the intertidal marsh as
                    part of a self-guided interpretive trail, and (3) boat transportation by
                    boat, as part of the educational program of the local Marine Resources
                    Center, to the island.

                         3.   Management of the Proposed Component

                         The National Estuarine Sanctuary Program (NESP) is not a new State
                    or Federal regulatory program. The proposed sanctuary would be managed
                    using existing state laws and programs. The NESP is a Federal program
                    that provides financial assistance for state acquisition, development,
                    and operational management of national estuarine sanctuaries.          The
                    principle goals and objectives of the proposed Masonboro Island
                    Component of the NCNES are the same as      those presented in Part 1,
                    Section B-1-a of this Final Environmental   Impact Statement (FEIS) and
                    Draft Management Plan (DHP).

                         The Masonboro Island Local Advisory    Committee will have repre-
                    sentatives of local government, user groups, conservation organizations,
                    researchers, educators, and landowners (see Table 3).     The purpose of
                    this Committee is to achieve coordination among the public and private
                    groups participating in the management and use of the Masonboro Island
                    Component. The Committee will help in reviewing the proposed component
                    management plan and any changes in the plan, soliciting and channeling
                    public input to the sanctuary planning process, reviewing proposals for
                    use of the sanctuary for educational and research use and other
                    activities within the proposed component, enhancing communication and
                    cooperation among all interests involved in the proposed component, and
                    organizing volunteer efforts in educational and management work.       The
                    final composition of the Committee will be 'selected by the Secretary of
                    DNRCD.

                              Table 3. Masonboro Island Local Advisory Committee
                                        (Tentative Composition)

                              University of North Carolina at Wilmington
                              Marine Resources Center at Fort Fisher
                              Carolina Beach State Park
                              COE - Wilmington District
                              New Hanover County Commissioners
                              New Hanover County Public Schools
                              Fort Fisher Management Board
                              N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries
                              N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
                              N.C. Division of Archives and History/Underwater
                                Archaeology Branch
                              The Society for Masonboro Island
                              Cape Fear Chapter of the Sierra Club
                              Lower Cape Fear Bird Club
                              Landowner(s)
                              Traditional User(s)

                              a.   Management Plan

                                                           25

                         A DMP for the proposed Masonboro Island Component has been drafted
                    in concert  with the FEIS.    This plan will be reviewed by and revised
                    according   to   the  comments    and  suggestions of Masonboro        Island
                    land-owning agencies and individuals, the Local Advisory Committee, and
                    the public. The plan will be based upon the goals and objectives of the
                    approved management plan covering the existing components.           Specific
                    policies will be developed to address the management needs of Masonboro
                    Island,. including the incorporation of management prerogatives of the
                    various agencies having management responsibility or legal jurisdiction
                    within the proposed site, while remaining consistent with the goals of
                    the approved plan.

                         The management plan for the NCNES will be reviewed and updated
                    annually by the OCM staff in consultation with the State Advisory
                    Committee and the Local Advisory Committees.      This review w1ll include
                    an on-site inspection of the proposed component, an assessment of
                    research   and   educational   programs,    and   an   assessment   of    the
                    compatibility (other uses) of the component with the goals of the
                    sanctuary.

                         The Sanctuary Coordinator will then prepare an annual report that
                    includes a review of management tasks achieved, problems encountered,
                    recommendations, amendments to    * the management plan (which require
                    NOAA/OCRM approval), scheduled management objectives and tasks for the
                    coming year, a summary of ongoing research and educational activities,
                    and a list of sanctuary-related publications.             Other activities
                    occurring within the component will also be summarized; in particular,
                    spoil deposition by the COE on sound-site areas and on the intertidal
                    beach. By February I of each year, the annual report will be submitted
                    to the Secretary of Natural Resources and Community Development.         Upon
                    acceptance by the Secretary, the Sanctuary Coordinator will forward
                    three copies to NOAA/OCRM and will provide copies to interested parties
                    upon request.   Copies will also be sent to the N.C. Marine Resources
                    Centers (MRCs), the Hampton Mariners Museum, the libraries at Duke
                    Marine Lab and the University of North Carolina at Wilvdington (UNC-W),
                    and local public libraries near each sanctuary site.

                              b.   Management Structure

                         The OCM will administer the proposed component and will be directly
                    responsible for the content and structure of the component's management
                    plan, the expenditure of program funds, and the formulation and imple-
                    mentation of general program elements such as research programs and
                    educational programs (see Figure 6).

                         Advisory committees have been created at both the state and local
                    levels to assist the OCM in preparing and implementing the NCNES
                    Management Plan.     The Local Advisory Committees provide a unique
                    familiarity with the Sanctuary's individual sites--the resources present
                    there, their problems, and ways of managing them to meet the Program's
                    goals.   The State Advisory Committee provides more of an overview
                    perspective regarding the broader directions of the program, the
                    opportunities it presents for research and education, and ways of
                    managing and protecting the Sanctuary's resources.

                                                                         Figure 6                 MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE                     NORTH CAROLINA NATIONAL ESTUARINE SANCTUARY

                                                                            sT"ArE OF NORTH CAROLINA                                                                                                                                      UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
                                                                            Department at Natural Assrourm                                                                                                                                           0 apartment of Commerce
                                                                              and Community Development

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     onal Oce
                                                                                         Director                                                                                                                                                         Administration
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       F"                 Administrator
                                                                              Office of Coaft Manaigiament                                                                                                                                                   anic and Atmospheric

                                                                                                                Public I nformation Section                                                                                                          National Ocean Service
                                                                                                                           Chief                                                                                                                     Aisistan, Administrator

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Office of Ocean and Coastal
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Resourcesmaneglemisin If

                                        Office of Coastal Mansigermint                                 Office of Coastal Mamegisms"t                                          Sanctuary Programs Division                                          Sanctuary Programs Division
                                          Assistant 0 ifictw - Field                                    Assistault Oiraidar. Raleigh                                           Sanctuary Prai" Manager                                                         Chief

                                                                                                                   Carardinstion Section                                      Sanctuary Programs Division
                                                                                                                           Chief                            t                    Sanctuary Coordinator
                                       Enforcement Section                                                                                                  I
                                              Chief                                                       Planning and Technical Services Sedan                                    Sanctuary Analyst
                                                                                                                           Chief
                                      Major Permits Section
                                               Chief

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      !14 PICO -Parks& Rec
                                               Chief
                                     Field Consultant Sedan                                                                                                                                                                               reation
                                                                                                                                             State Advisory Comminee                 'I                         14AC0 @Wld-,f,             Cm`m,-..n

                                                                                                                                                    Zeke's Island
                                                                                                                                             Local Advisory Cismimittee                                                NFICO -Marine Fisneries

                                                                                                                                                   Rachel Carson
                                                                                                                                             Local A dyisory Committee                                                 Attorney General's Office

                                                                                                                                                     Curritucki"                                   L.
                                                                                                                                             Local Advisory Committee                                                    State Property Office

                                                                                                                                                      h Review Pane
                                                                                                                                               R assert

                                                                                                                                                                                                   L.                   UINC Sea Grant College

                         Consistent with the management of the other three (3) components of
                    the NCNES, a committee will be established by the North Carolina
                    Department of Natural Resources and Community Development (DNRCD) to
                    fully represent all interests in the Masonboro Island area. Individuals
                    representing state and local government, education, research, commercial
                    fishing, wildlife resources, residents, landowners and environmental
                    groups, and other interests will be asked to participate by letter of
                    invitation.  The final composition of the committee will be determined
                    by the positive responses received. In the case of interest groups, the
                    invitation will be sent to the executive director so that a
                    representative could be selected.

                         Once the management plan has-been developed and is approved by the
                    NOAA/OCRM, the local committees will meet a least twice a year and the
                    state committee will meet at least annually.     The sanctuary staff will
                    maintain continuous and frequent contact with committee members and will
                    make available to them appropriate reports and data pertaining to
                    research programs, educational programs, and the management of sanctuary
                    resources. Meetings of a committee may be called when the coordinator
                    or committee members feel that a management problem has 'arisen that
                    calls for discussion and action.

                              C.   Sanctuary Staff

                         The Secretary of the DNRCD has assigned lead                management
                    responsibility to the OCM for the NCNES Program financial assistnace
                    awards received from the OCRM. The OCM will coordinate land acquisition
                    with the State Property Office and the State Attorney General's Office.
                    Because the management and use of the component will likely involve
                    other state divisions, the OCM will carefully and cooperatively work
                    with all affected agencies. The OCM staff serves as the liaison between
                    federal, state and local agencies and assists all participants in the
                    program to carry out their responsibilities (see Figure 6). The program
                    will be coordinated and administered by a Sanctuary Coordinator in
                    Raleigh whose responsibilities include:

                         -    Act as liaison among participating agencies and all levels of
                              government to initiate cooperation and communication and to
                              ensure a consistent interpretation of sanctuary goals and
                              objectives;

                         -    Carry out duties related to the administration of the
                              sanctuary system, including preparation of required state and
                              Federal grant applications, proposals, budgets, reports,
                              environmental assessmenta,..and maintain records;

                         -    Ensure implementation 61.all policies -set forth in the
                              management plan;

                         -    Coordinate educational and research programs for the sanctuary
                              with participating institutions;

                         -    Hire and train staff to carry out specific duties which may be
                              necessary;

                                                           28

                              Oversee the direction of the Local and State Advisory
                              Committees and the Research Review Panel as described below;

                              Work with the OCM staff (public information officer and
                              graphic artist) and education coordinators from the Marine
                              Resources Centers to develop literature, displays; and

                              Advise and coordinate with universities, 'units of government.,
                              and non-gover=  'ental organizations on issues, policies, and
                              projects that affect the sanctuary components.

                        A Sanctuary Analyst has been hired for the following duties:

                              Compile and assemble pertinent technical and educational
                              information concerning all components;

                              Assist in preparation of environmental assessments and other
                              documents, and assist in review of research proposals;

                              Conduct site visits;

                              Assist in the -coordination of State and Local Advisory
                              Committee meetings;

                              Represent the sanctuary program at public meetings; and

                              Interpret and disseminate research results.

                        Future staffing needs have not yet been identified because of the
                   cooperative nature of the program. At the present time, the Coordinator
                   and Sanctuary Analyst will work with the Technical Services Branch and
                   Public Information Section within the OCM.      Educational programs have
                   already been established by University of North Carolina (URC) Sea
                   Grant, the MRC19, and public schools, and therefore the sanctuary staff
                   will be working within this existing framework.

                              d.   Research Policies

                        To better manage estuarine resources, a better understanding of the
                   complex interrelationships and functions of estuarine ecosystems is
                   necessary. To achieve this better understanding, more research on the
                   natural functions and influences, and effects of human use and abuse, on
                   the system is required.      A thorough understanding of the coastal
                   ecosystem will allow more ecological ly-sound management decisions to be
                   made, assuring the long-term availability of the sanctuary system for
                   future research, education and enjoyment, and the future productivity of
                   the estuaries of North Carolina and the nation.

                        The management plan establishes guidelines under which research
                   will be permitted in the component. Nearly all types of research may be
                   conducted, but some will have higher priority for funding or be more
                   actively encouraged than others. This selectivity is for the protection
                   of the long-term usefulness of the component as an undisturbed estuarine
                   research site.

                      The plan also establishes procedures by which results of research
                 studies will be assembled and disseminated to educate scientists,
                 coastal resource managers, and the public about estuarine ecosystems.

                 1.   Research Priorities

                      Policy:    Maintain the long-term integrity of the Masonboro
                                 Component    as  an  undisturbed    research   site.      This
                                 requirement is of primary importance and will be the
                                 basis of all decisionmaking establishing the use of the
                                 sanctuary sites.

                      The goal   to protect the sanctuary sites in their present undis-
                 'turbed states  is extremely important.    To perpetually support research
                 they must retain their integrity as valid representatives of natural
                 North Carolina estuarine ecosystems.

                      Policy:    Research will be encouraged and funded particularly when
                                 it addresses a needed research priority. The order of
                                 general research priorities are as follows:

                                 (1)  Baseline measurements of chemical, physical, biolog-
                                      ical, and ecological characteristics;

                                 (2)  Monitoring changes in these characteristics over
                                      various time frames; and

                                 (3)@ Research to help improve coastal decisionmaking.

                      Recently, estuarine scientists have recognized a real need for
                 basic research, the collection of baseline data on the normal state and
                 functions of estuaries. The long-term nature of baseline research, and
                 the use of baseline data as   *a base for subsequent research on impacts
                 and changes, make an estuarine sanctuary the perfect subject. The sites
                 are undisturbed, represent estuaries of various biogeographic regions
                 and typologies, and will be maintained in a natural state for research
                 use into the future.     A sanctuary site could serve as a control for
                 comparison with other estuarine ecosystems, as a model for estuarine
                 processes found in other areas, and as a comparison to itself at a later
                 time or under different conditions. Studying the component's ecological
                 structure and functions can promote sound management decisionmaking for
                 the sanctuary sites themselves as well as other estuarine ecosystems
                 throughout North Carolina and the nation.

                      The OCM is currently developing base maps with the Land Resources
                 Information Service (LRIS), a computer mapping service.        Baseline data
                 will be added to the map data base for such purposes as overlaying
                 different parameter information.

                      The following, in order of priority, are the types of research
                 which have been established for the NCNES:

                      1.   Baseline     measurements      of     chemical     and      physical
                           characteristics:

                                                            30

                                  water chemistry      (e.g., salinity, dissolved        oxygen,
                                  turbidity, nutrients)

                                  hydrological (e.g.,, patterns, velocities and quantities
                                  of water flow)

                                  sediment characteristics (e.g., grain size, permeability,
                                  organic matter content)

                       2.   Baseline        measurements        of         biological/ecological
                            characteristics:

                            -     physiological ecology (e.g., feeding, oxygen consumption,
                                  condition indices)

                            -     population ecology (e.g., population size, density of
                                  individuals, age structure)

                            -     community ecology (e.g., equilibrium species, qualita-
                                  tive /quantitative structure, trophic structure, larval
                                  recruitment, community metabolism)

                            -     ecosystem    ecology    (e.g.,   habitat     characteri'zation,
                                  different ecosystem/habitat structure and function)

                       3.   Monitoring changes in the above processes and functions over
                            time (e.g., different seasons, before/after storm events, over
                            a period of years)

                       4.   Studies of impacts of human activities, including commercial
                            fishing, on component flora, fauna and ecological processes:

                            -     determination of carrying capacities for various
                                  activities within,the component

                       5.   Research that provides the technical basis for improved
                            coastal resource management decisionmaking in North Carolina
                            and the nation

                            -     impact studies using the component as a control

                            -     studies to answer specific management problems (e.g.,
                                  Rachel Carson dredge soil disposal)

                       6.   Other estuarine research will be funded if it does not
                            conflict with priority research.
                       All types of research are encouraged within the NCNES; it has been
                 preserved to foster., scientific research.       However, for the long-term
                 good of the sanctuary system and coastal resource management in general,
                 research applicable to resource management will be favored over other
                 research if conflicts arise in the allocation of study sites.

                       Policy:    Research    involving, manipulation      of   the     component
                                  environment will be permitted on a limited basis for

                                                            31

                                    finite periods, provided that upon completion of research
                                    tasks, ehe study site be restored to its original
                                    condition.

                         Manipulative studies are defined as activities that involve
                    creating physical, biological, geological, or chemical changes in the
                    environment and observing their effects. Such studies have the capacity
                    to alter natural processes and undermine the ability of the proposed
                    Masonboro Island Component to serve as a subject for baseline studies or
                    as a control for comparative studies.        Manipulative research will be
                    allowed if it benefits the management of the component and coastal
                    resources.    Proposals for manipulative research will be strictly
                    evaluated on a case-by-case basis as to the type, extent, and
                    reversibility of environmental changes, the duration of the project, its
                    impact on the long-term stability of the component environment, and its
                    potential for improving coastal resource management strategies.

                         Policy:    Research involving collection of out-of-season or studies
                                    of p
                                         ,rotected species will be approved contingent upon
                                    acquisition of all necessary research permits.

                         North Carolina's coastal fisheries regulations require a scientific
                    collecting permit from the Director of the DMF for anyone wishing to
                    take any marine or estuarine species which is out of season or otherwise
                    protected.    For other wildlife and inland fish species, including
                    endangered or threatened species, a researcher must obtain a scientific
                    collecting permit from the Director of the Wildlife Resources
                    Commission.    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) requires a
                    scientific collecting permit for taking, transporting, or possessing
                    migratory birds or any endangered or threatened species, their parts,
                    nests, or eggs for scientific research or educational purposes (50 CFR
                    21.23).   The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) requires permits
                    for studies   related to endangered or threatened marine fishes, sea
                    turtles, and  all marine mammals.

                    II. Research Coordination

                         Policy:    Proposals for research must be submitted in writing to
                                    the Sanctuary Coordinator for approval before initiation
                                    of proposed research.

                         A written technical proposal (see Appendix 3) must be submitted to
                    and approved by the Sanctuary Coordinator in consultation with research
                    review panel.   Proposals received by the Sanctuary Coordinator will be
                    screened by the sanctuary staff and peer-reviewed by members of a review
                    panel comprised of technical experts and selected individuals with the
                    appropriate expertise necessary to evaluate the specific proposals.
                    Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of feasibility, scientific and
                    technical merit, and whether or not they meet component objectives,
                    policies as defined in the management plan, and annual research
                    priorities as established by the Estuarine Sanctuary Program.             Only
                    research that complies with the management plan and the established
                    research priorities will be permitted.         Proposed research will be

                                                               32

                     reviewed with an eye toward its effects 'on other ongoing or proposed
                     research projects being conducted with the sanctuary.

                          Research in the sanctuary can be supported by funds provided by
                     both the State and the Federal Governments.      If the research proposals
                     are submitted for Federal-State matching fund support, the proposals,
                     following the review and evaluation by the Sanctuary Coordinator and the
                     peer-reviewers, will be forwarded to the NOAA Sanctuary Programs
                     Division for final review and approval.

                          Field work may not begin in the component until the principal
                     investigator receives written notification of approval from the Sanctu-
                     ary Coordinator.    Major changes in the original research objectives,
                     materials, or methods must be submitted in writing to the Sanctuary
                     Coordinator who may consult the Research Review Panel. Variations from
                     the original research prospectus will only be allowed following written
                     notification from the coordinator.

                          Routine wildlife management activities, such as bird banding, fish
                     sampling, and water quality sampling conducted by state or Federal
                     agencies will be coordinated through the Sanctuary Coordinator, but will
                     not require a proposal.        The agency must notify the Sanctuary
                     Coordinator either by telephone or in writing and will submit an annual
                     summary of the activity and the results of the studies to the Sanctuary
                     Coordinator for inclusion in the annual report and for review by the
                     State and Local Advisory Committees.

                          Policy:   Research activities must comply with the sanctuary
                                    component objectives and policies and with the approved
                                    research prospectus unless the research activities meet a
                                    special need of the NCNES or NESP.

                          Research  that deviates from the objectives and. policies of the
                     management plan will not be allowed to continue.         Field work which
                     varies significantly from the approved research prospectus (or approved
                     amendments) may be terminated immediately by the Sanctuary Coordinator.

                          Policy:   The principal investigator for each research. project is
                                    responsible for maintaining and removing any human-made
                                    objects (field equipment, trash, etc.) that they bring
                                    into the sanctuary component.

                          Just as researchers bear sole responsibility for maintaining their
                     field equipment, they also bear sole responsibility for removing it when
                     ending the project.

                          Policy:   The principal investigator for each research project is
                                    responsible for the timely submission of technical
                                    project reports, project progress reports, and related
                                    abstracts to the Sanctuary Coordinator for the program
                                    files.

                          The abstract and copy of the project report     or other publication
                     shall be kept with the sanctuary program files along with the research

                                                          00

                     prospectus and progress report(s).     The OCM also plans to develop a
                     computerized bibliography of research conducted at N.C. estuarine
                     sanctuary sites, retrievable by common locations or subjects.       The OGM
                     shall place copies of the abstract, prospectus, and project report in
                     the NCNES Depositories at the MRC@-Fort Fisher, UNC-W, the Hampton
                     Mariners Museum, the Duke University Lab, College of the Albemarle, and
                     MRC-Roanoke Island.

                          Policy:    Results of all research projects will be included in
                                     established estuarine information and exchange program
                                     files.

                          The information generated from research projects is equally impor-
                     tant to the NESP.      The recent establishment of the Research and
                     Education Information Coordination and Exchange Program (REICEP) by
                     NOAA/OCRM will provide a repository for sanctuary research results. The
                     establishment of the NCNES focuses special attention on the need for
                     long-term protection, wise use and proper management of estuarine areas.
                     Through effective interpretive programs, the sanctuary site environment
                     is made more meaningful. Learning more about estuaries from sanctuary
                     research will improve public understanding of how the system functions
                     and will expand the resource base from which to develop. interpretive
                     programs.

                               e.    Educational Policies

                          The establishment of the NCNES focuses special attention on the
                     need for long-term protection, wise use, and proper management of
                     estuarine areas. Through effective interpretive programs, the estuarine
                     environment is made more meaningful. Learning more about estuaries from
                     sanctuary component research will improve public understanding of how
                     the system functions and will expand the resource base from which to
                     develop interpretive programs.

                          Publications, lectures, slide shows, organized activities and other
                     educational programs will actively draw on and be coordinated with the
                     activities of the public schools, the MRC's, the Sea Grant Program,
                     colleges and universities, museums, and other educational organizations.
                     Policies related to off-site and on-site interpretive programs for
                     students and other groups have been developed.         Visitor orientation
                     packets will be developed to provide a self"guided tour for individuals
                     that enter one of the sanctuary sites on their own accord.      The on-site
                     educational programs will not disturb research activities conducted
                     throughout the component.

                     I.   Educational Programs

                          Policy:    Off-site educational programs will be provided in con-
                                     junction with the MRC's, the Sea Grant Program, the
                                     public schools, community colleges, and other educational
                                     institutions in order to make the public aware of the
                                     component and its importance at state and national
                                     levels.

                                                            34

                        The Sanctuary Coordinator will coordinate activities with existing
                   off-site programs of the MRC's, Community College, UNC Sea Crant, and
                   other institutions and will help develop instructional materials, slide
                   shows, and permanent displays. Cooperative educational programs will be
                   developed to incorporate the information generated by sanctuary research
                   into existing school programs.     Specialized workshops will be provided
                   for people such as youth group leaders and science teachers to relay
                   this information and other topics related to the sanctuary's resources.

                        The OCM may sponsor specific meetings and workshops that are
                   announced statewide.    The events will be directed at the interested
                   public and will utilize staff, scientists, and volunteer experts.        The
                   OCM will also respond to, and encourage, speaking engagements by its
                   sanctuary staff.    Audiences may include service organizations, youth
                   groups, schools, conservation clubs, etc.           The staff will also
                   participate in activities such as serving on various boards, advisory
                   groups, and public programs.

                        Policy:    On-site programs will be provided in conjunction with
                                   existing activities.

                        "Nature walks" will provide close contact with the physical setting
                   of the component.     Tours will be offered to public groups, school
                   groups, and special groups upon request.        The MRC already handles a
                   limited number of groups.       The Sanctuary Coordinator, working with
                   NRCD's Office of Legal Affairs, shall determine the extent of liability
                   associated with on-site activities.

                        Research site tours for college students and other groups are
                   encouraged.   It would be appropriate to have one or more of the re-
                   searchers present during the tour in order to provide the participants
                   with an explanation of equipment design, protocol, and raw data. The
                   Sanctuary Coordinator will coordinate such activities with participating
                   research institutions.

                        Policy:    On-site activities shall stay within the areas of the
                                   site designated for public access, and shall not in any
                                   way interfere with research projects.

                        A location map, developed by the sanctuary staff and based upon
                   habitat inventories and aerial surveys, will highlight the public access
                   areas and will indicate research projects within this area, if           any
                   exist.  The map will be distributed to participating institutions and
                   will be updated according to the research proposals approved by          the
                   Sanctuary Coordinator in consultation with the research review panel     adn
                   NOAA/OCRM.   Baseline studies and aerial surveys will be needed to
                   determine the areas best suited for public access.           The Education
                   Coordinator associated with the MRC shall also be consulted. Until the
                   map is developed, the Sanctuary Coordinator will work closely with
                   educators to ensure protection of habitat.

                        Policy:    Literature, visual aids, and related materials will be
                                   developed, distributed, and routinely updated in order to

                                                            35

                                   convey to the general public and specialized groups the
                                   goals, objectives, and accomplishments' of the NCNES.

                        Pamphlets to educate the public about each component could include
                   the following:

                        -     North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary            Reasons for
                              Designation.   Some of the questions addressed might include:
                              What is an estuarine sanctuary? What is its purpose? Why is
                              each site special? What activities take place in a sanctuary?
                              Are there special rules of conduct? Are there other estuarine
                              sanctuaries in the U.S.?

                        -     Research Program at the NOES. Information would include the
                              type of research being conducted, what the studies will
                              indicate, and the values and vulnerabilities of research.

                        -     Geology and Coastal Processes at Masonboro Island. Questions
                              addressed could include: What materials make up the complex?
                              How was it created and when? Were any people around at that
                              time? What types of plants and animals live there?           Is the
                              geology static, or are current events changing its appearance?
                              What factors contribute to this change?

                        -     Other Special Topics--such as inlet dynamics, habitats, salt
                              marsh ecology, barrier islands.

                        The  Sanctuary Coordinator and stAff will work with science teachers
                   from the public schools and the Education Coordinator from the MRC to
                   develop or update materials for the science curriculum.         An educator's
                   packet will be prepared that includes scientific information, rules and
                   regulations, and other pertinent information in order to prepare
                   instructors for interpretive on-site programs.       Training activities for
                   educators who are to use the site will be provided and will include
                   on-site workshops as well as off-site presentations.            The Education
                   Coordinator will make maximum use of instructional materials already
                   being used. A workbook for use at the middle and secondary levels may
                   be developed to assist children in examining the characteristics of the
                   estuary and to learn something of the importance of estuaries.

                        Visitor orientation for on-site tours can be accomplished in a
                   number of ways. An orientation packet will be compiled for self-guided
                   tours.   Maps, brochures, and related information will be included that
                   will guide the individual through the sanctuary component. A checklist
                   of plant and animal species will be developed on the basis of current
                   research and amateur observations.         Rules and regulations will be
                   clearly outlined so that visitors will be familiar with the component's
                   management policies.     Signs indicating that the area is a state-owned
                   National Estuarine Sanctuary Component will be placed at popular access
                   points.

                        A display will be placed at the MRC to indicate the location, size,
                   and habitats of the site. Mobile displays and slide shows will be used
                   throughout the state at conferences, workshops and meetings.

                                                            36

                           Policy:   The OCM will actively encourage the dissemination of
                                     scientific information from the sanctuary site to the
                                     public.                 I

                           In addition to the avenues available to the scientific community
                     for presenting new information and data, media coverage, special newspa-
                     per articles, and editorials will be used by the staff to disseminate
                     information on the component's research accomplishments      and educational
                     programs. An executive summary of the management plan,       updated annual-
                     ly, will also be available.

                     II. Administration

                           Policy:   The Sanctuary Coordinator will oversee the educational
                                     program and will- coordinate activities between the
                                     participating institutions.

                           The Sanctuary Coordinator will address the special needs of the
                     program on a case-by-case basis.       These needs may include:       securing
                     media coverage, acquiring or obtaining equipment, providing staff
                     support and funding, and scheduling events and meetings.            Lines of
                     communication will be established through informal conversations, annual
                     meetings, quarterly newsletters, etc. A log book will be developed to
                     document the use of the component.

                           Policy:   A NCNES log book for each site will document educational
                                     use.   An entry will be made in the Log Book f or each
                                     educational activity.

                           Log sheets will be distributed to the participating institutions
                     for use after each site visit and after each off-site program.             The
                     sheets will be filed quarterly with the coordinator, who will then enter
                     them into the log book.       Each log sheet will include the following
                     information (see Appendix 3):

                           -    name, address, telephone number, and institution of the
                                instruction or tour guide;

                           -    number and age range of participants;

                           -    method of access (private boat, concession, etc.)

                           -    time of arrival and departure;

                           -    curriculum; and

                           -    comments and suggestions.

                           It would be beneficial to the NCNES Program if participating
                     institutions would provide the Sanctuary Coordinator with approximate
                     levels of public use.     This information will be used by the sanctuary
                     staff to report to NOAA on an annual basis the extent of educational
                     programs.

                                                            37

                    III. Priorities

                         The development of off-site educational programs and materials will
                    be the highest priority until interpretive access areas are def ined
                    through aerial surveys and habitat mapping.      By September 1984, the
                    pamphlet North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary -- Reasons for
                    Designation will be developed, along with a general slide show depicting
                    habitats and estuarine resources at each site.

                         The Sanctuary Coordinator and staff will contact the MRC, public
                    schools, UNC Sea Grant, and other interested educational institutions to
                    begin integrating NESP information into existing curricula.             An
                    Educational Program Task Force with representation from all components
                    may be assembled to develop new curricula and to begin utilizing the new
                    information generated from on-site research efforts.

                         The location map, depicting access-zones and research areas, and a
                    visitor orientation packet will be developed following the completion of
                    aerial surveys and habitat mapping.

                              f.    Policies for Traditional
                                    Uses and Other Activities

                         Research and educational programs at the NCNES take place within
                    the context of a number of traditional uses of the different sites. The
                    management plan will recognize the value of these uses and will strive
                    to maintain a harmonious balance between them and research and
                    educational activities.

                         The lands and waters of Masonboro Island have long been used by
                    area residents and visitors for recreation and for commercial fishing.
                    The sole means of access to the site is by private boat.      A number of
                    public and private boat ramps in Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach
                    are regularly used for trips to the island. The majority of visitors to
                    Masonboro Island land their crafts on the sandy beaches on the sound
                    sides of the inlets, while commercial and sport fishermen typically
                    enter the extensive shallow sounds.    The beach area is fairly popular
                    for many forms of beach recreation, such as surf fishing, shell collect-
                    ing, sunbathing, and swimming. The site's marshes and tidal flats are
                    visited by bird watchers, clam diggers, and hunters. Off-road vehicles,
                    motorcycles or three-wheel vehicles, rarely use the island because they
                    must be carried from the mainland by boat. The COE reserves the right
                    to dispose of dredge spoil at specific sites in the island complex.

                         The proposed Masonboro Island component can accommodate all of the
                    concerns described above--recreation, commercial fishing, and spoil
                    disposal. In order for them to take place in harmony with the research
                    and educational uses of the site, however, a series of clear objectives
                    and policies tailored to the component are needed to manage it. Through
                    proper management, these traditional activities can continue within the
                    component and can contribute to its value as a place for learning and
                    enjoyment.

                    I.   Recreation

                        Policy:   Traditional recreational uses of each sanctuary site
                                  shall be allowed to continue as       long as they do not
                                  disrupt the natural integrity of      the component or any
                                  research and education projects.

                        The Masonboro Island site has long been used    by area residents and
                  visitors for swimming, fishing, hunting, bird         watching, and shell
                  collecting.   This tradition of use has created a     strong local pride in
                  and attachment to the natural and aesthetic          values of the area.
                  Recreation, research, and education are all compatible uses if they are
                  properly managed. Allowing recreation to continue promotes full use of
                  the component's resources, but research and education programs still
                  take top priority and will be protected from any undue disturbances.

                        Policy:   No user shall disturb research projects or research
                                  equipment in place at the component.

                        Research is the highest-priority use of the sanctuary and must
                  receive absolute protection. Disrupting this research would disrupt the
                  effective long-term management of the sanctuary system and other coastal
                  resources.

                        Policy:   Users of the component shall not disturb or remove any
                                  live animals (except for fish, shellfish,     game animals,
                                  furbearers and waterfowl; see fishing and hunting pol-
                                  icies for these) or vegetation at the site unless it is
                                  part of an approved research or educational   project. All
                                  users must pack out their own trash.      All  pets must be
                                  under control at all times.

                        Removing and destroying vegetation can lead to serious long-term
                  damage to the habitats found in the component by promoting erosion and
                  sedimentation. Disturbing nesting birds and other animals can interfere
                  with their natural habits, possibly cause them to leave the site, and
                  thus diminish the component's' diversity of species. @'Signs will be
                  posted at the site stating these rules.           Any interpretive trail
                  eventually established within the component will be compatible with this
                  policy of respecting the integrity of the site.

                        Policy:   Camping and fires in the component must be approved and a
                                  permit issued by -the Sanctuary Coordinator. Camping and
                                  fires will be allowed in designated areas only.

                        Restricting camping fires protects the component's delicate habi-
                  tats from disturbance and destruction. Restricting camping and fires to
                  beach areas (where they primarily occur anyway) protects the site's more
                  delicate habitats.

                        Policyt   Hunting may occur in the component in accordance with
                                  current local, state, and federal wildlife regulations.
                                  More stringent regulations will be pursued if hunting
                                  conflicts with research and educational uses or threatens
                                  the component's wildlife populations.

                       Existing N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and FWS regulations set
                  seasons, bag limits, and restrictions on methods of taking for popular
                  game species found at the sanctuary sites (migratory waterfowl, deer,
                  rabbits, opossums, and other small game).      These regulations, properly
                  enforced, are adequate to maintain healthy wildlife populations in the
                  component.   If the Sanctuary Coordinator and Local and State Advisory
                  Committees deem more stringent regulations to be necessary, the OCM will
                  petition the Wildlife Resources Commission and the Secretary of Natural
                  Resources and Community Development to proceed with the adoption of more
                  appropriate restrictions.

                  II. Off-road Vehicles

                       Policy:    No power-driven vehicles (other than boats and emergency
                                  vehicles) shall be used on the Masonboro: Island site,
                                  unless allowed by permit for limited research use.

                       Because of the pristine   'and restricted character of the Masonboro
                  Island uplands, this area is extremely susceptible to vegetational loss
                  and subsequent erosion from vehicular traffic.       The documented use of
                  island uplands for nesting by the threatened loggerhead sea turtles and
                  colonial waterbirds also warrants the prohibition of off-road vehicles
                  during the spring, summer, and fall months.          Occasionally, certain
                  research activities may require the use of a vehicle.               In such
                  situations a special permit will be issued, specifying the type of
                  vehicle and the areas in which it may be used.

                  III. Fishing and Hunting

                       Policy:    Fishing, shellfishing, and hunting will be allowed to
                                  continue in the traditional manner, but will be regulated
                                  by State and local laws and by special regulations.
                                  Hydraulic dredging or "clam kicking" is not allowed
                                  within the component.

                       Sport and commercial fishing and hunting will generally be allowed
                  to continue within the component, subject to existing regulations on bag
                  limits, seasons, and gear limitations.       Collection of all migratory
                  birds requires a FWS permit and a N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
                  license. Since the Masonboro Island estuary is a primary nursery area
                  for fish and shellfish species, only hand gear may be used for sport or
                  commercial fishing.

                       Policy:    Certain limited areas of the component may be closed to
                                  commercial and recreational fishing and shellfishing to
                                  provide undisturbed sites for research and fisheries
                                  reproduction.

                       Once research better documents the component's submerged habitats
                  and the species they support, certain areas may be closed to shell-
                  fishing and fishing.    Such closings.might benefit commercial fisheries
                  by providing excellent nursery areas and spawning areas. Similarly, a
                  researcher might propose a project that called for an undisturbed,
                  submerged habitat to study fish, shellfish, plants, and other ecological

                                                            40

                  relationships. Authority to close certain areas of the component rests
                  in the DMFj with the Wildlife Resources Commission 'having regulatory
                  authority for inland waters.      When the Sanctuary Coordinator and the
                  Local and State Advisory Committees find such a closing to be warranted,
                  the OCM will petition the appropriate agencies to put such a closing
                  into. effect in accordance with existing regulations (for example, N.C.
                  Administrative code, Title 15, Subchapter 3B, Section .0111 -- "Research
                  Sanctuaries").

                  IV. Disposal of Dredge Spoil

                       Policy:    Dredge spoil disposal shall be allowed to continue at the
                                  Masonboro Island site, but only on existing disposal
                                  areas:   1) on the beach approximately 2,295 m. (3,000
                                  ft.) south of the jetty, 2) on certain spoil areas along
                                  the west edge of the island, within the COE AIWW easement
                                  and 3) in the surf zone on the south end of the island.
                                  All spoil operations must comply with North Carolina's
                                  Coastal Area Management Act (G.S. 113A-100) and Dredge
                                  and Fill Act (G.S. 113-229) as well as Section 404 of the
                                  Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 USC 1251. et
                                  seq.).   All dredge spoil disposal will be placed in a
                                  manner consistent with the beat technology available for
                                  the prevention of mosquito and other disease vector
                                  breeding.

                       The COE retains a perpetual easement along the western edge      of the
                  island complex for AIWW maintenance dredging spoil deposition.             The
                  resultant spoil sites are an inherent element of the Masonboro Island
                  ecosystem.

                       The periodic deposition of dredge spoil has created uplands on'the
                  western edge of the island      complex that provide a valuable nesting
                  habitat for many species of birds..      This nesting habitat complements
                  adjacent spawning areas (in     the marshes) and feeding areas (on the
                  intertidal flats).    Periodic  spoil deposition keeps vegetation limited
                  to grasses and sparse forbs, which is an ideal nesting habitat for a
                  variety of colonial and solitary birds. Allowing periodic spoiling to
                  continue will maintain this habitat and the diversity and productivity
                  of the Masonboro Island site. Spoil disposal on the north beach and at
                  the south end of the island will not affect the estuary and this spoil
                  will be washed back into the longshore transport system.

                       However, In order to minimize disruption of the existing ecosystem
                  and protect other habitats in the site, the COE will work with the OCM
                  and NESP to develop a spoil disposal management plan to coordinate the
                  timing and location of spoiling activities. The goal for implementation
                  of this plan is mid-1985. If an agreement is not achieved by mid-1985,
                  the NOAA, COE, and the State will review the appropriateness of the
                  sanctuary boundary as presented in this EIS.

                       Policy:    Spoil disposal sites must be locatedl, designed, and
                                  managed to prevent sedimentation of marshes, intertidal
                                  flats, and submerged lands.

                                                            41

                           The spoil disposal easement held by the COE for the AIWW and north
                     end of the island expressly forbids covering any wetland vegetation (as
                     defined by the Coastal Area Management Act).           Just as the direct
                     deposition of spoil is allowed only on existing spoil dunes and the
                     intertidal beach to protect other habitats in the Masonboro Island site,
                     the dredge spoil area must be properly designed to prevent the
                     encroachment of sediment into other habitats.

                           The most threatened habitats are the wetlands, intertidal flats,
                     and submerged bottoms. While a certain degree of natural sedimentation
                     and habitat transition can be expected to occur in the estuarine
                     environment, care must be taken to keep dredge spoil disposal from
                     accelerating these processes.

                           Policy:   The impacts of spoil disposal on the various habitats of
                                    @the Masonboro Island site will be the subject of periodic
                                     monitoring and research to identify any needs for
                                     changing spoil management practices.

                           The periodic deposition of dredge spoil on portions of the
                     Masonboro Island complex has fostered a delicate balance of natural and
                     human processes that supports a rich diversity of habitats, flora, and
                     fauna.   Improper management of dredge spoils can easily disrupt this
                     balance and diminish the component's value for research, education, and
                     recreation.

                           There is a benefit to both the COE, OCM, and NESP from the
                     cooperative study of the effects of spoil deposition in the Masonboro
                     Island Component.     Research studies, aerial surveillance,       and other
                     periodic observations will provide valuable information on         how spoil
                     disposal can be managed best to protect the values of the          component.
                     Much- of the knowledge gained here may prove applicable            to dredge
                     spoiling activities in other areas.

                           As part of the spoil disposal management plan, the OCM, NESP, and
                     the COE will work together to develop a cooperative spoil research plan.
                     Cooperation will be sought in the timing and placement of spoil,
                     activities of research personnel, and funding. The research plan will
                     establish selected areas within the COE easement for control sites. The
                     COE will provide the OCM and NESP with an annual summary of spoiling
                     activities., future scheduling, and the results of any research and
                     monitoring done.

                           Policy:   Spoil operations that might occur during the critical
                                     nesting times (April 15 to November 30) of shorebirds and
                                     loggerhead sea turtles shall be restricted. If spoiling
                                     is necessary, it shall be contingent upon prior and
                                     concurrent monitoring for nesting activity.

                           The courting and nesting season of shorebirds in the Masonboro
                     Island site extends from the end of April through September.              This
                     roughly coincides with the loggerhead sea turtle's nesting season, which
                     extends from mid-April through November. Depositing dredge spoil during
                     these seasons can seriously alter the area's' biological diversity by

                                                                42

                   disrupting nesting patterns.      Annual monitoring of shorebird and sea
                   turtle nesting activity shall be a priority research activity (see
                   II-d-2).

                              g.   Policies for Surveillance,
                                   Enforcement, and Maintenance

                        Maintenance and protection of the resources of the NCNES are
                   essential to its long-term survival and its value for education and
                   scientific research.     Policies stated in previous sections of the
                   management plan control manipulation of habitats by researchers and
                   control other disruptions (habitat disturbance, littering, species
                   removal, etc.) by all users of the component. This section of the plan
                   presents policies for the overall maintenance of the component, for
                   reporting violations of the management plan's policies, and for the
                   enforcement of these policies.

                   I.   Surveillance and Enforcement

                        Policy:    The sanctuary staff and enforcement personnel from other
                                   state and local agencies shall periodically visit each
                                   sanctuary site to identify and investigate possible
                                   violations of sanctuary system policies.      The Masonboro
                                   Island Component will rely heavily, but not solely, on
                                   researchers, educators, and other users of the component
                                   to report any violations and to cooperate in any
                                  ,investigations.

                        Time and budget limitations keep the OCM and state and local
                   enforcement agencies from maintaining a continuous presence at each site
                   in the NCNES.     Therefore, all users of the component must exercise
                   responsibility for obeying the management policies stated in this plan,
                   for reporting any violations of the management policies, and for coop-
                   erating with the sanctuary staff and state and local enforcement person-
                   nel.

                        Policy:    The OCM, local law enforcement agencies, the DMF, the
                                   Wildlife Resources Commission, and the DPR shall
                                   cooperate in enforcing sanctuary system policies as well
                                   as all state and local laws applying to each sanctuary
                                   site.

                        Each site in the NCNES falls into a number of different, and
                   sometimes overlapping, jurisdictions of local and state agencies. Such
                   overlap demands strong lines of communication and a strong sense of
                   cooperation on the part of the eni*orcement agencies.

                        At Masonboro Island the DPR (Carolina Beach State Park) has
                   responsibility for enforcement of State Park regulations on their 36
                   hectares (89 acres) of uplands and associated marsh/estuary. The island
                   falls under the law enforcement jurisdiction of the New Hanover County
                   Sheriff's Department in Wilmington. N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
                   enforcement officers have authority to patrol the lands and waters of
                   the site to enforce wildlife regulations.     The DMF staff has authority

                                                            43

                     to patrol the waters of each Bite to enforce marine fisheries
                     regulations.

                          Policy:   The OCM shall enter into cooperative agreements with each
                                    law    enforcement    agency    to    clarify     enforcement
                                    jurisdictions and responsibilities.

                          Each sanctuary site has had some difficulty with response to law
                     e'nforcement calls due to a lack of clear understanding on the part of
                     law enforcement authorities regarding which agency should respond to
                     what type of call.    By clarifying the role of each enforcement agency
                     within   each component,     cooperative   agreements   will   ensure    the
                     coordinated and expedited enforcement of sanctuary policies and state
                     and local laws.

                          Authority to protect and manage the natural resources of North
                     Carolina are vested in the State by North Carolina General Statutes:

                               Chapter 113:    Conservation and Development
                                               Dredge and Fill G.S. 113-229
                                               Wetlands Protection Act G.S. 113-230

                               Chapter 113A:   Pollution Control and Environment
                                               Environmental Policy Act G.S. 113A-1
                                               Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973
                                                    G.S. 113A-50
                                               Coastal Area Management Act of 1974
                                                    G.S. 113A-100

                     The North Carolina Administrative Code provides regulations under Title
                     15 for Coastal Management, Marine Fisheries, Parks and Recreation, the
                     Wildlife Resources Commission and other agencies involved in the manage-
                     ment and protection of the state's natural resources.

                     II. Maintenance

                          Policy:   At the present time, the NCNES shall rely on volunteer
                                    efforts to maintain the quality of the sanctuary sites.
                                    The sanctuary staff will coordinate periodic litter
                                    collections using local volunteers.       All users of the
                                    sanctuary must respect the litter control and habitat
                                    protection policies.     Cooperative agreements with en-
                                    forcement officials- will ensure the protection of the
                                    sites from serious degradation and littering.

                          Because the proposed component has traditionally been treated with
                     respect by users and has not been subject to unduly high levels of use,
                     maintenance of Masonboro Island does not present a difficult task.
                     Should the volunteer efforts prove inadequate, other means will be
                     pursued.

                          B. Other Alternatives Considered

                                1.  No Action

                                                             44

                        Masonboro Island is the best example for its typology in the state
                   of North Carolina.      Without the establishment of a - Masonboro Island
                   Component, the largest and highest quality undisturbed embayment/bar-
                   bound estuary in southeastern North Carolina would be unprotected from
                   development so prevalent on adjacent barrier islands.           Although the
                   marshes and subtidal areas of the site are held in trust by the state,
                   the potential development of contiguous uplands could be directly or
                   indirectly deletious to the estuarine biota, water quality, and physical
                   processes. The omission of the site from the sanctuary would result in
                   a loss of an opportunity to acquire a knowledge and understanding of
                   this type of barrier island estuary.

                        Local sentiment to preserve the island has always been strong and
                   is fortified by ongoing research and'educational use of the site by such
                   agencies as UNC-W, the 14RC at Fort Fisher, and the New Hanover County
                   Public School System.       Traditional use of the site for fishing,
                   shellfishing, hunting, and passive recreation (swimming, sunbathing,
                   shell collecting, hiking) is also high. All of these present uses of
                   the island could be adversely affected by development if no action were
                   taken.   An article appearing in the Wilmington Morning Star (May 17,
                   1984) states that a local developer is considering construction of a
                   clubhouse on the north end of the island.

                        Masonboro Island is being considered for development. Should a "No
                   Action" decision be made, island development can be anticipated which
                   may result in an effect upon the integrity and pristine nature of the
                   estuary. The NCNES encompasses prime examples of the diverse estuarine
                   habitats in the state and thus can provide a framework for needed
                   research into a myriad of estuarine ecology topics and coastal
                   management issues. Such information can further be integrated into the
                   research results from other sites in the NESP to benefit all estuarine
                   areas in the country.

                              2. Alternative Boundaries

                        The boundary for the proposed component (see Figure 5) encompasses
                   virtually the entire island complex and , hence, the included estuary.
                   The only portion omitted is the jetty area.          This boundary has been
                   determined by the following considerations:           inclusion of primary
                   resources    for   research   and   education,    adequate protection       and
                   manageability, sufficient terrestrial buffer zones, sanctuary access,
                   and present ownership.

                        Two alternative boundaries have been considered in defining the
                   boundary for the Masonboro Island component: I.) inclusion of only the
                   north or south half of the island complex, and II.) the island area west
                   of a line drawn down the north-south high ground axis, thus excluding
                   the oceanfront from the sanctuary component (see Figures 7 and 8).

                        a. Inclusion of Primary Resources. The proposed boundary includes
                   the vast majority of the estuarine and upland habitats of the island
                   complex. Only the jetty area is omitted.

                                                             45

                   .01

                                                                                rip-

                                                                                              Northern
                                                                                                "Half
                                                                                                   Alternative

                                                                                   Aft

                                                                             -1K

                                                                             A%

                                                                         A,

                                                                         Southern

                                                                             Alternative

                                         C14

                                         Cn                                                Upland

                                                                              04,          Marsh

                                                                                            spoil
                                                                                            Proposed
                                                                 . . . . . .                         1"  0 95mi
                                                                                            Boundary
                                                                                            Alternative
                                                                                             ioundary

                             Figure 7: Alternative    Boundary  I (North  or South Sections  of Island
                                            as the Masonboro Island Component)

                                                                    46

                                                                         'W .417

                                                                        A
                                                                               Alternative
                                                                               Boundary Excluding
                                                                      A4,
                                                                               Narrow Oceanfront
                                                                               Beaches

                                     rn                                                Upland

                                                                                       Marsh

                                                                                       Spoil
                                                                                       Proposed
                                                                                                     0.95mi
                                                                                        Boundary
                                                                                       Alternative
                                                                                        Boundary

                           Figure 8:   Alternative Boundary II (Excluding Oceanfront from
                                          the Proposed Masonboro island Component)
                                                                   TZ'

                            Alternative I, either the north or south half of the island, does
                      not include the entire estuary and, thus, will allow potential
                      development--most likely on the ends of the island--to affect the site.
                      Under this alternative the estuarine system will not serve as a valid
                      control for comparison to other developed barrier island estuaries.

                            Alternative II, the island and estuarine area west of a line drawn
                      down the north-south high ground axis, will protect the estuary, but
                      does not ensure the protection of the contiguous upland habitats which
                      are home to numerous animal species which are part of the salt marsh
                      f ood web.   In addition, nesting conditions for loggerhead sea turtles
                      and colonial nesting water birds will be adversely impacted by
                      oceanfront development in nesting areas.

                            b.   Adequate Protection and Manageability.        Because the proposed
                      boundary will place most of the island in public ownership, protection
                      and manageability of the island as an entire, undisturbed unit will be
                      facilitated.      Cooperative     agreements    with    previously      mentioned
                      regulatory agencies will ensure surveillance and enforcement for the
                      entire island area.

                            Alternative I will not encompass the entire estuary, leaving it
                      vulnerable to the impacts of contiguous upland development and, in
                      particular, deterioration of estuarine water quality from septic field
                      drainage into the sound area.        There will also be increased problems
                      with enforcement, protection of fragile habitats (e.g., trampling of
                      salt marsh areas), and other conflicts with the sanctuary system goals
                      and objectives.     Because a portion of the estuary will be in private
                      ownership, boat use and access can be expected to increase with
                      concomitant impacts on water quality and estuarine biota.

                            Similar adverse impacts on the estuary will result with Alternative
                      11.   Because the sandy barrier is rather narrow, any development will
                      probably take place on the ends of the island.                Even though the
                      soundside area will be protected,           adjacent construction and human
                      habitation will result in such adverse impacts as reduced estuarine
                      water quality (through ground water transport of septic field effluent
                      etc.), increased foot and vehicular traffic throughout the island,
                      windblown transport of litter, soil compaction, etc.

                            C.   Terrestrial Buffer Zones and Access.           Within the proposed
                      boundary, the natural uplands and spoil areas delimit and buffer the
                      entire estuary.       Access will be primarily by private boat with
                      occasional state boat transportation for the public in conjunction with
                      MRC educational programs.

                            The two alternatives will not provide adequate buffer for the
                      estuarine area. Alternative I only includes half of the estuarine area
                      within the sanctuary component. Alternative II does not include upland
                      buffer necessary to protect the estuary from contiguous private
                      development.     Access to the island will be increased with private
                      development that will result in adverse impacts on plant and animal
                      communities from off-the-road vehicle and foot traffic on the island.

                                                                48

                         d.   Present Ownership.    The ownership of the island uplands is
                    divided among many owners and the uplands are currently zoned R-20 (low
                    density residential).

                              3. Alternative Management Scheme

                          The proposed management plan is preferred because it places
                    ownership under the state and administrative responsibility with one
                    agency (OCK) that will manage the research and educational programs.
                    The existing jurisdictions of other agencies relative to recreation and
                    other traditional uses would be respected by the OCM to the extent that
                    these traditional uses do not conflict with the purposes for
                    establishing the Masonboro Island component. Consideration was given to
                    alternative schemes; for example, creation of a state natural area on
                    Masonboro Island.   However, state funds are not available for complete
                    acquisition of the island. Other mechanisms   were rejected either due to
                    a lack of funding   or a lack of mechanisms   to retain traditional uses
                    plus development of research and educational  programs.

                              4. Funding.

                          Three general means have been used in the past for acquisition of
                    coastal natural areas in North Carolina.     These include:   (1) acquisi-
                    tion by the state either by purchase (e.g., Jockey's Ridge State Park,
                    Dare County) or by land donation (e.g., Roosevelt Natural Area, Carteret
                    County); (2) acquisition by private conservation groups, such as The
                    Nature Conservancy, either by purchase (e.g., Nags Head Woods, Dare
                    County) or by land donation (e.g., The Green Swamp, Brunswick County);
                    (3) acquisition by federal/state funds through the NESP either by
                    purchase (e.g., Rachel Carson Component) or by land donation (e.g.,
                    Zeke's Island Component).    At the present time, no adequate source of
                    funds is available for an estuarine sanctuary project (acquisition and
                    operation) other than the NOAA/NESP funds here considered.

                         Special advantages of NOAA/NESP funding include:

                         (1) The emphasis on research and education programs while retain-
                    ing other compatible traditional uses of the site;

                         (2) The    present   NCNES   is  already   recognized   locally    and
                    nationally.   This recognition would increase the chances of receiving
                    substantial research grants from other public and private sources,
                    improve research and education opportunities at the site, and strengthen
                    public support for continued pollution abatement and public enjoyment of
                    the resource; and

                         (3) The NESP provides five years of matching operations funds
                    which are needed to establish the proper management of the proposed
                    component during its first years after establishment.

                         Federal estuarine sanctuary financial assistance is not available
                    for other purposes. During the first years of operation, plans would be
                    made for funding of the proposed component after federal funding ex-
                    pires. Sources of post-federal funding may include one or more of the

                                                           49

                    following:   state agency funis; private donations or grants for
                    operations; interest from an endowment raised by a not-for-profit
                    corporation; a possible state legislative appropriation; equipment,
                    services, and time donated to the proposed component by the private
                    sector; and voluntary donations by users of the proposed component.
                    Because the state of North Carolina is committed to the NCNES after
                    federal funding is phased out, any or all of the preceding sources will
                    be used to fund long-term administrative, operations and management, and
                    research and educational needs.

                                                       50

                                          PART III: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

                          A.   Masonboro Island - General Description

                          Masonboro Island is located in the Barrier Island Region of the
                    Cape  Fear Section of the North Carolina Coastal Plain             (Harrington,
                    1980).   The region is characterized by narrow fringing islands that
                    parallel the mainland, but are separated from it by narrow sounds or
                    estuaries (see Figures 7 & 8).       The island is centered on coordinates
                    34* 11' N. and 77* 491 W.

                          Masonboro Island is approximately 13.3 km. (7.9 mi.) in length and
                    varies from about 60 m. (200 ft.) to nearly- 1.6 km. (1 mi.) in width,
                    including the marsh-estuary complex.        The island complex encompasses
                    approximately 2,018 ha. (5,046 ac.), 87% (1,771 ha./4,428 ac.) of which
                    is marsh-estuary area.     The remaining acreage is comprised of 182 ha.
                    (453 ac.) of natural barrier island uplands (beach, dunes, shrub
                    thicket, maritime forest) and 66 ha. (165 ac.) of spoil islands on the
                    sound side of the island (see Figure 5).

                          Masonboro Island is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the
                    Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW) to the west, Masonboro Inlet to
                    the north, and Carolina Beach Inlet to the south. The U.S. Army Corps
                    of Engineers (COE) -Wilmington District maintains the two inlets and the
                    AIWW by periodic dredging. The COE has also constructed a rock jetty at
                    the north end of the island in an effort to stabilize Masonboro Inlet.
                    Carolina   Beach    Inlet   was    artificially    created    in   1952    when
                    local residents cut through the narrow barrier just north of the Town of
                    Carolina Beach.

                          The topography of Masonboro Island is gently sloping to nearly flat
                    except for a few isolated dunes 6 m. (20 ft.) or more above mean sea
                    level. Most of the island's dunes are 5.2 m. (16.5 ft.) or less above
                    mean sea level and occur as weakly developed foredunes. The prevailing
                    low relief, narrow upland width, and lack of stable dunes are primarily
                    the result of frequent overwash (Hosier and Cleary, 1977).

                          Masonboro Island is Holocene in origin, mainly composed of sands
                    deposited by eolian or marine processes.         Varying amounts of recent
                    organic matter are incorporated into the upper horizons of the marsh
                    soils.

                          Ecologically, the Masonboro Island estuary contains many ecosystems
                    in common with other East Coast estuaries in the North Carolinas (Cape
                    Hatteras to Santee River) and South Atlantic (Santee River to St. John's
                    River) subdivisions of the Carolinian biogeographic region.         For exam-
                    ple, wetlands and shallows vegetation, and communities of fish and
                    wildlife generally resemble those found associated with barrier islands
                    in the southern half of North Carolina (see Table 1 for Zeke's Island
                    and Rachel Carson components) and Georgia (e.g., Sapelo Island National
                    Estuarine Sanctuary).

                                                             51

                                              Figure 9. Regional Map

                                                                          (VIRGINIA)

                                                             (NORTH CAROLINA)

                                     -ASffrMU                                    Rm-mm

                                                        *0"mmw

                                              (SOUTH CAROLINA)                                      MORE
                                                                                                      C, W
                                                                                                        TV"D

                                                                                           LMINGTON
                                                     'COLUMBIA

                                                                                                SEE
                                                                                              VIC11frry
                                                                                               ARAP

                                                      CkARLESTO

                                                       19

                                                                         52

                                                                     Figure 10.

                                                                     V I C I N I T Y                                      434 20

                                                                         MAP

                                                             41    1   2    3

                                                                      NAuTICAL MILES

                                                              WILMINCTON

                                                                                               WRIGHTSVILLE
                                                                                    Y
                                                           .......................................
                                                                                               BEACH

                                                                                                                            34 10

                                                                                 IN sommona
                                                                                 ISLAND

                                                                        CAROLINA.

                                                                        BEACH

                                                                                                                            34

                                                                                  77 so@                                   17*40*

                                                                                         53

                           The island complex contains all of the typical barrier island
                      habitats.    Estuarine    habitat    types    present    in    the    Masonboro
                      Island complex include intertidal mud and sand flats,                  subtidal
                      softbottoms, and subtidal vascular plant beds.         Extensive transitional
                      areas of low (intertidal) and high (supratidal) salt marsh fringe
                      the   estuary.   Upland portions of the island are characterized by an
                      ocean to marsh sequence of communities that include beach, dunes, shrub
                      thicket or maritime forest, and shrub thicket-marsh transition.

                           The Masonboro Island estuary is a shallow, unstratified embayment
                      dissected by extensive salt marshes.       Salinities range from sea water
                      concentrations (35 ppt) to less than 15 ppt, depending upon location in
                      the estuary and the time of year.         Local tides are semi-diurnal and
                      microtidal.

                                 1.   Natural Environment

                                      a.    Geology and Island Dynamics

                           Masonboro Island is the present-day counterpart of a barrier island
                      formed some distance offshore, the time and depth being rather specula-
                      tive.   However, genesis of the original island is         thought    to   have
                      occurred by mainland beach detachment (Hosier and Cleary, 1977).
                      According to Hoyt (1967) this took place during the last 5,000 years
                      when the Holocene sea rise slowed -down.        Dune ridges formed along a
                      seashore that was some distance        seaward of the present coast.         The
                      rising  sea then    isolated the dune ridges from the mainland forming
                      barrier islands separated from the mainland by sounds.           The original
                      barrier islands were then translated landward under the influence of the
                      rising  sea level.    This island "migration" is still occurring as evi-
                      denced  by old sound-side peat or shell deposits being exposed on the
                      beaches of many present day barrier islands (Godfrey and Godfrey, 1976).

                           The   inlets separating the island from adjacent barriers play a
                      prominent role in island dynamics, and serve as examples of both natural
                      and man-induced impacts. -Masonboro Inlet, located on the north end of
                      the island, has been stabilized by jetty construction on either side of
                      the inlet channel.     Carolina Beach Inlet was artificially cut in 1952
                      through a segment of the sandy barrier north of Carolina Beach. Local
                      sentiment for the artificial inlet construction centered around the
                      desire for shorter access to the ocean from waters behind Carolina Beach
                      and Masonboro Island. However, since the inlet was cut, sand has
                      accumulated on the sound end of the island and in the inlet (making
                      navigation difficult), while the northern extension of Carolina Beach
                      has experienced severe erosion necessitating a costly dredging - beach
                      nourishment program.

                           The present day island primarily consists of unsorted Holocene
                      sands; the coarsest textures are found in the upper beach and dune areas
                      where former overwash fans consist of a mixture of sand and shell hash.
                      The recent organics and finer textured sediments are mainly found in the
                      marsh-estuary portion of the island where the calmer waters allow for
                      the "settling out" of these smaller particles.

                                                              54

                                   b.   Soils

                        Soils of the island are classified in the entisol order--soils of
                   such recent origin that horizon development is minimal or non-existent
                   (Buol et al. , 1980).   Within the entisol order three series have been
                   recognized on Masonboro     Island, namely, the Carteret, __Duckston, and
                   Newhan series (SCS, 1977).

                        The   Carteret series (Typic Psammaquent subgroup) underlies the
                   tidal marshes of the island and consists of two subdivisions:            (1)
                   Carteret low associated with the regularly f looded or intertidal marsh,
                   and (2) Carteret high occupying areas containing supratidal or brackish
                   marsh species.   These soils are composed of poorly to somewhat poorly
                   drained sands mixed with various amounts of muck and shell hash.

                        The poorly drained sands of the Duckston series (Typic Psammaquent
                   subgroup) are found within the shrub thicket and maritime forest commu-
                   nities on the island.     In some areas local surface accumulations of
                   organic matter have leached into the upper horizons causing incipient
                   development of a spodic horizon (Hosier and Cleary, 1977).

                        Dune and grassland areas along the ocean side of the island are
                   underlain by excessively to somewhat excessively well-drained sands of
                   the Newhan series (Typic Udipsamment subgroup).       These soils contain
                   variable amounts of calcareous shell material and exhibit low fertility
                   and water holding capacity.

                                   C.   Hydrology

                        The waters associated with Masonboro Island can be divided into
                   outer open coast and inner back bay. The outer coast region is a normal
                   marine environment, and the back bay or sound fits all of the criteria
                   of an estuarine embayment according to the regulations for the National
                   Estuarine Sanctuary Program (NESP) (see Appendix 2). The sound waters
                   have restricted access to the sea via the tidal inlets at either end of
                   the island, and these waters are significantly diluted by freshwater
                   mainland streams, surface runoff, and ground water seepage both from the
                   island and the mainland coast. The waters of the Cape Fear River (via
                   Snow's Cut) do not in any way significantly influence the Masonboro
                   Island estuary    (U.S. Amy Corps of Engineers, 1980).       The extensive
                   tidal flats and marshes backing Masonboro Island receive a considerable
                   amount of freshwater influx, not only from runoff and groundwater, but
                   also from direct precipitation, 10-12.5 cm. (4-5 in.) per month. Tidal
                   flushing is not complete, so that the influence of brackish water is
                   continuous, especially at the midpoint region between inlets (Zullo,
                   1984).             1

                        Classification of Masonboro Island as an embayment is justified by
                   salinity data (see Appendix 5) which documents a significant freshwater
                   input within the island's sound-side waters. Freshwater emanating from
                   mainland creeks, runoff, and ground water flows in a northeasterly
                   direction toward Masonboro Inlet located at the north end of the island.

                                                            55

                   This freshwater input and flow discharge pattern affect a wide range of
                   salinity readings throughout this unstratified basin.

                        Tides in the Masonboro Island area are semi-diurnal and classified
                   as microtidal by Leatherman (1982). The mean tidal range in the vicini-
                   ty of Masonboro Island is 1.15 m. (3.8 ft.) with spring tides averaging
                   1.37 m. (4.5 ft.).

                        Water quality within the Masonboro Island estuary is generally very
                   good to excellent, although mainland creeks contribute low to moderate
                   levels of bacteria to the adjacent AIWW during ebb tides.            Primary
                   sources of pollution are septic tank effluents and surface runoff from
                   that portion of New Hanover County draining into the sounds. However,
                   this pollution is counteracted by the tidal influences of flushing by
                   the Atlantic Ocean via Masonboro and Carolina Beach Inlets (Corps of
                   Engineers, 1980). The estuary's waters are of sufficiently high quality
                   to be designated a primary nursery area by the N.C. Division of Marine
                   Fisheries (DMF) (Carpenter, 1984).

                                   d.   Climate

                        Although there are no weather stations in the immediate vicinity of
                   the isla 'nd, information concerning climatic conditions may be inferred
                   from data collected at Wilmington, 11.2 km. (7 mi.) to the west, and
                   Southport, 32 km. (20 mi.) to the southwest (National Oceanic and
                   Atmospheric Administration 1950-1981). Climatic information for nearby
                   Baldhead island (Army Corps of Engineers, 1977), is also applicable to
                   Masonboro Island.   In general, the climate may be described as warm
                   temperate mesothermal with summer temperatures averaging in the high
                   20soC (80soF) (90*F days are rare on the barrier islands), while winter
                   temperatures below -4*C (25*F) are quite rare. The yearly freeze-free
                   period averages over 240 days per year.

                        Precipitation in the area is almost all in the form of rain with
                   only occasional snow in about half the years, and measurable amounts in
                   one out of f ive.    Rainfall averages 1,171 om. (50.85 in.) annually,
                   well distributed throughout the year. Prevailing winds in the Masonboro
                   area are from the southwest throughout the spring and summer seasons.
                   In the fall winds change to northeasterly, while winter winds are mainly
                   from the north. Tropical storms moving along the eastern seaboard
                   occasionally pass within a few miles of the island. Although a major
                   hurricane has not hit the North Carolina coast in over two decades, past
                   storms   (122 between 1700 and     1964) have produced heavy rains, high
                   winds, and abnormally high tides resulting in significant alteration of
                   many barrier island topographies. (Moorefield, 1978).

                        Many of the overwash fans visible on the island are the result of
                   high seas generated by extratropical storms, better known as "north-
                   easters".   These storms generally occur from October to May and are
                   characterized by strong northeast winds which may blow continuously for
                   3 or more days. (Moorefield, 1978).

                                     e.   Biology

                          Vegetation. A list of vascular plant species found in the proposed
                     component is in Appendix 6.

                          The following discussion of the vegetation of the proposed
                     Masonboro Island     site  follows   the   categories   set   forth   in the
                     proposed regulations for the NESP (see Appendix 2).          The majority of
                     this information comes from the North Carolina Office of Coastal
                     Management (OCM) staff's familiarity with the          island's   flora     and
                     from Hosier and Cleary (1977). Plant communities to be described
                     include   maritime     forest-woodland,     coastal    shrublands,    coastal
                     grasslands, coastal marshes, intertidal mud and sand flats, subtidal
                     softbottoms, and subtidal grassbeds.

                          The extent of maritime forest-woodland is restricted to two areas
                     totaling approximately 4 ha. (10 ac.) near the middle of the island.
                     The forest is an example of the broad-leaved evergreen subtropical
                     forest   biome   with   canopy    dominants    (3-8.1   m./10-26.5    ft.    in
                     height)   including live oak (Quercus virginiana), red cedar (Juniperus
                     virginiana),    loblolly   pine    (Pinus   taeda),   and     Herculesy    club
                     (Zanthox@lum    clava-herculis).     Subcanopy    trees    and   shrubs     are
                     represented by transgressives of the above species plus hackberry
                     (Celtis laevigata),     Carolina laurel cherry (Prunus caroliniana), and
                     tough bumelia (Bumelia tenax)--a species given "significantly rare
                     status" by Sutter et al. (1983)     (see Table 5). Wax myrtle (Myrica
                     cerifera), yaupon (Ilex vomitoria), and cat-briers (Smilax spp.) are
                     typical shrubs and vines present in the community. Where light levels
                     in the understory permit herb growth, there are scattered colonies of
                     iresine (Iresine rhizomatosa), bedstraw (Galium tinctorium), and lippia
                     (Lippia nodiflora).

                          The coastal shrublands or shrub thicket ecosystem on Masonboro
                     Island is typical of the biome type found in the Southeast.               This
                     vegetation type runs in a narrow, discontinuous strip witlin the central
                     portion of the island's upland      length.   Overstory vegetation       (1.5-4
                     m./5-14 ft. in height) is dominated by salt-pruned wax myrtle, yaupont
                     red cedar, live oak, and silverling (Baccharis halimifolia). Shrubland
                     vegetation intermixes with adjacent sound side coastal marsh communities
                     within a zone of scattered silverling, wax myrtle, false willow (Baccha-
                     ris angustifolia), and marsh elder (Iva frutescens). On the grassland
                     side of the shrubland ecosyste:m, sp@_rse, dwarf shrubs and stunted trees
                     include live oak, yaupon, and Hercules' club.

                          A third ecosystem type found on Masonboro Island is coastal grass-
                     land characteristic of the Southeast/Gulf Region. Sea oats            '(Uniola
                     paniculata) dunes are a prominent topographic feature on the island and
                     form a nearly continuous line among the ocean side. Because of the high
                     frequency of overwash, these dunes are short-lived features and are
                     generally smaller and less well-developed than dunes on nearby barrier
                     islands (e.g., Smith Island/Brunswick County, Bogue Banks/Carteret
                     County).   Floral richness on the dunes is generally rather low with
                     primary species consisting of sea oats, seaside goldenrod           - (Solidago
                     sempervirens), sea rocket (Cakilt harperi , dune spurge (Euphorbia

                                                              57

                                  Table 4. Plants Recorded at the Proposed
                                           Masonboro Island Component Having
                                            State Status.

                                  Species                         N.C. Statusl

                                  Tough Bumelia                   Significantly Rare
                                  (Bumelia tenax)

                    Sutter, R., L. Mansberg, and J'. H. Moore.       (1983).   Endangered,
                   Threatened, and Rare Plant Species in North Carolina:  A Revised List.
                   ASB Bulletin. Vol. 30, No. 4.

                                                          58

                   ammanioides, E., polygonifolia), camphorweed (Heterotheca subaxillaris),
                   and sea elder (Iva imbricata).

                         The other subunit of the coastal grassland on the island is the
                   flat to gently sloping areas immediately behind the dune line.        These
                   grassy flats exhibit relatively higher species diversity and are dom-
                   inated by salt meadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) with lesser amounts of
                   seaside goldenrod, sand primrose (Oenothera humifusa), horseweed (Eri&-
                   eron.canadensis), day flower (Commelina erecta), Drummond's prickly pear
                   (2puntia drummonii), thistle (Carduus spinossisimus), and yucca (Yucca
                   filamentosa).

                         Tidal marshes are the exclusive type of coastal marsh found on
                   Masonboro Island. The vast majority of the intertidal Area is dominated
                   by smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) which forms extensive
                   rhizomatous colonies in the poorly drained, mucky sands. At the upper
                   limit of the intertidal zone, dominance by various combinations of salt
                   grass (Distichlis spicata        glasswort (Salicornia virginica        sea
                   lavender (Limonium carolinianum), and smooth cordgrass form a matrix of
                   communities primarily determined by variations in microrelief and
                   salinity.

                         Portions of the marsh above the daily high tide limits intermit-
                   tently receive haline to brackish water inputs as a result of storm and
                   spring tides. Community dominance is often quite complex with a *number
                   of herbs occurring in patches as sole dominants or as components of
                   mixed cover types. Typical species include salt meadow cordgrass, sea
                   ox-eye (Borrichia frutescens), marsh aster (Aster tenuifolius), salt
                   grass "    sea    lavender,     glasswort,     lin-d black       needlerush
                   (Juncus roemerianus).

                         Localized algal colonies also occur on the intertidal flats and
                   subtidal softbottoms of the island's estuary.     Typical species include
                   sea lettuce   (Ulva rigida), green fleece     (Codium isthocladum), false
                   agardhiella (diacilaria verrucosa , and dictyota (Dictyota dichotoma).

                         Subtidal beds of eel grass (Zostera      marina) occur within the
                   estuary. This site represents the southernmost known occurrence of the
                   species in the state--this location is not mentioned in Radiord et al.
                   (1968).

                   Fish and Wildlife. The marine, shallow sound, tidal marsh, and upland
                   habitats associated with Masonboro Island are populated by numerous fish
                   and wildlife species which inhabit the site year-round or on a seasonal
                   basis. The site is also located within the Atlantic Flyway.

                         Of Masonboro Island animals, many do not remain in a single type of
                   habitat, but move back and forth between two or more habitat types in
                   tidal, daily, or seasonal cycles. These species require combinations of
                   habitat types to fulfill their life requirements; for example, the
                   raccoon (Procyon lotor) lives in the maritime forest or shrub thicket
                   and often feeds in the marshes during low tides, and most of the
                   commercial and sport fishes caught in the ocean spend some portion of

                                                         59

                       their life cycles in estuaries such as the one within the proposed
                       Masonboro Island Component.

                            Some of the Masonboro Island habitats support locally significant
                       animal species not recognized as rare on state or federal lists; for
                       example, a large population of heart urchins (Moira sp.) in a portion of
                       the sound, subtidal populations of tunicates whose normal range is
                       considerably south of the site, spoil area nesting sites for local
                       colonial waterbirds (Parnell and Soots, 1979), and a diverse polychaete
                       fauna giving in the subtidal sediments.

                       Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Animals.

                            Animal species currently on the Federal Endangered and Threatened
                       Species List and those considered endangered, threatened, or of special
                       concern by North Carolina biologists (Cooper et al., 1977), and which
                       occur at the proposed sanctuary component, are shown in Table 6.        The
                       state list has four categories (in decreasing order of endangerment):
                       endangered, threatened, special coqcern, and undetermined.

                            The COE (1977) lists twelve Federally designated endangered or
                       threatened species which potentially occur in the Masonboro Island
                       vicinity as a result of their geographic ranges:

                                 American alligator
                                 Green sea turtle
                                 Hawksbill sea turtle
                                 Kempla ridley sea turtle
                                 Leatherback sea turtle
                                 Loggerhead sea turtle
                                 Shortnose sturgeon
                                 Peregrine falcon
                                 Brown pelican
                                 Red-cockaded woodpecker
                                 Southern bald eagle
                                 Florida manatee

                            Telephone communication was made with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
                       Service (FWS) (April 20, 1984) and National Marine Fisheries Service
                       (NMFS) (April 24, 1984).      It was agreed by both agencies that no
                       federally listed    endangered   nor   threatened   species, under    their
                       jurisdiction,   apart   from occasional    transients (brown pelican and
                       loggerhead   sea turtle, etc.). are known to exist in the Masonboro
                       Island area (see Table 6).

                            Information concerning Masonboro Island animals having state status
                       was obtained (April 18, 1984) from the files of North Carolina Natural
                       Heritage Program and by personal communication with faculty at UNC-W
                       (January and February, 1984).

                            Endangered. The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is commonly
                       seen flying or feeding along the ocean beach of Masonboro Island during
                       the summer months. However, there are no records of pelican nesting in
                       the island area.    This species is also listed as endangered by North
                       Carolina biologists.

                                                            60

                                 Table 5.   Animals Recorded at the Proposed
                                            Masonboro Island Component Having
                                            Federal or State Status (additional
                                            species recorded near the site are
                                            discussed in the text)
                      Species                               Federal Status I           N.C. Status 2

                      Brown Pelican*                        Endangered                 Endangered
                      (Pelecanus occidentalis)

                      Loggerhead Sea Turtle**               Threatened                 Endangered
                      (Caretta caretta)

                      Osprey*                                                           Special
                      (Pandion halietus)                                                Concern

                      Wilson's plover**                                                 Special
                      (Charadrias wilsonia)                                             Concern

                      Least Tern**                               -                      Special
                      (Sterna a'lbifrons)                                               Concern

                      Common Tern**                              -                      Special
                      (Sterna hirundo)                                                  Concern

                      Black Skimmer**                            -                      Special
                      (Rhycops niger                                                    Concern

                      Ipswich Sparrow*                           -                      Special
                      (Passerculus sandwichensis princeps                               Concern

                      Parchment Tube Worm                        -                      Special
                      (Chaetopterus variopedatus)                                       Concern

                      Hartman's Echiurid Worm                    -                      Special
                      (Thalassema hartmani)                                             Concern

                      Polychaete Worm                            -                      Special
                      (Notomasus lobatus)                                               Concern'

                            Federal Register of Endangered and Threatened Species.
                           2Cooper, J.E. et al. (eds.). 1977. Endangered and Threatened Plants
                                 and Animals of North Carolina. N.C. Museum of Natural History.
                                 Raleigh, N.C.

                               denotes seasonal transient species.
                                 denotes seasonal nesting species.

                                                                61L

                          Peregrine   falcons   (Falco peregrinus)    have not     recently been
                     reported from Masonboro Island, but have been sighted as rare seasonal
                     transients at nearby Baldhead Island (Brunswick County).

                          Threatened.   In 1980 and 1981, a statewide aerial survey for
                     loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting activity counted a total
                     of 35 and 46 crawls (or approximately 2.5 crawls /kilometer during the
                     summer nesting seasons (Crouse, 1984).     This activity was considerably
                     higher than seen on the neighboring islands of Wrightsville Beach and
                     Carolina Beach, suggesting that this island may provide useful,
                     undisturbed nesting habitat for this species.     An active nest site was
                     reported by UNC-W biologists in 1983. More nests have been reported in
                     June, 1984 (see Appendix 7).    This species is listed as endangered by
                     North Carolina biologists.

                          Special Concern. Three marine worms found in the Masonboro Island
                     estuary have special concern status according to state           biologists:
                     parchment tube worm (Chaetopterus variopedatus), Hartman's Echiurid worm
                     (Thalassema hartmani), and the polychaeze worm (Notomasus lobatus).

                          Least    terns    (Sterna    albifrons),    common    terns     (Sterna
                     hirundo),   Wilson's    plovers    (Choradrius    wilsonia),    and    black
                     skimmers (Rhycops niger) nest on island (see Appendix 7).

                          The American  osprey (Pandion haliaetus) has been observed feeding
                     in the Masonboro   Island estuary.    No local nesting birds have been
                     recorded, however.

                          The Ipswich    sparrow (Passereulus princeps sandwichensis) is a
                     winter resident in  the dune areas of Masonboro Island.

                          Marine Mammals.   No marine mammals have been reported from the
                     Masonboro Island estuary.   Sightings of the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin
                     (Tursiops truncatus) are common along the ocean side of the island. The
                     carcass of a Gulfstream beaked whale         '(Mesoploden europaeus) was
                     discovered floating in Snow's Cut in 1978.

                          Wetland and Terrestrial Mammals. The mammals known from the island
                     are primarily found in the maritime forest-woodland, coastal shrubland,
                     and grassland habitats. Prevalent species are marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus
                     palustris), cotton rat (Sidmodom. hispidus), and raccoon (Procyon lotor).
                     Raccoons commonly forage in the salt marshes during nocturnal low tides.
                     The only mammal regularly seen in the dune areas is the house mouse (Mus
                     musculus). River otter (Lutra canadensis) and mink (Mustela vison) are
                     found in the marsh areas.

                          Birds. Many species of land, wetland, and water birds are found in
                     the Masonboro Island area.     A list of birds known from the site and
                     those species known to occur in similar habitats in the vicinity is in
                     Appendix 7.

                          A typical array of barrier island bird species are found throughout
                     Masonboro Island's habitats.    Ndarshore ocean waters are frequented by
                     brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis), shearwaters (Puffinus spp.),
                     royal  terns   (Sterna maxima),     herring gulls     (Larus argentatus),

                                                          9%011@
                                                          V300

                    and laughing gulls (Larus, articilla). The intertidal beach zone serves
                    as a resting and feeding area for such species as sandpipers (Calidris
                    spp.).   Mourning doves (Zeneida macroura), ground doves (Columbia
                    passerina),   and common night hawks (Chordeiles minor) nest and feed
                    within the dune areas, while boat-tailed grackles (Quiscalus         ,  M@1.@or)
                    and red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) feed upon sea oat saeds
                    in the fall. In the grasslands, black skimmers (Rhynchops,niger), night
                    hawks, and     american     oystercatchers   (Haematopus    palliatus      are
                    seasonal   nesters where vegetation is sparse, in contrast to the
                    willets' (Cataptrophorus semipalmatus preference for dense grass cover.
                    The shrub thicket and forest areas are important resting sites for a
                    variety of small birds, particularly warblers and sparrows, during fall
                    migrations.   The marshes and associated tidal flats and creeks are
                    foraged during low tides by numerous species including great blue herons
                    (Ardea herodias), little blue herons (Florida caerulea), Louisiana
                    herons (Hydranassa tricolor),       snowy egrets (Egretta thula), great
                    egrets (Casmeroidus albus), willets,      american    oystercatchers,    black
                    skimmers, and clapper rails .(Rallus longirostris).

                         An area on the north end of the island is maintained in an open,
                    unvegetated state by overwash and wind-blown sand migration and accumu-
                    lation.   Ground nesting birds which utilize this site include black
                    skimmers , Wilson's plovers, common terns, and least terns. Parnell and
                    Soots (1978) consider this area to be a significant nesting site for
                    local colonial waterbirds (see Appendix 7).

                         Reptiles and Amphibians.     Masonboro Island has a low number of
                    reptiles and amphibians compared to nearby barrier islands (Engel's,
                    1942 and 1952; Fussell, 1978). The          majority    of    the    island's
                    observed reptiles occur in the upland habitats:        eastern glass lizard
                    (Ophisaurus    ventralis),       six-lined    racerunner       (Cnemidophorus
                    sexlineatus),   and   eastern    coachwhip    (Masticophis   flagellum)     on
                    the dunes; corn snake (Elaphe guttata , glass lizard, racerunner.4
                    and   coachwhip    in   t     grasslands; rough green snake (Opheodrys
                    aestiuus) associated within the shrub thicket.             The diamond-back
                    terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) is found in the salt marshes.

                         Seasonally wet depressions associated with the shrub thicket and
                    maritime forest communities contain frog and toad populations.
                    Amphibians present in these habitats include southern toad (Bufo
                    terrestris), green treefrog (Hyla cinerea), and squirrel treefrog (Hyla
                    squirella).

                         Fishes. Forty-four species of fishes have been collected from the
                    Masonboro Island estuary by the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF).
                    The detritus-rich waters of the estuary serve as an important nursery
                    area for    commercial and     sport    marine   species    including     spot
                    (Leiostomus xanthurus),     mullet  -(Mugil   cephalus),   summer    flounder
                    (Paralichthys    dentatus),       pompano       (Trachinotus       falcatus),
                    menhaden    (Brevoortia tyrannus , and bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix).
                    Some of the other fish species present include striped killifish
                    (Fundulus   majalus ,    mummichog   (Fundulus     heteroclitus),     pinfish
                    (Lagodon rhomboides),     silversides (Menidia menidia), and sheepshead
                    minnow (CyprinodoR variegatus).       Fish migration and nursery ground

                                                           63

                       productivity are controlled by seasonal environmental factors such as
                       salinity, temperature, water flow, food availability, food type and
                       bottom sediments.

                            Aside from census work done by the DMF (see Appendix 7), only two
                       studies on the fishes of Masonboro Island estuary have been completed:
                       Needham (1980) and Stanley (1982). This pristine estuarine area would
                       be an ideal site for many detailed icthyological studies.

                            Invertebrates. Numerous invertebrate species populate the various
                       natural habitats of Masonboro Island. These organisms often constitute
                       important food sources (e.g., zooplankton in the sound waters)
                       for organisms of higher trophic levels.        A list of macro invert ebrat e s
                       found in the Masonboro Island area is in Appendix 8.

                            The intertidal beach ecosystem of Masonboro Island is characterized
                       by relatively short, steep beaches compared to neighboring Wrightsville
                       and Carolina Beaches. However,           certain      stretches      of      the
                       Masonboro Island beach are wide enough to support local populations of
                       ghost crabs  -(Ocypode quadrata which burrow just above the mean high
                       tide limit.    Exemplary of the intertidal zone animals are mole
                       crabs   (Emerita talpoida , while coquina clams (Donax spp.) are less
                       common.

                            The upland areas of the island are home to many insects.               Deer
                       flies (Chrysops sp.) may bite visitors to the shrub thicket or maritime
                       forest during early summer, while mosquitos (Aedes sp.) can be a problem
                       in-these areas as well as the marshes during the late summer.            Various
                       bees--including honeybees (Apia melliferaa)--are attracted to blossoms
                       of   dune   forbs,    as   are   various    butterflies    and   moths.     Each
                       fall,   Masonboro Island is visited by groups of migrating monarch
                       butterflies (Danaus plexippus).

                            The dense stands of smooth cordgrass salt marsh are home to a fauna
                       highly adapted to the semi-diurnal tides. Marsh periwinkle (Littorina
                       irrorata), ribbed mussel (Geukensia demissius), and fiddler crabs (Uca
                       spp.) are representative species.

                            Invertebrate residents of the intertidal mud and sand flats include
                       various mollusks:     quahog clam (Mercenaria mercenaria), stout tagelus
                       (Tagelus plebeius), oyster (Crassostrea virginica), and mud snail
                       (Nassarius obsoletus). A substanial fauna of marine worms such as
                       parchment worm (Chaetopterus sp.), plumed worm      '(Diopatra coprea , blood
                       worm (Glyeria sp.), scale worm (Ledpidasthenia varia), Hartman's
                       echiurid (Thalassema hartmani), and notomastus (Notomastus lobatus) is
                       also present.

                            Clumps of oyster shells in the estuarine waters serve as suitable
                       substrates for the attachment of a number of sessile organisms: sponges
                       (Microciona prolifera, Hymeniacidon sp.), sea whip                 (Leptogorgia
                       virgulata , oysters, and tunicates (Symplegma          * sp., Ecteiniascidia
                       turbinata, Diplosoma floridana). Each of these tunicates represents a
                       range extension or disjunction from more southern populations (Dr. Anne
                       McCrary, personal communication of        January 18, 1984, UNC-W).        Other
                       organisms frequently burrowing or living on the subtidal bottom sedi-
                       ments include the spider crab (Libinia sp.), heart urchin (Moira sp.),
                                                               64

                    brachiopod (Glottidia sp.) , and important commercial species such as
                    blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) and shrimps (Penaeus spp.).

                                     f.  Estuarine Ecosystem

                         Generalized patterns of energy flow (production and feeding) for
                    the proposed Masonboro Component are shown in Figure 9. These diagrams
                    represent many interwoven food chains (e.g., vascular plants to detritus
                    to crustaceans to small fish to flounder, or dune forb to leaf beetle to
                    songbird to bird of prey), and there are many species that feed on more
                    than one type of food. In general, green plants use energy from the sun
                    to produce biomass which is consumed while alive by grazing animals
                    (herbivores) or after death by detritus-feeding animals (detritivores).
                    These primary consumers in turn are eaten by larger and larger animals,
                    culminating in the highest-level consumers such as summer flounder,
                    marsh terrapin, herons, osprey, river otter, and man. The great
                    abundance of marsh plants, small     invertebrates, and small fish in the
                    Masonboro Island estuary provides    a rich food base for the development
                    of economically important larger     animals such as sport and commercial
                    fishes, waterfowl, and blue crab.

                         The   major   producers   on    the Masonboro    Island   estuary    are
                    phytoplankton and  large algae in the waters, and vascular plants in the
                    intertidal areas. Zooplankton and        benthic   invertebrates   feed    on
                    phytoplankton and on detritus from the plants of the marshes and shallow
                    sounds as well as from terrestrial sources. The zooplankton and benthic
                    invertebrates are  food for larger invertebrates and small fish, which in
                    turn are eaten by larger fish, birds, and other animals.       Estimates of
                    the   relative   importance    of    terrestrial   and   estuarine     energy
                    (food) sources vary.

                         Research from other estuaries suggests that Masonboro Island
                    marshes may absorb nutrients from mainland runoff, but it is not clear
                    to what extent these nutrients may be returned to the sound with the
                    decomposition of dead plants.        The   vegetation   of   the    wetlands
                    and  shallows is a nutrient-recycling     system that channels nutrients
                    into food webs that yield resources for society in the form of
                    finfishes, shellfishes, and crustaceans.

                              2.   Current Uses of the Site

                                    a.  Commercial and Recreational Fishing

                         Fishing has been a traditional activity at Masonboro Island both in
                    the estuarine area and along the ocean beach.       The ocean side of the
                    site is used for both sport fishing, primarily surf fishing, and limited
                    shore-based commercial fishing mostly with gill nets. Sound              side
                    fishing is restricted to hand gear (gill nets, crab pots, clam rakes,
                    etc.) because the entire estuary is designated as a primary nursery area
                    by the DMF.

                         The DMF has kept commercial catch records on Masonboro Sound since
                    1970. From 1970 to 1979, an average of 54,600 lbs. of seafood (finfish
                    and shellfish) were landed per year with an average value of $54,500.
                    The average for 1980-83 is considerably higher at 291,212 lbs. with an
                    average value of $386,147. Approximtely 64% of this seafood weight and
                                                            65

                                                    Figure 11.

                      Energy          A. Generalized energy pathways
                      Source

                                                         live
                                                               Primary            Secondary        Tertiary
                               Producers (plants)              Consumers    ---bm Consumers       Consum-
                                                               (grazers)          (small            ers
                                                                                  predators

                                                        Detritu           Consumer-
                                                       C omp lex          (detrit-
                                                                            ivores)

                    Sun, Wind,        B. Masonboro Island pathways
                    Rain
                                          1. Upland pathways

                                                                  Rodents, -      Insects,          aptors,
                                      Plants                      insects . ---w  Reptiles,        Carni-
                                                                  Birds           Birds             vores

                                                       etritu             Inverte-
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                                                                  66

                    89% of the value are shellf ish--crab,        shrimps, clams, oysters--with
                    clams and shrimps having the highest average value. The remaining 26%
                    of the average weight and 11% of the value are finfish, including
                    bluefish, croaker, flounder, mullet, sea trout, and spot.

                          Because the above figures do not include yields from sport and
                    ocean commercial fishing, actual annual seafood weights and values for
                    the island are presumably higher.           Surf fishermen typically land
                    flounder, bluefish, puppy drum, sea trout, spot, and whiting.             Ocean
                    commercial catches are primarily by gill nets which catch spot, whiting,
                    mullet, and sea trout.

                          This valuable fishery resource and nursery area would be maintained
                    and would benefit from estuarine research if the proposed component were
                    established.

                                     b.   HuntinR

                          Hunting activity on Masonboro Island is relatively light compared
                    to nearby undeveloped coastal areas in New Hanover County.             Seasonal
                    marsh hen and dove hunting is moderate, while duck hunting pressure is
                    low for scaup and other species visiting the estuary during the fall and
                    winter season. All of the hunting is either done while walking through
                    the marshes or dunes or by waiting f or birds to visit open areas
                    adjacent to wooded uplands.       Pre-sent hunting activity on the       island
                    would continue under the management plan for the proposed Masonboro
                    Island Component.     State hunting regulations would be enforced by the
                    local Wildlife Resources Commission officer.

                                     C.   Recreation

                          Beach use, hiking, bird watching, and camping are the remaining
                    major recreational uses of Masonboro Island.        These uses are described
                    below; fishing and hunting were discussed in Section 2a-b.

                          Beach Use.   One of the most popular uses of Masonboro Island is
                    sunbathing, picnicking, and swimming: on warm days from spring through
                    fall.   Local residents and tourists usually land private bo       'ats on the
                    small, sound-side sandy beach at the north end of the island and walk to
                    the ocean beach, or land their boats directly on the ocean beach.              A
                    smaller number of beach users are found on the same days at the Carolina
                    Beach Inlet end of the island.

                          The number of people using the island on a given day is mainly
                    limited by the number of boats able to land on the restricted sound-side
                    beaches. Area residents estimate that as many as 40-50 people are on
                    the north end of Masonboro Island on a warm, sunny day in mid-summer.
                    Allowing for a low number of beach users along the remainder of the
                    island and somewhat more toward the south end, the maximal beach use of
                    the island might be 80-100 persons per day.

                          Beach use has little impact on the island's uplands since most
                    people follow established trails through the dunes.         This reduces the
                    impacts on dune grasses which are easily trampled. Littering does not

                                                              67

                       appear to be a major problem and could be dealt with by periodic
                       volunteer "pick-up" efforts.

                             Hiking.    Although there are no designated trails on this
                       undisturbed barrier island, individuals or groups can hike for miles
                       along the ocean beach, occasionally crossing over into less easily
                       traversed   habitats    (e.g.,   shrub   thicket    and marsh).     The     Cape
                       Fear Chapter of the Sierra Club has several outings per year on the
                       island which include day hikes. Because the majority of hiking is done
                       on the beaches,    no significant     impact on fragile island habitats
                       has been observed.

                             Bird watching. The Lower Cape Fear Bird Club, the Sierra Club, and
                       classes from UNC-W are the major users of the island for occasional
                       bird watching trips, particularly during spring and fall bird migra-
                       tions.   Because these groups are        very familiar with the island's
                       undisturbed natural integrity, very little to no impacts are created
                       even when the groups enter the marsh    areas to observe waterbirds.

                             Camping.   Camping is a popular    activity on portions of Masonboro
                       Island's upland areas during the          summertime and on warm weekends
                       throughout the year.     This has resulted in littering, camp fires, and
                       localized impacts on plant communities (e.g., trampling of dune grasses
                       and chopping down of shrubs and trees for firewood).             If Masonboro
                       Island were designated as a sanctuary component, primitive camping would
                       be on a permit basis only (gee Part II-A-f).

                                        d.   Spoil Disposal

                             The COE - Wilmington District maintains a 304.8 m. (1,000 ft.)-wide
                       easement along the AIWW which includes most of the spoil islands on the
                       west edge of Masonboro Island. These diked spoil areas were created by
                       deposition of dredged material on former salt marsh sites decades ago.
                       The AIWW channel is maintained at a 3.7 m (12 ft.) depth with yearly
                       checks to verify if any maintenance dredging is necessary--no set
                       dredging schedule exists along this portion of the AIWW. The proposed
                       boundary (see Figure 5) includes the spoil islands within the COE
                       easement on the west edge of the Masonboro Island complex. The proposed
                       spoil disposal management plan (discussed in Part II. A.M.IV) to be
                       developed between the COE, OCM, and NESP will insure that adverse
                       impacts upon -the sanctuary component will be minimized while AIWW
                       maintenance dredging activities may continue as necessary.

                             According to COE staff the most active areas of shoaling or channel
                       filling occur in and behind the inlets which therefore require more
                       frequent dredging. Spoil from inlet dredging has recently been used to
                       nourish eroding beaches at Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach.

                             The jetty situated       on   the north end      of Masonboro       Island
                       was constructed in the late 1970's and completed in 1980.          Because the
                       jetty effectively stops the natural north to south longshore transport
                       of sand, severe erosion of the north end of the island would eventually
                       result if considerable volumes of sand were not replaced. The COE has
                       developed a plan whereby every 3 years sand will be dredged from

                                                               68

                   Masonboro Inlet and placed on the beach approximately 2,295 m. (3,000
                   ft.) south of the Masonboro Island jetty.     This will replenish sand to
                   the north end of the island and this sand will also move south in the
                   longshore current.

                                   e.  Archaeological Resources

                        The North Carolina Division of Archives and History has determined
                   that no significant archaeological sites are present on Masonboro Island
                   (Oliver, 1984). However, several shipwrecks of Civil War age and more
                   recent are located just offshore--outside the proposed sanctuary
                   boundary (Mr. Richard Lawrence, personal communication of May 10, 1984,
                   N.C. Dept. of Cultural Resources).

                                   f.  Research and Education

                        Research. Present research interest in Masonboro Island primarily
                   centers around the faculty and students of UNC-W, located approximately
                   8 km. (5 mi.) northwest of the island. Appendix 9 documents the current
                   interest in research among UNC-W staff and a local landscaper, plus
                   excerpts of past publications pertaining to the island.

                        The Wilmington field office of the DMF, located 1.6 km. (1 mi.)
                   from the north end of the island, has an existing census program of
                   finfish  and   crustacean populations associated with the Masonboro
                   Island   estuary.  This   agency   has designated all of the estuarine
                   waters of Masonboro Island as a primary nursery area--where postlarval
                   to   very    early  juvenile. development occurs.       In   addition, the
                   division has several shellfish management areas in the estuary where
                   very young oysters (oyster cultch to catch spat)      or slow growing seed
                   oysters are planted for public harvest. There are plans to maintain the
                   existing management area and establish new ones (Carpenter, 1984).

                        A list of other marine science research institutions which may be
                   potential users of Masonboro Island is found in Table 7-@. The MRC-Fort
                   Fisher, located approximately 4.8 km. (3 miles)       from Carolina Beach
                   Inlet, has research space available for approved projects.

                        A program of future research priorities and policies in the
                   proposed component is outlined in the Alternatives section of this Final
                   Environmental Impact Statement And Draft Management Plan (FEIS/DMP). The
                   program  would    emphasize   baseline    data   accumulatibn,     long-term
                   environmental monitoring, ecosystem-level studies, and applied problems
                   of coastal resource management.

                        The   NESP would    enhance    coordination   and communication      in
                   Masonboro   Island   research.     A   program   setting priorities      for
                   certain  types   of   estuarine   research would     encourage fuller and
                   more efficient use of existing facilities, equipment and collections.
                   Availability of existing data and its effective use would be enhanced
                   and integrated into the Research and Education Information Coordination
                   and Exchange Program (REICEP) presently being developed by the NESP.
                   Aside from the research institutions mentioned above, there would
                   be opportunities for involvement in certain types of research,
                   such as observations on estuarine animals and plants, by sportsmen
                   and naturalists.

                                                            69

                        Education. Four local educational programs regularly use Masonboro
                  Island in their marine science -curricula.     Various biology classes at
                  UNC-W utilize the site for field trips and projects. The Marine Science
                  Program and Ocean Science Institute within New Hanover High School,
                  located approximately 9.6 km4 (6 mi.) northwest of the site, and Laney
                  High School, situated 10.4 km. (6.5 mi.) northwest of the island, have
                  various programs involving field trips to Masonboro Island.

                        Less frequent use of Masonboro Island for interpretive programs is
                  made by local groups such as the Lower Cape Fear Bird Club, The Sierra
                  Club, and UNC-W Biology Club. The educational program at the MRC-Fort
                  Fisher also has occasional trips to the island for school groups and the
                  public.   See Table 7 for a list of potential users of the proposed
                  component for education.

                        The proposed educational program is discussed in the Alternatives
                  section of this FEIS/DMP. This program would be coordinated by a future
                  memorandum of understanding with the MRC-Fort Fisher which has ideal
                  facilities for off-site and on-site programs. The MRC has classroom
                  space, aquariums, audio-visual aids,      and exhibits pertinent    to the
                  contiguous coastal environments.     An exhibit concerning the proposed
                  Masonboro   Island Component would be    developed and maintained at the
                  center. The activities and content of     Masonboro Island field trips and
                  programs would be developed jointly by the           center's    Educational
                  Coordinator and the Estuarine Sanctuary Coordinator.          The MRC also
                  has boats for access to Masonboro Island.

                        Additional off-site activitiep would consist of slide programs
                  given by the Sanctuary Coordinator and Sanctuary Analyst, and
                  development of exhibits and brochures for school groups and the general
                  public. The Educational Specialist of the University of North Carolina
                  Sea Grant Program could also disseminate information concerning
                  Masonboro Island.

                                                          70

                             Table 6. Some Institutions and Agencies that are
                                       Potential Research and Educational*Users
                                       of the Proposed Masonboro Island Component.

                        Institution or Agency                         Type of Use

                   Cape Fear Chapter of the Sierra Club               Education
                   Wilmington, NC

                   Cape Fear Technical Institute                      Education
                   Wilmington, NC

                   Duke University Marine Laboratory                  Research and Education
                   Beaufort, NC

                   East Carolina University                           Research and Education
                   Greenville, NC

                   Hampton Mariners Museum                            Education
                   Beaufort, NC

                   Lower Cape Fear Bird Club                          Education
                   Wilmington, NC

                   National Marine Fisheries Laboratory               Research
                   Beaufort, NC

                   New Hanover County Public Schools                  Education
                   Wilmington, NC

                   North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries        Research
                   Wrightsville Beach, NC

                   North Carolina Marine Resource Center at         Education, Research
                        Fort Fisher                                   facilities available
                   Fort Fisher, NC

                   University of North Carolina Institute             Research
                        of Marine Sciences
                   Morehead City, NC

                   University of North Carolina at Wilmington         Research and Education
                   Wilmington, NC

                                                           71

                                           PART IV: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

                          A.    General Impacts

                          An acquisition and development award from the National Oceanic and
                     Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will enable the State of North
                     Carolina to acquire privately-owned uplands and develop limited facil-
                     ities (e.g., boat dock, boardwalk, trails). These land and facilities,
                     combined with other lands already owned by the           state, constitute a
                     National Estuarine Sanctuary Component representative of an embayment
                     estuarine type in the North Carolinas subdivision of the Carolinian
                     biogeographic region. The sanctuary component designation will result
                     in minimal impacts on existing uses or activities at the proposed site,
                     and will provide greater protection of the associated sounds and salt
                     marshes, and will improve the opportunities for coordinated research and
                     education.

                          The most important overall effect will be better protection of
                     areas included within the component from developmental pressures and
                     improved access to wetlands and estuarine natural areas for research and
                     educational purposes.      The proposed addition to the North Carolina
                     National   Estuarine    Sanctuary    (NCNES)   will    require   very    little
                     development;    minimal    change will occur      to   the existing natural
                     environment.    Sanctuary component status will not significantly affect
                     current uses or activities in or near the Masonboro Island area.

                          The greatest environmental benefit of this component will be the
                     long-term protection of the natural resources of the tidal wetlands,
                     shallows, and uplands of Masonboro Island. The component will serve as
                     an area for people to use for aesthetic and recreational enjoyment and
                     for scientific and educational purposes.       Information collected in the
                     component will increase knowledge of East Coast estuarine ecosystems and
                     provide an important link with existing National Estuarine Sanctuaries
                     and other coastal research and educational reserves.           The estuarine
                     sanctuary component designation will complement and enhance existing
                     research, educational, and ecological management programs. Including a
                     representative of this        type of estuary within          the Carolinian
                     biogeographic region would also improve understanding of estuarine
                     species and processes peculiar to embayments with bar-bound structure
                     along the Atlantic Coast.

                          The proposed addition of the Masonboro Component will have minimai
                     adverse effects on the natural environment.          An increased number of
                     visitors to the site is anticipated. The sanctuary component management
                     plan describes research and educational uses, traditional activities,
                     and surveillance and enforcement.       Research and educational uses will
                     not damage the environment nor interfere with other uses of the
                     sanctuary component.      Traditional activities-fishing, hunting, beach
                     use, hiking, and bird watching--will be maintained. Camping will be on
                     a permit basis for special groups.

                                                             73

                        B.    Specific Impacts

                              1.   Natural Environment

                                   a.   Fish and Wildlife Habitat

                        Many species of fish and wildlife, both resident,and migratory, use
                   the proposed sanctuary component site for feeding, reproduction, and
                   other purposes.    Establishment of this proposed component will ensure
                   long-term protection of important fish and wildlife habitats including
                   tidal wetlands, shallows, shorelines, and uplands.      This protection of
                   habitats will benefit endangered and threatened species including the
                   brown pelican and loggerhead sea turtle as well as the other endangered,,
                   threatened,    and   special    concern    species    discussed    in    the
                   Affected Environment (Part III) section of this FEIS/DMP.         Additional
                   information on endangered, threatened, and special concern species is
                   being collected to assist in developing a more detailed management plan
                   for the Masonboro Island Component.

                        The Masonboro Component will have a positive impact by protecting
                   high quality ecosystems in the Masonboro Island estuary.           Increased
                   visitor 'use of the component's sites for educational, recreational, and
                   research purposes will have a minimal adverse effect on the value of the
                   area as a fish and wildlife habitat.            Beach use, hiking, and
                   bird watching are not expected to increase greatly over levels
                   anticipated without the designation of the proposed component, and
                   fishing and hunting are expected to remain at present levels in areas
                   where these activities are         currently allowed.      Existing state
                   regulations protect fish and wildlife in those areas.       The management
                   plan for the Masonboro Component takes into account the protection of
                   fish and wildlife habitats provided by cooperating state agencies
                   responsible for regulating hunting and fishing.

                                   b.   Soils and Vegetation

                        Adverse impact on soils within the proposed component will be
                   minimized by taking appropriate precautions. Trail construction will be
                   largely confined to locations of former or existing trails, and poorly
                   drained soils will be avoided. A simple boat dock and boardwalk over a
                   small portion of the marsh and sound will be constructed after studies
                   are made to determine the appropriate design and location         to avoid
                   degradation of soils, vegetation, or fish and wildlife habitats. A dock
                   will facilitate access to the site and a boardwalk will allow visitors
                   and    researchers      to    experience     wetland      habitats      with
                   minimal environmental effects.       The impacts of any construction
                   activities will be assessed and appropriate permits obtained.

                        Vegetation will not be significantly altered by establishing the
                   proposed component. Visitors generally walk along the beach and cause
                   no impacts on local flora. Sanctuary component programs,          such as
                   research and education, will provide increased opportunities to monitor
                   those human activities that damage the environment; for example,
                   trampling of dune and marsh grasses.

                                                         74

                                   C.  Water Quality

                        Establishing the Masonboro Island Component will prevent potential
                  from    water    pollution    that   might    otherwise    occur    due     to
                  residential development within the proposed component. Vigilance
                  associated with research and educational activities will speed detection
                  and clean-up of any pollution incidents that might occur.

                             2.   Human Environment

                                   a.  Residents of the Towns and County

                        There are no residences on Masonboro Island and thus no displace-
                  ment of inhabitants will result. The public has access to the island by
                  private   boat,   and the    establishment    of   the proposed     component
                  will benefit people by prot     'ecting existing access.     Assessments of
                  properties across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW) and inlets
                  from Hasonboro Island will not change as a result of component
                  establishment.

                        The proposed component will help preserve Masonboro Island's
                  undisturbed scenic beauty that attracts numerous local residents and
                  tourists for recreational purposes. Research and educational activities
                  associated with    an estuarine sanctuary component will contribute to
                  local economics:    users of the sanctuary will require transportation,
                  housing, food, and supplies from area, merchants. I

                        Establishment of a Masonboro Island Component will encourage a more
                  thorough examination and understanding of the relationships between
                  human activities and the environment.       There will be increased public
                  knowledge and awareness of natural resources, ecosystems, sensitivities,
                  and conservation needs.    The proposed sanctuary component will increase
                  the support for and public understanding of coastal management programs
                  and activities.

                        Residents will benefit from long-term protection of         sport    and
                  commercial fishing and hunting by protection of the estuary. The
                  impacts of these activities will remain unchanged.         The integrity of
                  fish and wildlife habitats and populations will be protected by pre-
                  serving the natural areas of the proposed sanctuary component from
                  adverse development.     Protection of water and habitat quality and
                  improvements in the quality of V hing and hunting will go hand-in-hand.
                  Furthermore, increased research resulting from component establishment
                  will very probably result in better management of fish and wildlife
                  populations     and  their    habitats    within   the    entire    Masonboro
                  Island estuary.

                                   b.  Scientific and-Educational

                        Existing research and educ@a@tional programs will be enhanced by
                  establishment of the Masonboro Component, and additional research and
                  educational    activities    will   be    developed   by    involvement     of

                                                         75

                       other institutions and agencies in the state. There will be increased
                       coordination and improved effectiveness of the present-programs concern-
                       ing the estuary, especially research on the wetlands and shallows. Pro-
                       tection of high-quality natural ecosystems and coordinated management
                       will allow school groups and the general public of all ages use of the
                       site for educational and scientific resources. The designation will be
                       a definite advantage to scientists and students of science as a site for
                       long-term environmental monitoring, ecological research, and work on
                       coastal resource management problems.

                                       C.     State and Federal

                             Establishment of the Masonboro Island component will protect a
                       natural area for enjoyment, use for research, education,            and other
                       traditional    recreational     activities.     The    sanctuary      component
                       designation will benefit people from the coastal towns              who have
                       difficulty finding undisturbed barrier island areas for these activities.

                             Establishment and management of the proposed component will have a
                       relatively slight and short-term financial impact on the Federal govern-
                       ment. Because long-term operation of the proposed component will be
                       based on retention of its natural features, expenditures will be
                       minimal. All facilities will be designed for minimal maintenance.
                       Volunteer efforts will be solicited to assist in the upkeep and manage-
                       ment of the interpretive trail and other features of the component.
                      ,Sanctuary component programs will be closely coordinated with other
                       governmental programs and private programs of research, education, and
                       conservation.

                             Sanctuary component goals will be compatible with the protection of
                       wetlands, shorelines, and other estuarine environments in accordance with
                       Executive Orders 11988 and 11990, the Coastal Area Management Act of
                       1974, and other applicable Federal and State laws.

                             The United States Department of Defense and the U.S. Coast Guard
                       will not be prohibited from conducting any activity that is essential
                       for national defense or because of emergency.         This includes military
                       flights above or in the vicinity of the proposed sanctuary component
                       site.   Such activities shall be conducted in a manner consistent with
                       sanctuary regulations, to the maximum extent practicable.

                             C.   Unavoidable Adverse Environmental or Socioeconomic Effects

                             There are no adverse environmental effects associated with this
                       proposed action.     Of the alternatives already identified, only the
                       Preferred Alternative will create an estuarine sanctuary component for
                       research and education that includes all the key land and water
                       components of a nat  'ural estuarine unit. Both boundary alternatives will
                       result in some loss of sanctuary component integrity.           In regard to
                       Alternative I -- inclusion of the north or south half of the island- the
                       potential development that will occur on either end of the island will
                       result in the loss of upland habitats (e.g., dunes, shrub thicket) and

                                                              76

                   deterioration of estuarine water quality by the introduction of leachate
                   from septic fields.   Similar but more extensive impacts with occur if
                   the component consisted of just the island area west of a north-South
                   axis running through the points of greatest elevation on the barrier
                   (Alternative II).   In this case, the potential for development will
                   exist along the entire island frontage, but will most likely occur at
                   the north and south ends where the sandy barrier is widest. If the
                   No Action Alternative is chosen, the net benefits presented in the
                   proposal will be eliminated and private residential development will
                   occur.

                        Unavoidable adverse economic effects will include the loss of tax
                   revenue to New Hanover County if the proposed land acquisition takes
                   place. According to the Office of Tax Administration for New Hanover
                   County, the total potential loss of property tax revenues is estimated at
                   $1,624.88 per year. Some or all of this lost tax revenue will be offset
                   by increased spending by visitors, scientists, and educators.     Some of
                   this tax loss may also be reduced by using less than fee-simple acquisi-
                   tion of property rights such as purchase of development rights, conserva-
                   tion easements, or reserved life estates.

                        Establishment of the Masonboro Component may result in minor
                   disturbances to the environment through the construction of a boat dock,
                   boardwalk, and interpretive trails. Any proposed construction in wetland
                   areas will be accomplished with minimum unacceptable environmental/
                   ecological impacts.

                        D. Relationship between Short-term Uses of the Environment and
                             the Maintenance and Enhancement of Long-term Productivity

                        Sanctuary component designation will provide long-term assurance
                   that the natural resources and resulting benefits of the area are avail-
                   able for future use and enjoyment. Without sanctuary component designa-
                   tion, intensive use such as residential development are expected in some
                   parts of the proposed component resulting in a loss of ecological
                   benefits due to disruption and degradation of natural resources.

                        Research   information collected from      the proposed estuarine
                   sanctuary component over the long-term will assist federal, state, and
                   local governments in making better coastal management decisions. Better
                   management will in turn help resolve use conflicts and mitigate adverse
                   impacts of human activities in the coastal zone, saving both money and
                   resources. Research in the proposed estuarine sanctuary component might
                   well allow more efficient and safer use of resources in the coastal
                   zone, and this research may also result in the discovery of previously
                   unknown resources (medical, nutritional, esthetic, recreational) for
                   human use.    A public education program will provide a grassroots
                   foundation for wise public use of estuarine resources.

                                                        77

                           E. Irreversible or Irretrievable Commitment of Resources

                           Within the proposed component, there are no resources that will be
                      irreversibly or irretrievably lost.      The intent of the proposed action
                      is to protect, enhance, and manage the natural resources for research,
                      education, and recreation. If these resources are protected and managed
                      instead of altered, they will be available for future use.        It is also
                      believed that establishment of the proposed component will insure the
                      future   harvest    by   commercial    and   sport    fishermen    and    also
                      hunters through scientific research and proper management of        resources,
                      without resulting in loss of other potential benefits such as
                      nonconsumptive enjoyment of the resource.

                           F.    Possible Conflicts between the Proposed Action and the
                                 Objectives of Federal, State, Regional and Local Land
                                 Use Plans, Policies and Controls for the Areas Concerned

                           No conflicts are anticipated between this proposed action and the
                      objectives of federal, state, regional or local land use plans, pol-
                      icies, and controls for the area concerned.

                                 1.   Federal and Regional Plans

                           The establishment of the proposed Masonboro Island Component in and
                      of itself will not interfere with the U.S. Coast Guard activities and
                      enforcement of the U.S. Coast Guard rules and regulations. The proposed
                      sanctuary will not interfere with AIWW use nor U.S. Army Corps of
                      Engineers (COE) maintenance of the AIWW and Masonboro Inlet jetty. The
                      proposed sanctuary site is adjacent to one area where the COE will
                      periodically dispose of spoil:     beach disposal on the COE property at
                      the northern end of the island as a result of dredging Masonboro Inlet.

                           Two areas receiving dredge spoil will be included within the
                      Masonboro Island Component's boundary:       1) the existing diked sites
                      within the COE's AIWW easement receiving sound-side spoil disposal as a
                      result of routine maintenance dredging, and 2) the south end of the
                      island,   which   receives    periodic   surf-zone deposition from the
                      maintenance dredging of the Carolina Beach Inlet.           The cooperative
                      management plan to be developed between the COE, OCM, and NESP will
                      minimize conflicts in these areas.

                           Sanctuary component management policies will not         interf ere with
                      existing regulations of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National
                      Marine Fisheries Service, or any other federal regulatory agency.

                                 2.   State Plans

                           The purposes and objectives of the proposed estuarine sanctuary
                      component are consistent with the    programs of the Division of   Parks and
                      Recreation, Office of     Marine Affairs, Office of Coastal Management,
                      Division of Marine Fisheries, Wildlife Resources Commission, and Divi-
                      sion of Archives and History. Representatives of these agencies will be
                      asked to serve on the local advisory committee for the proposed compo-
                      nent.

                         The proposed action is consistent with the Coastal Area Management
                    Act of 1974 in that an Area of Environmental Concern, namely, the
                    marsh-estuary    area,   will    be   protected    within    the    Masonboro
                    Island complex.

                         Proposed and potential estuarine sanctuary component research and
                    education programs are complementary to, and will not interfere with,
                    any research or education programs conducted by state agencies, or by
                    private groups or schools.      Indeed, sanctuary component programs and
                    other research and education programs are mutually enhancing.

                               3.   Local Plans

                         The proposed Masonboro Island Component will not interfere with any
                    known county or town plans, policies, or regulations.          The proposed
                    component management plan will take into account all county and town
                    laws and regulations governing portions of the proposed sanctuary
                    component that lie within these political divisions.          Protection of
                    scenic, recreational, historic, and archaeological resources within the
                    proposed component is consistent with local plans and policies as well
                    as state policies.      Existing uses of the proposed component will
                    continue, including hunting, fishing, beach use, hiking, bird watching,
                    and spoil deposition.

                         It is anticipated that the establishment of the proposed component
                    will not interfere with existing or potential land or water uses across
                    the waters of the two inlets or the AIWW. The majority of such land use
                    is residential, single or multiple dwellings, or small-scale commercial
                    enterprises such as stores or marinas.      If problems arise, negotiated
                    agreements will be sought.

                                                           79

                                            PART V: LIST OF PREPARERS

                    Mr. John B. Taggart      North Carolina Department of Natural Resources
                                             and Community Development

                         Mr. Taggart holds a B.S. degree in biology, a M.S. degree in
                    botany, and is a Ph.D. candidate in botany. He is the coordinator        of
                    the North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary.           His background
                    includes serving as Environmental Research Specialist with the North
                    Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, Educational Assistant with
                    the North Carolina Marine Resources Center at Fort Fisher, and Assistant
                    Director of the Illinois Chapter of the Nature Conservancy.

                         His responsibilities in the preparation of the DEIS/DMP and
                    FEIS/DHP included overall compilation of information, writing, and
                    organization of the original document. Mr. Taggart had assistance from
                    Ms. Deborah Crouse, who edited the manuscript, Ms. Jill Miller, Art and
                    Illustration/OCM, who drew the figures, and Ms. Alma Pate, Clerk/Typist
                    Word Processing Center/DNRCD, who typed the manuscript.

                    Arthur E. Jeffers      National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
                                           National Ocean Service, Sanctuary Programs
                                           Division; Washington, D.C.

                         Mr. Jeffers has B.S. degrees in Natural Resource Management and in
                    Secondary Education/Science and Environmental Studies. As the Sanctuary
                    Project Manager he is responsible for providing overview and guidance in
                    the designation, operation and management, and research activities
                    associated with the National        Estuarine   Sanctuary Program.      His
                    background includes two (2) years experience in establishing and
                    managing national marine and estuarine sanctuaries, three (3) years
                    experience   in working with      coastal states in development and
                    implementation of their coastal zone management programs and one (1)
                    year in the conduct of management analyses for the Department of
                    Defense.

                         Mr. Jeffers responsibilities in the preparation of the DEIS/DHP
                    included overall direction, organization, and final reviev.        He had
                    assistance from Dr. Frank Hebard, Sanctuary Projects Manager, who worked
                    directly with Mr. Taggart in editing the document and subsequent
                    preparation of the DEIS/DIMP and FEIS/DMP for publication. Dr. Hebard
                    was assisted by Mo. Gloria Thompson, Program Specialist; Ms. Sherrard
                    Coleman-Foster,    Program   Specialist;    and   Ms.    Glenda    McKiver,
                    Clerk-Typist.

                    Comments were received from the following North Carolina Office of
                    Coastal Management staff members:

                    Steve Benton
                    Melissa McCullough
                    David Owens
                    Daniel Small
                    Geoffrey Willett

                      In addition, the following individuals provided valuable information or
                      assistance:

                      William Adams (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
                      Richard Carpenter (N.C..Division of Marine Fisheries)
                      Edith Friedberg (Society for Masonboro Island)
                      Karen Gottovi (New Hanover County Commissioners)
                      Courtney Hackney (UNC-W)
                      Berry Holliday (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
                      Donald Kapraun (UNC-W)
                      James Lanier (Marine Resources Center at Fort Fisher)
                      Anne McCrary (UNC-W)
                      James Parnell (UNC-W)
                      William Raney (Society for Masonboro Island)
                      James Stevens (N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation)
                      James Wells (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
                      Katy West (N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries)
                      Sally Zimmerman (Marine Resources Center at Fort Fisher)

              41

                                                         82

                             PART VI: LIST OF AGENCIES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND PERSONS
                                        RECEIVING COPIES

                    Federal Agencie

                    Advisory Council of Historic Preservation
                    Department  of Agriculture
                    Department  of Commerce
                    Department  of Defense
                    Department  of Energy
                    Department  of Health and Human Services
                    Department  of the Interior
                    Department  of Justice
                    Department  of Labor
                    Department  Pf Transportation - U.S. Coast Guard
                    Environmental  Protection Agency
                    Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
                    General Services Administration
                    Nuclear Regulatory Commission
                    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Wilmington District

                    National Interest Groups (these groups commented on the DEIS/DMP)

                    National Audubon Society
                    Sierra Club

                    North Carolina Agencies and Organizations

                    N.C. Department  of  Administration
                    N.C. Department  of  Agriculture
                    N.C. Department  of  Commerce
                    N.C. Dep'artment of  Crime Control and Public Safety
                    R.C. Department  of  Cultural Resources
                    N.C. Department  of  Education
                    N.C. Department  of  Human Resources
                    N.C. Department  of  Natural Resources and Community Development
                    N.C. Department  of  Transportation
                    North Carolina Nature Conservancy
                    North Carolina Chapter of the Sierra Club
                    Conservation Conucil of North Carolina
                    North Carolina Wildlife Federation
                    The Caostal Federation
                    The Raleigh Salt Water Fishing Club
                    Friends Of State Parks
                    The University of North Carolina Sea Grant College Program
                    North Carolina Audubon Council

                    Congressional Seantors

                    The Honorable Jesse Helms
                    The Honorable John P. East

                                                                83

                  Representatives

                  The Honorable Walter B. Jones
                  The Honorable I.T. (Tim) Valentine, Jr.
                  The Honorable Charles 0. Whitley
                  The Honorable Ike F. Andrews
                  The Honorable Stephen L. Neal
                  The Honorable Robin Britt
                  The Honorable Charlie Rose
                  The Honorable W. G. (Bill) Hefner
                  The Honorable James G. Martin
                  The Honorable James T. Broyhill
                  The Honorable James McClure Clarke

                  North Carolina Legislators

                  The Honorable James Hunt, Governor
                  The Honorable Gerald L. Anderson
                  The Honorable Chris S. Barker
                  The Honorable Howard B. Chapin
                  The Honorable Melvin R. Daniels
                  The Honorable Charles D. Evans
                  The Honorable Bruce W. Ethridge
                  The Honorable Malcolm G. Fulcher
                  The Honorable John B. Gillam III
                  The Honorable A. D. Guy
                  The Honorable Vernon G. James
                  The Honorable Harry E. Payne
                  The Honorable David E. Redwine
                  The Honorable Thomas E. Rhodes
                  The Honorable R. C. Soles, Jr.
                  The Honorable Joseph Thomas
                  The Honorable Paul J. Tyndall
                  The Honorable J.A. Wright
                  The Honorable Richard Wright

                  Local Agencies and Organizations

                  Cape Fear Council of Governments
                  New Hanover County Commissioners
                  New Hanover County Planning Department
                  City of Wilmington
                  Town of Carolina Beach
                  Town of Kure Beach
                  Town of Wrightsville Beach
                  Carolina Beach State Park
                  N.C. Marine Resources Center at Fort Fisher
                  Cape Fear Chapter of the Sierra Club
                  Lower Cape Fear Bird Club
                  University of North Carolina at Wilmington
                  Local Chapter of the N.C. Wildlife Federation
                  Society for Masonboro Island
                  New Hanover County Crossroads
                    Advisory Services
                  Raleigh Saltwater Sportfishing Club
                  Wilmington - New Hanover Port, Water , & Beach Commission
                                                             84

              Indivi'duals and Landowners                         Coggin, Amy
                                                                  Coggin, James D.
              Amos, Elizabeth                                     Cotton, Mrs. Horace
              Annand, Barbara  & Michael                          Crossley, John F.
              Ansell, Ray H.
              Armstrong, Debbie                                   Davis, Bennie F.
                                                                  Davis, James H.
              Baggett, Evelyn McCall                              Dermid, Jack
              Bair, George E.                                     Diefenback, Leroy
              Baltzergar, Kathryn L.                              Dreyfors, John M.
              Bates, John                                         Dunn, Larry
              Bates, Vivian K.                                    Durrance, Julia Vickers
              Bayzle, Phyllis K.
              Beard, Cathy                                        Ensign, Janet & John
              Bedfears, Christy                                   Evans, Alice Howell
              Beegle, L.W. & Cynthia L.
              Beele, Charles & Rebecca                            Fales, A. F.; Heirs
              Begor, Virginia H.                                  Fales, Carl L., Jr.
              Bellamy, E. H.                                      Fales, Clara H.
              Bender, Brooker T.                                  Fales, Maggie H.
              Benton, David, Mr.   & Mrs.                         Fales, R. M.
              Blackledge, J. H.;   Heirs                          Federal Point Property
              Bland, Terry                                        Ferger, James & Dora
              Block, Peggy                                        Finch, Robert A.
              Boinear, Coleman                                    Flake, Alma H.
              Brouse, Vera P.                                     Flanagan, Troy & Elizabeth
              Broussard, Vincent R.                               Freeman, R. B.; Heirs
              Brupe, Steven                                       Friedberg, Edith
              Bryan, Katherine H.; et al.                         Funderburg, Claire
              Buchanan, Lynda                                     Futch, James; Heirs
              Burnett, Hannie I.
              Burnett, Richard, Jr,;.Etux                         Gaines, Simons; et al.
              Byrd, Alan                                          Gennmen Family
                                                                  Getz, Donald, Judith & Family
              Cage, Mary Cox                                      Gottovi, Karen
              Cameron, Lottie F.                                  Goldsboro Eye Clinic
              Capra, Jr., Frank                                   Granger, John A. V.
              Cappo, Betty, Mrs.                                  Gwathney, Jr., Ric-hard B.
              Carr, James D.; Etux, Et al.
              Carter, Beth                                        Hackney, Courtney
              Cheatham, Charles                                   Hall, Alex M.
              Chester, Karen                                      Hall, Eunice B.
              Christensen, Mrs.  John P.                          Hammond, S*Vq,, Mrs.
              Clough, Alberta S.                                  Harriss, Jr., Meares
              Clybern, Lee                                        Hart, Jack F.
              Connett, Virginia V.                                Hauck, Dorothy Fales
              Cook, Delores & Woody                               Hervy, David Mrs.
              Cooper, Jim                                         Herz, Ralph; Jr.
              Corcoran, Linda M.                                  Hewlett, Addison; Sr; Heirs
              Cottle, Jr., Loronzo   B.                           Hewlett, Elijah 0.; Heirs; et al.
              Craddock, Gail                                      Hewlett, Irvin
              Craig, Nora C.                                      Hewlett, Leslie P.; Etux; et al.

               Hicks, Charles M.                                   Newton, Thomas W.; Heirs
               Hicks, Mr. & Mrs.  E. C., Jr.
               Hicks, John R.                                      09burg, Finger
               Hill, Ruth Foell                                    Old, Mrs. Kenneth
               Hines, Ira A., Etux                                 Oliver, David
               Hines, Katie B.                                     O'Neal, Nolan
               Hoffman, Bill
               ,Hollis, Annie 0.; Heirs                            Parmele, Inc.; T. H. Wright, et al.
               Hollis, Elijah W.; Etux                             Parnell.' James F.
               Hollis, J. R.; etux
               Hollis, J. W.                                       Parr, Pamela Payton
               Holloway, David S.                                  Parr, Robert A.
               Holton, Delaney H.; Heirs                           Parsons, Lee
               Hunst, Adriene                                      Paul, Charles
               Hurst, Adrian D.                                    Peppard, Ben
                                                                   Peschau, Henry B.; Jr.
               Irvine, John M.                                     Pfeffer, Dr. Suzanne
                                                                   Pfeffer, Daniel L.
               Jamieson, Bob                                       Pole, Mrs. D,T.
               Jerome, Katerine B.                                 Porter, L. W.
               Jones, Myra M.                                      Powell, Phyllis S.
                                                                   Price, James A., Jr.
               Kay, Sue                                            Pridemare, Joyce
               Kesk, Ketty                                         Pridgen, Marty
               Kilpatrick, David J.; Heirs, et al.
                                                                   Randt, Jon & Scott
               Levans, Ann                                         Ravelle, Gillie S.
               Lewis, Brian J.                                     Raney, Jr., Bill
               Lewis, Trandy E.                                    Reddick, Sue
               Liggett, Gary L.                                    Reid, James S.
               Lilley, Dixie                                       Richardson, S.W.
               Long, Mr. & Mrs.  William                           Robinson Louise Howell
               Long, Vicky Coggin                                  Rogers, Dudley; Sr.
                                                                   Rogers, Roger Lee
               MacIntosh, Martha                                   Rupert, Marily & Fred
               Marrett, Linda D.
               Mason, David P.                                     Saffo, Cathrine G.
               Mason, Phyllis F.                                   Sanford, L.T., Jr.
               Mayes, Carol                                        Satterfield,, Callie
               McCrary, Anne B.                                    Saunders, Harriet L.
               McEachern, A. A.;  et al.                           Sause, George L.
               McLean, Rick                                        Schaffer, Todd M.
               McMillan, Florence J.                               Schott, Lola
               McPhail, Florence J.                                Scott, Andy & Nancy
               McQuillan, Ivan                                     Sharp, Mr. & Mrs. Rex E.
               Metts, John Van B.                                  Shuford, Scott
               Mims, Mrs. Nelleen  C.                              Simmons, Gaines
               Mincey, R. Michael                                  Simmons, Holland C.
               Montyomery, Josie                                   Smallman, Georgia
               Murray, Florence                                    Smith, Beth W.
               Musser, Ben F.                                      Snyder, Frank B.
                                                                   Souse, Karen
                                                                   Southerland, Sammuel, Jr.; Etux.
                                                                   Spalt, Allen
                                                                   Spalt, Danny

                                                            SG

                 Spalt, Ellen F.
                 Spalt, Elizabeth
                 Stehman, Charles
                 Sternberger, Frederick B.
                 Strickland, Mrs. H.S.
                 Sturgis, Kim
                 Swan, Edward
                 Swindell, Lottie C.
                 Sumenal, James

                 Thompson, Jackie & Bob
                 Tilley, Charles
                 Tompkins, Uavid
                 Trainum, C.D.
                 Trotman, William Holt

                 Umstead, Loui se

                 Wachovia Bank & Trust Co.
                 Wade, Allene S.
                 Wagner, William F.
                 Wagoner, William H.
                 Walton, Herman, et al.
                 Watts, Evan
                 Wentz, Peter W.
                 Wessell, J.C., Jr.
                 Whittier, Mrs. G.
                 Whitlock, Mrs. U.0.
                 Whittled, Joseph W.
                 Widenhouse, Gary E.
                 Willard, Elizabeth
                 Willard, Mr. & Mrs. Emarson
                 Willard, Mr. & Mrs. Martin
                 Willey, Alice C.
                 Willey, Guy F.
                 Willey, Joan D.
                 Winborne, Mrs. Mary R.
                 Woody, Grace D.
                 Worth, Ruth
                 Wright, I.C.

                 Yonstead, Eugene
                 Younghans, John M.

                                                               87

                PART VII: WRITTEN AND VERBAL COMMENTS RECEIVED ON THE MASONBORO ISLAND
                           COMPONENT OF THE NORTH CAROLINA NATIONAL ESTUARINE SANCTUARY
                           DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT AND DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN*
                           AND NOAA RESPONSES

                     This section presents the written and verbal comments received on the
                Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Management Plan (DEIS/DMP)
                and when necessary provides NOAA responses to questions or concerns raised
                by these comments. Generally, responses are made in one or more of the
                fol I owing ways:

                     1. Expansion, clarification, or revision of the DEIS/DMP,

                     2. Specific responses to the individual comments made by each
                         reviewer,

                     The comments received and responses, when appropriate, are arranged in
                the following order:

                         Section A:   Responses to Comments by Speakers at Public Hearing
                                      and List of Speakers

                         Section B:   Written Comments and NOAA's Responses

                                      1.  Federal Agencies
                                      2.  State and Local Governments
                                      3.  Environmental Organizations
                                      4.  Research Organizations
                                      5.  Local Business
                                      6.  Property Owners
                                      7.  Sportfishing Groups

                         Section C:   Written Comments; No Response Necessary

                                      Comments submitted by private individuals
                                      in support of the designation of Masonboro
                                      Island as a component of the North Carolina
                                      National Estuarine Sanctuary and requiring
                                      no response are presented in this Section.

                     The Public Hearing on the DEIS/DMP was held on August 22, 1984 in
                Wilmington, North Carolina at the Kenan Auditorium, University of North
                Carolina-Wilmington. The meeting was attended by approximately 350 individuals
                with 30 making verbal comments. A transcript of the statements by the speakers
                at the Public Hearing has been made and is on file with NOAA/SPD. This
                record is available for examination at:

                     Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
                     Sanctuary Programs Division
                     3300 Whitehaven Street, N.W.
                     Washington, D.C. 20235

                     For the convenience of the reader, all comments appear on the left side
                of the page and corresponding responses appear on the right side of the page.

                      A transcript of the statements by the speakers at the Public Hearing
                  has been made and is on file with NOAA/SPD.   This record is available for
                  examination at:

                               Office of Ocean and Coastal Reserach Management
                                         Sanctuary Programs Division
                                          3300 Whitehaven Street, NW
                                               Washington, D.C

                       For the convenience of the reader, all comments appear on the left side
                  of the page and corresponding responses appear on the right side of the page.

                                                              90

                                                 PART VII

                                                Section A

                                          CUMMENTS AND RESPUNSES

                                              PUBLIC HEARING

                                                         91

                 LOCATION:   Kenan Auditorium
                             University of North Carolina-Wilmington
                             Wilmington, North Carolina

                 DATE:       August 22, 1984
                             7:UO p.m.

                 ATTENDANCE: Approximately 350; 30 speakers

                                    SPEAKERS WITH COMMENTS REQUIRING RESPONSE

                 1.   Mr. Bill Raney; Society for Masonboro Island

                                Comments                               Response

                      a.  Highest priority should be the          Comments on acquisition
                          acquisition of adequate land            priorities noted and accepted
                          for designation of the sanctuary

                      b.  Construct proposed facilities           Comments on construction
                          after"land acquisition has been         schedule versus acquisition
                          completed and sanctuary is in           noted and accepted
                          operation

                      c.  Traditional hunting and fishing         Comments noted and accepted
                          used should continue as regu-
                          lated as stated in the DEIS/DMP

                      d.  Uff-road vehicles, including            Uff-road vehicles will be banned
                          three-wheelers, should be               except under conditions as
                          banned                                  presented in the FEIS/DMP
                                                                  Part II. A.3.f

                 2.   Mr. S. W. Richardson; Land Owner

                      a.  Because research takes pre-             Management policies allow for
                          cedence in the purposes of the          low-intensity recreational uses
                          sanctaury, the island may               and for traditional hunting and
                          become off-limits to the                fishing (Please see Part II, A.3.)
                          public for recrational use

                      b.  I do not trust committees,              The function and membership of
                          must less committees made up            the Local Advisory Committee
                          of committees                           are described in Part II. A.3.b.

                                                                  The Committee will include
                                                                  representives of the land
                                                                  owners and other users, and
                                                                  will advise the NCNES Manager
                                                                  on matters involving conflicts
                                                                  between user groups

                                                               93

               3.    Charles Paul; Commercial Realty Co./Society for Mansonboro Island

                     a. Interested in seeing that the           Part II, A.1. of the FEIS
                         land owners are properly               describes the procedures for
                         compensated                            acquisition. These procedures
                                                                include a requirement for an
                                                                independent appraisal to determine
                                                                the fair market value of the
                                                                property concerned. An independent
                                                                appraisal must be obtained when
                                                                land is to be acquired under any
                                                                arrangement, including donation,
                                                                conservation easement, or other
                                                                less-than-fee-simple techniques.

                       SPEAKERS SUPPORTING THE PROPOSED ACTION - NO RESPONSE NECESSARY

                     Cathrine Saffo                           Karen Gottovi
                     Phyllis Bayzle                           Nolan O'Neal
                     Edith Friedberg                          Larry Dunnn
                     Claire Fonderburg                        Ginger Ogburn
                     John Bates                               Bob Jamison
                     Carol Mayes                              Lee Parsons
                     John Dreyfors                            Lorenzo Cottle, Jr.
                     Jack Hart                                Gene Floyd
                     Frederick Sternburger                    Meares Harriss, Jr.
                     Rick McLean                              Alex Hall
                     Georgia Smallman                         Kitty Kosh
                     Jan Sumerel                              Jack Uermid
                     Ben Peppard                              Leroy Diefenback
                     Adrian Hurst

                                                            94

                                                 PART VII

                                                 Section B

                                           Comments and Responses
                                      1.  Federal Agencies
                                      2.  State and'Local Governments
                                      3.  Environmental Organizations
                                      4.  Research Organizations
                                      S.  Local Business
                                      6.  Property Owners
                                      7.  Sportfishing Groups

                                          COMMENTS AND RESPONSES

                                           1. FEDERAL AGENCIES

                                                          's"s

    							United States Department Of
    						       Fish And Wildlife Service
    						    Endangered Species Field Station
    						        100 otis Stree, Room 224
    						   Ashville, North Carolina 28801
                                                     July 9, 1984

    				Mr. John Taggart
    				Estuarine Sanctuary Coordinator
    				North Carolina Department Of Natural
    				    Resources and Community Development
    				P.O. Box 27687
    				Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687

    				Re: 4-2-84-469

    				Dear John:

    				We have reviewed the proposed acquisition of an estuarine sanctuary at
    				Masonboro Island in the New Hanover County, North Caroline, submitted June 13,
    				1984, for the potential effects on endangered and threatened species.

    				Based upon information provided in your letter and your telephone
    				conversation with Nora Murdock of my staff, we concur with the conclusion of
    				no effect. In view of this, we believe that the requirements of Section 7 of
    				the Endangered Species Act have been satisfied. However, obligations under
    1.1.1. 			Section 7 of the Act must be reconsidered if (1) new information reveals
    				impacts of this identified action that may affest listed species or critical
    				habitat in a manner not previously considered, (2) this action is
    				subsequently modified in a manner which is not considered in this biological
    				assessment, or (3) a new species is listed or critical habitat determined
    				that may be affected by the identified action.

    				Your interest and initiative in enhancing endangered and threatened species
    				is appreciated.

    												Sincerely yours,

    												Warren T. Parker
    												Field Supervisor

    				CC:
    				Mr. Stuart Critcher, North Carolina Resources Commission,
    				   Raleigh, NC
    				Director, North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Raleigh, NC
    				Field Supervisor, ES, FWS, Raleigh, NC
    				U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
    				    Rockville, MD 20852

                                   UNITED STATES E'NVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

                                                        REGION IV

                                                    345 COURTLAND STREET
                                                    ATLANTA. GEORGIA 30365

                         AUG 23- 1984
                         4PM-EA/CJD

                         Dr. Nancy Foster, Chief
                         Sanctuary'Programs Division
                         National Ocean Service@NOAA
                         3300 Whitehaven Street, N.W.
                         Washington, D.C. 20235

                         Dear Dr. Foster:

                         We have reviewed the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and
                         Draft Management Plan on the North Carolina National Estuarine
                         Sanctuary, Masonboro Island Component.                                          1.2.1 Only preliminary discussions have been
                                                                                                               conducted with these groups. Detailed
                         Based upon. our review, we support the proposal to include                            memoranda of understanding will be developed
                         Aasonboro island as part of the North Carolina National Estuarine                     and included in the final management plan
                         Sanctuary S@stem.' Managing the alrea as' part of the System will                     for the Masonboro Island component of
                         protect it from development and will help to preserve the                             the North Carolina National Estuarine
                         natural environmental features of the Island.  Therefore, we                          Sanctuary. A copy of the final management
                         assign a rating of LO-2, i.e., we have no objections to the                           plan will be forwarded to the U.S.
                  1.2.1  proposal as presented, however, we request that a copy of the                         Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV.
                         proposed Memorandum of Understanding between Carolina Beach
                         State Park, the Marine Resources Center at Fort Fisher, and the
                         University of North Carolina at Wilmington and the North Carolina
                         Office of Coastal Management be included in the Final EIS.

                         If you wish additional discussion on this subject, Ms. Clara J.
                         DeLay, FTS 257-7901,.of my staff, is the point of contact.

                         sincerely yours,

                                   V\
                         Sheppatd N. Moore, Chief
                         Environmental Review Section
                         Environmental Assessment Branch

                         cc: Joyce M.T. Wood, Chief
                           Ecology & Conservation Division
                           U.S. Department of Commerce

                               DEPART161ENT OF IJEALTH & IiUMAN SERVICES                            Public Health Service

                                                                                                    Centers for Disease Control
                                                                                                    Atlanta GA 30333
                                                                                                    August 28, 1984

                                                                                                                                   1.3.1    We have checked with the North Carolina
                                                                                                                                            Department of Human Resources (telephone,
                                                                                                                                            Aug. 10, 1984). They are unaware of
                           Dr. Nancy Foster                                                                                                 any problems with mosquito or other
                           Chief, Sanctuary   Programs Division                                                                             vector breeding in the Masonboro area.
                           National Ocean Service/NOAA                                                                                      Should this become a problem, UCM will
                           3300 Whitehaven Street, N.V.                                                                                     consult with NCDHR concerning control
                           Washington, D.C. 20235                                                                                           measures.
                           Dear Dr. Fostpr:                                                                                        1.3.2    Should a decision be made to establish
                           We have,reviewed   the Draft Enviromental Impact Statement (EIS) for masonboro                                   Masonboro Island as a national estuarine
                           island Component, North Carolina Rational Estuarine Sanctuary, We are respond-                                   sanctuary, NOAA/SPO, the State of North
                           ing on behalf of the U.S. Public Health Service.                                                                 Carolina and the CUE have agreed to
                                                                                                                                            develop a Memorandum of Understanding
                           No mention was made of any environmental impact of this project on mosquito or                                   that will include an agreement that the
                                                                                                                                            COE will work with NUAA/SPU and the
                  1.3.1.   other vector breeding. Of particular interest would be the placement of spoil                                    State in ensuring that the disposal of
                           material by the Army Corps of Engineers. Experience has shown that mosquito                                      dredged materials will be conducted in
                           babitate are often created wben dredged spoil material is improperly graded                                      a manner that will minimize any potential
                  1.3.2.   and drained. Mitigation of mosquito production needs to be addressed, including                                  adverse changes in the estuarine sanctuary.
                           current and potential mosquito vector problems and anticipated control measures.                                 This will include use of disposal
                                                                                                                                            techniques that prevent mosquito and
                           Since one of the planned uses for this area in beach use, the Final EIS should                                   vector breeding potential. See Part
                           indicate the number and type of sanitation facilities that will be provided.
                  1.3.3.   Who will be responsible for the maintenance of these facilities? What provisions
                           will be made for potable water? What will be the source for this water, what                            1.3.3    Traditional low-intensity recreation and
                           type of treatment will it receive, and what type of disinfection will be pro-                                    interpretive activies are generally
                           vided? In the event that camping is permitted, will this water supply and the                                    encouraged in national estuarine sanctuaries
                  1.3.4.   sanitation facilities be shared with beach users? If not, please also provide                                    to the extent compatible with the
                           this information for the camping areas.                                                                          sanctuary's character as a natural
                                                                                                                                            field laboratory. At present, water
                           Thank you for the opportunity to review this Draft EIS.          Please send us a copy                           supplies and sanitation facilities,
                           of the Final EIS when it becomes available. Should you have any questions about                                  however, are not considered appropriate
                           these comments, please contact Mr. Lee Tate at FTS 236-4161.                                                     or necessary for the low-intensity
                                                                                                                                            short-term recreational and interpretive
                                                                   SincerW yours,                                                           activies planned for Masonboro Island
                                                                                                                                            as a part of the NCNES.

                                                                                                                                   1.3.4    If established as a national estuarine
                                                                                        Ph.D.                                               sanctuary, camping on Masonboro Island
                                                                   Chief, Environmental Affairs Group                                       will be by permit only. The sanitation
                                                                   Environmental Health Services Division                                   and water situation will remain as it
                                                                   Center for Environmental Health                                          is and has been traditionally (see
                                                                                                                                            response 1.3.3 above).

                                 U.S. Department                        Commandant                     Washington, DC
                                 Of Transportation                      United Slates Coast Guard      Staff Symbol: G-WP-3
                                 United States                                                         Phone: (202) 426-2262
                                 Coast Gaurd

                                                                                                  16477
                                                                                            4     SEP 1984

                               Dr. Nancy Foster
                               Chief, Sanctuary Programs Division
                               National Ocean Service/NOAA
                               3300 Whitehaven Street, NW
                               Washington, D. C. 20235

                               Dear Dr. Foster:

                               After reviewing the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)
                               for Masonboro Island, North Carolina Estuarine Sanctuary, we
                               offer the following comments:

                                    Page 76, "State and Federal", paragraph 4 should read: "The
                    1.4.1      United States Department of Defense and the United States Coast                       1.4.1 Comment accept; DEIS text modified
                               Guard will not be prohibited...".

                                     Page 78, 1.      Federal and-Regional Plans, paragraph I should
                               read:      "The establishment of the proposed Masonboro Island
                    1.4.2      component in and of itself will not interfere with U. S. Coast                        1.4.2 Comment accept; DEIS text modified
                               Guard activities and enforcement of U. S. Coast Guard rules and
                               requlations."

                               We appreciate the opportunity to review this Draft Environmental
                               Impact Statement.

                                                                          Sincerely,

                                                                          J. G. SCHMIDTKAN
                                                                          Captain. U.S. Coast Guard
                                                                          Chief, Planning and Evaluation Staff
                                                                          By direction of the Commandant

                               Copy: Ms. Joyce M. T. Wood
                                     Chief, Ecology and Conservation Division
                                     Room 6111, U. S. Department of Commerce
                                     Washington, D. C. 20230

                                            United States Department of the Interior

                                                         OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
                                                           WASHINGTON. D.C. 20240
                                                                                        SEp      j984

                             ER 84/940

                             Dr. Nancy Foster
                             Chief, Sanctuary  Programs Division
                             National Oceanic  and Atmospheric
                                Administration
                             3300 Whitehaven Street, N.W.
                             Washington, D.C.   20235

                             Dear Dr. Foster:

                             This letter responds to   your request for the Department of the Interior to
                             review the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the proposed
                             addition of Masonboro Island, New Hanover County, North Carolina, as the
                             fourth component of the North Carolina Estuarine Sanctuary.

                             General Comments

                             Based upon our review, we believe that the DEIS adequately describes the
                             potential impacts of the various alternatives, including the proposed action.
                             We concur with the determination that, -without the proposed action, Masonboro
                      1.5.1  Island may become fully developed as a residential community. Any such
                             development would, in our opinion, result in a significant adverse environ-
                             mental impact and would eliminate the Island's relatively pristine nature                              1.5.1    Comment noted; no response necessary
                             and associated value as an undeveloped coastal barrier island.

                             Coastal Barrier Resources Act Comments

                             Masonboro Island is within the Coastal Barrier Resources System as defined by
                             the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CORA). As such, any expenditure of Federal
                             funds for any purpose on the island is prohibited except as permitted in accor-
                             dance with Section 6 of CBRA.    We understand that it has been tentatively
                             determined that the proposed action may be in accordance with Section 6 of CBRA                        1.5.2    At tthe time this document went to
                      1.5.2  and that formal consultation in this regard has bAn initiated with the Fish                                     print, we had not yet received a formal
                             and Wildlife Service. Assuming that the consultation process required by CBRA                                   response to ourcorrespondence submitted
                             will be completed prior to release of the final environmental impact statement.                                 in accordance with the formal consultation
                             inclusion of a compliance statement and pertinent correspondence should be                                      requirements of thb Coastal Barrier
                             provided in that document.                                                                                      Resources Act.

                           Dr. Nancy Foster                                                  2

                           Summary Comments
                           We commend your agency and the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources
                           and Community Development, Office of Coastal Management for these efforts to
                           preserve and protect the natural resources of Masonboro Island. Thank you for
                           the opportunity to comment on this DEIS.

                                                                 Sincerely,

    										 Bruce Blanchard, Director
    										 Environmental Project Review

                                                       DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
                                               REGIONAL CIVIL ENGINEER, EASTERN REGION (NO AFESC)
                                                      524 TITLA SUILDS MO. 30 FRVOR STNSKT. S.W.
                                                              ATLANTA. GKORGIA 30383

                              ROV2                                           4 September 1984

                              Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Masonboro island component,
                              North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary

                              United States Department of Commerce
                              National oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
                              Attn: Dr. Nancy Poster
                              chief, Sanctuary Programs Division
                              National ocean Service/MOAA
                              3300 Whitehaven Street, M.W.
                              Washington, DC 20235

                              1. As the Air Porce central point of contact for environmental planning in
                              the eastern United States, we have been tasked by Headquarters Air Force to
                              review and comment on the subject DEIS. Development of Masonboro island as                          1.6.1    Comments noted; no response necessary.
                              a component of the North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary system will
                              not adversely impact Air Force operations in the project area. However, Air
                              Force training operations in the area may result in a noise impact on the
                              island. The Air Force currently operates a low-level flight training route
                              VR-1074 in the vicinity of Masonboro Island. The route originates at
                              Seymour Johnson APB, K and operates on a continuous basis. Altitudes
                              involved range from less than 500 to 1500 feet above ground level. This is
                              an established training route and within the scope of Department of Defense
                              activities covered in paragraph 4v section c, page 76 of the DEIS.

                              2. Thank you for the opportunity to review the DEIS. Please contact
                              Mr. Winfred G. Dodson, PTS telephone 242-6821/6776, if you have any
                              questions concerning our comments.

                               HOMAS D. SINS                                 cc:   HQ USAF/LEEV
                               hief                                                U.S. Dept of Commerce/
                                vironmental Planning Division                      Ms. Wood
                                                                                   HQ TAC/DEEV
                                                                                   4 CSG/DEEV
                                         SI
                               H   S
                              @h i @e
                                  f
                                 vi r,..nta

                                      COMMENTS AND RESPONSES

                                 2. STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

                                                     :107

                                                                                    ........ ........
                     FOY,
                                       New Banner TatuitU

                                         Nourb of Commissioners
                                                                                          ORVA

                                    WHEREAS the boundaries of Masonboro Island encompass sufficient
                          land and  water areas to approximate an ecological unit, and to         ensure
                          conservation; and
                                    WHEREAS Masonboro island represents a pristine, non-drowned river
                          mouth estuary associated with an entire undisturbed barrier island and would
                          be a unique component in the North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary
                          Program; and

                                    WHEREAS Masonboro island has significant value as a scientific and
                          educational laboratory for the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, the
                          North Carolina Marine Resource center and other educational institutions; and

                                    WHEREAS Masonboro Island is dynamically unstable due to inlet
                          migration and long-term erosion, which would endanger the establishment of
                     :1   permanent communities; and
                                    WHEREAS Masonboro island is unique on the North Carolina coast as a
                          virtually untouched barrier island located within a major urban area; and

                                    WHEREAS Masonboro Island includes economically and scientifically
                          valuable primary shellfish and finfish nursery grounds, and

                                    WHEREAS Masonboro Island is classified "Conservation" in the County
                          Land Use  Plan because of its environmental, scientific and recreational
                          values; and
                                    WHEREAS the provision of public services on undeveloped barrier
                          islands would conflict with the County's Policies for Growth and Development#
                          and would be prohibitively expensive when compared with service costs in other
                          areas of the County; and
                                    WHEREAS the preservation of Masonboro Island would be in harmony
                          with the  principles of the National Estuarine Sanctuary Program; and
                                    WHEREAS the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the National
                          Estuarine Sanctuary Program has been found to be essentially complete,
                          comprehensive, accurate, and objective;

                                 NDW, THMEFORE, BE. IT RESDUVED that the New Hanover County Board of
                       ODmmissioners unanimously endorses the preferred alternative of adding all of                   2.1.1 Comment noted; no response necessary
                       Masonboro Island to the North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary Program,
                       as analyzed in the Draft Environmental impact Statement-Masonboro Island
                       Component, and that the office of Coastal zone management in the National
                       Ooeanic and Atmospheric Administration and the State of North Carolina are
                       respectfully requested to continue in the process to designate and acquire
                       Masonboro Island as an estuarine sanctuary.

                                 Signed this 20th day of August, 1984.
                                                          &La' f,
                                                               Karen E. Gottavi
                                                               Chairman

                            liucie F. SMithr Clerk

                                                     WILMINGTON - NEW HANOVER
                                               PORT. WATERWAY ANO BEACH COMMISSION

                                                               P. 0. Om 330
                                                       inLmuGTo". UMInt CAROUNA 21401
                                                               (91" 762-2611

                             August 22, 1984

                             Mr. Dave Ovens, Assistant Director
                             N. C. Office of Coastal Management
                             P. 0. Box 27687
                             Raleigh, N. C. 27611

                             Dear Hr. Ovens:

                             The Wilmington-New Hanover Port, Waterway and Beach
                             Commission in a regular meeting held at 4:00 P.M.                                              2.2.1 Conmnt noted; no response necessary
                  2.2.1      yesterday afternoon in the offices of the Greater
                             Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. unanimously endorsed the
                             addition of Hasonboro Island as the fourth component of the
                             North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary.

                             The Commission, applauds the efforts of the office of
                             Coastal Management to preserve this valuable barrier
                             island in its natural state. Considerable marine related
                             research Is currently being condijcted on the Island. The
                             concept of The Marine Research-and Developme-nt Crescent will
                             be greatly enhanced by the possibility of xxsing the island
                             for research purposes.

                             Masonboro Island is a valuable asset that truly belongs to
                             everyone. It should not fall prey to commercial development.

                             In the strongest way possible. we urge you to preserve
                             Masonboro Island.

                             Thank youl

                             Sincerely,
                             P
                                      n B. H
                                hn V-         e
                                 Jr..
                              ha      n

                             JVBMJr:vw

                             cc:    Dr. Nancy Foster, Chief, Sanctuary Programs Division.
                                    National Ocean Service/NQAA, 3300 Whitebaven Street, NW,
                                    Washington, DC 20235
                                    Joyce M. T. Wood, Chief, Ecology and Conservation Division.
                                    Room 6111, U. S. Dept. of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230
                                    John Taggart, Director, N. C. National Estuarine Sanctuary,
                                    N. C. Office of Coastal Management, P. 0. Box 27687, Raleigh,
                                    N. C. 27611

                                                     PLANNING DEPARTMENT
                          DEXTER L. HAYES                NEW HANOVER COUNTY
                          PLANNING DIRECTOR
                                                              320 CHFSTNLrr STREET
                                                        WILMINGTON. NORTH CAROLINA 28401                        VoR
                            August 23 1984

                            Dr. Nancy Foster
                            Chief, Sanctuary Programs Division
                            Natural Ocean ServIce/NOA
                            3300 Whitehaven St., NW
                            Washington, DC 20235

                                 RE: Comments on the DEIS for the proposed addition of the Masonboro
                                       Island Component to the North Carolina National Esfurine Sanctuary

                            Dear Dr. Foster:

                                 The above referenced.DEIS Is accurate, comprehensive, and well done. We
                            feel, however, that the description of support by the New Hanover County Board of
                            CQmmissloners for the inclusion of Masonboro Island In the Sanctuary Program
                            should be expanded with regard to the County's growth policies and land use
                            regulations.

                                 On August 1, 1983, the Commissioners declared a 90 day moratorium on
                            building on undeveloped barrier Islands In response to proposed development on
                            Masonboro Island, and concurrently directed the Planning Department to prepare a
                            Hurricane Protection Study. This study resulted In an amendment to the County
                            Land Use Plan's Policies for Growth and Development that esentially prohibits
                                                                                                           permanent
                      2.3.1 residential development on undeveloped barrier Islands that do not have                                2.3.1 Comments noted; no response necessary
                            access (Attachment 1). The Island as already classified Conse!%,etion In the
                            County's Land Use Plan In recognl+;on,at least partially, of Its value in the,
                            estuarine system.

                                 Furthermore, the County presently Is preparing a Conservation Overlay
                            District (COD) for the County Zoning Ordinance.      This Overlay District, which
                            will almost assuredly Include Masonboro Island, will place restrictions on
                            im pervious surface areas, drainage, and require the preservation of certain
                      2.3.2'sensitive environmental areas, such as primary nursery areas,       The County also                     2.3.2 Comments noted; no response necessary
                            has passed subdivision regulations requiring hurricane evacuation planning,
                            adequate boat facilities, and waterfront access on barrier Islands (Attachment
                            2).

                                 These land use policies and regulations are In addition to the County's
                            offer to donate Its 15.2 acres of land on Masonboro Island as a partial match for
                      2.3.3obtaining Federal acquisition funds. The Board of Commissioners has also                                 2.3.3 Comments noted; no response necessary
                            strongly supported the State In Its eforts to secure funds for acquisition of the
                            Island.

                           Dr. Nancy Foster                                                   August 23, 1964

                                The County wholeheartedly endorses the present efforts to include Masonboro
                           Island in the Estuarine Sanctuary program.     We wl I I be glad to provide further                      2.3.4 Comments noted;     no response necessary
                    2-3.4  comments as required.

                           Sincerely,
                               A-

                           Dexter Hayes
                           Planning Director

                           Enclosures

                           DH/gIt

                                         Town of Carolina Beach

                                                            Drawer V
                                                     Carolina Beach, N.C. 28428
                                                      Telephone: (919) 468-8291
                                                       August 31, 1984

                              Chief of the Sanctuary Programs
                                Division
                              Office of ocean & Coastal Resource
                                Management
                              NOS/NOAA   .
                              33 Whitehaven St reet, N.W.
                              Washington, DC 20235

                              Dear Sir or Madam:

                              Maionboro Island, an undeveloped coastal barrier island located
                              between Carolina and Wrightsville Beaches (North Carolina), is
                              under consideration by your office for grant funding to allow
                              it to be purchased and designated as an estaurine sanctuary.
                               asonboro island currently serves as a valuable wildlife habitant                              2.4.1 Comments noted; no response necessary
                    2.4.1     Mand fishery in an area of North Carolina that is experiencing
                              considerable development. Allowing Masonboro Island to remain
                              in its natural state would preserve an important aesthetic, economic,
                              and educational resource for the future enjoyment of the citizens
                              of North Carolina and the United States.

                              I urge you to act promptly and decisively on any grant application
                              that would accomplish this goal. Thank you for any assistance you
                              can provide in this matter.

                                                              Sincerely
                                                              S @C4 f ioAdl
                                                                 Ott hu
                                                              Town Planner

                              SS/In

                                                          ag,

                                  We strongly support the establishment of this and other protected                            2.5.1    Comments noted; text modified.
                      2.5.1  estuarine sanctuaries. We could possibly use such areas for basic. non-
                             intrusive mosquito research.

                                  Although we do not know the pxecise potential of this area as a
                             mosquito breeding site, its proximity to heavily populated resorts could
                             lead to demands for mosquito control on the site. Techniques are available
                      2.5.2  to control mosquitoes with no environmental problems. However. the question                       2.5.2    Comments noted; text modified.
                             of "who pays" for the control may arise. If the state assumes management
                             responsibility for the area, will it also assume responsibility for mosquito
                             control?

                                  The forthcoming EIS should address this problem.

                                     NOTE: Comments provided by North Carolina Denartment of
                                             Human Resources

                                                                                                                                                       JUL    2   1984

       					Wildlife								Jul 25 1984

     					Resources Commission                            ENVIRONMENTAL
    												    ASSESSMENT SECTION
                                                                                                                                                  ASSESSMENT SECTION
                                  Archdale Building, 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611. 919-733-3391

                                                              July 24, 1984

                                               MEMORANDUM

                                                  TO:               Melba McGee

                                                  SUBJECT:          85-0043-DEIS Estuarine Sancturay Program,
                                                                    Masonboro Island, New Hanover County, N. C.

                                                           Revise DEIS to read as follows:                                                                                                  2.6.1       Comment noted
                                                                Page 43, 111 Fishing and Hunting                                                                                                        modified to r

                                                                            Policy: Fishing, shellfishing, and hunting will
                                                                  be allowed to continue in the traditional manner, but
                                                  2.6.1           will be regulated by state and local laws and by
                                                                  special regulations.---

                                                                                                      T. Stuart Critcher,                   Coordinator
                                                                                                      Habitat Conservation Section

                                                  TSC/lp

                                    J. Robert Gordon. Laurinburg                       W. Vernon Bevill, Raleigh                            M. Wooodrow Price. Gloucester
                                    Chairman                                           Executive Director                                    Vice Chairman

                                    Richard W. Adams, M.D. Statesville                 Dan Robinson. Cullowhee
                                    David L. Allsbrook. Scotland Neck                  Donald J. Allen Thompson. Mount Gilead
                                    CVW Brame G. North wilkesboro                      Jerry W Wright, Jarvisburg

                                         COMMENTS AND RESPONSES

                                    3. ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

                                                      119

                                                  National Audubon Society
                                                  SOUTHEAST REGIONAL OFFICE
                                              POST OFFICE BOX 1268 CHARLESTON. S.C. 29402 (803) 723-0171

                                                                    August 14, 1984

                              Dr. Nancy Foster, Chief
                              Sanctuary Programs Division
                              Natioanl Ocean Service/NOAA
                              3300 Whitehaven Street NW
                              Washington, D.C. 20235

                              Dear Dr. Foster:

                                    Thank you for providing us this opportunity to comment on
                              the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and Draft
                              Management Plan covering the Masonborough Island components in-
                              clusion into the North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary
                              System.

                                    The National Audubon Society supports the report's preferred
                              alternative which proposes to acquire the entire Masonborough                                    3.1.1 Comment noted; no response necessary
                     3.1.1    Island complex. As noted in the DEIS selection of this alternative
                              will result in multiple benefits covering research, education,
                              traditional uses and natural resource protection.

                                    Selection of any alternative offered could result in the
                              rapid degradation of both the Island and surrounding waters by
                     3.1.2    development.   The inappropriateness of this site for development                             3.1.2 Comment noted; no response necessary
                              is clear. For good reasons, county, state and federal regulations
                              designed to prevent unwise, high risk development currently affect
                              much of the Island.

                                    Clearly then when benefits are weighed against risks the in-
                     3.1.3    clusion of the entire Masonborough Island complex into the North                                 3.1.3 Comment noted; no response necessary
                              Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary System is the best alternative.

                                                                     Sincerely,

                                                                     Terrence C. Larimer
                                                                     Regional Reperesentative

                              TCL:ph

                              cc: Joyce M. T. Wood, Chief, Ecology & Conservation Division

                                                     AMERICANS COMMITED TO CONSERVATION

                                   Alabama     Florida     Georgia    Mississippi    North Carolina     South Carolina

                      DEDICATED TO       Grandfather Mountain Chapter       RUTH A. HAYNES
                                                                                President
                      CONSERVATION         NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY      ROUTE 4. BOX 479
                                          LINVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28844 BOONE, N.C. 28607

                                                                            August 19,1984

                           Dr. Nancy Poster, Chief
                           Sanctuary Programs Division
                           National ocean Service/NOAA
                           3300 Whitehaven Street NW
                           Washington, D.C. 20235

                           Dear Dr. Poster:

                               The one hundred and ninty-one members of Grandfather

                           Mountain Audubon Society strongly urge that Masonborough

                           Island complex be included in the North Carolina National

                           Estuarine Sanctuary System. Such an area is needed for future

                           generations to enjoy as a remnant of the former chain of
               (3.2.1      barrier islands as well as a unique research opportunity                    3.2.1 Comments noted: no response necessary
                           for the study of native flora and fauna. There are too many

                           Islands in the Carolinas that have allowed construction and

                           destruction where one bad storm will cause such havoc that

                           the costs to the state will make us wonder if the taxes col-

                           lected are enough to make it financially feasible. We cannot

                           afford to continue to cater to the greed of a few developers

                           who are chasing the "fast buck".

                               We will be very interested to  learn the result of your

                           study and decision. Please inform  us promptly.

                                                              Sincerely,

                                                              Ruth A. Haynes

                           cc: State of North Carolina- D N R
                              Joyce M. T. Wood, Chief, Ecology & Conservation Division
                              Terrence C. Larimer, National Audubon Society. Charleston,S.C.

                            SIERRA CLUB 0 CAnFwGmup
                             To extiore, e"joy and trejerve the noa6n's foretti, watent, aWe --d uiUerne,, - - -

                                          91

                  1VO-YIN0,44
                  3306 Vl@@ Aed@ N. W.
                              p. C,.

                                                      'Zih         '/At
                 CAIUAnd --AnOWW'-'
                          14& 'AaVe' cettalktw /te@@ Y/te- 'Oevosed
                      hoat dhck       A,,aO,%,OA

                                                            IaA ,4,;t vAc aAz"   3.3.1 Areas designated for on-site activities
                 bac,X
                            /ht u4ta,,@C              IOAA"                            will be chosen, and facilities constructed
             3                                                                         in areas best suited for public access
                 WO@4c A14-t MX_                     e_ /W.          .4@               in order to minimize disturbance of
                                                                                       habitat, wildlife or research sites.
                  WkAl, WWO- I@AC4h hZd 6W                                             Selection will be based on habitat
                                                                 ad  LW aA-E-          surveys and the advice of experts.
                 &'W Ato- a4 ;kt                                                       (See Part H, A.3.e.I.)
                       WtAt Y&C       141e_& aw7KC wx 'Ap@
                 AO Ac IM"t
                                                                  'IAZ@ alLtO_
                             an 'kAC1XA4t_

    	and harmful to these birds that are currently listed
        	as "Special Concern" in North Carolina.

    3.2.2		We would like to be a part of the planning                    3.2.2 The planning for the placement and design
    	process of these projects, and we would also like			 	  of facilities with the sanctuary will be
    	a copy of the proposed construction of these facilities			  conducted in cooperation with the LOcal
    	if one has been drafted									  Sanctuary Advisory Committee. If you
    												   	  are interested in participating with
    													  the Local Sanctuary Advisory Committee,
    		                                           				  you should indicate your interest to:
     	             										  Director, North Carolina Depatment of
    													  Natural Resources and Community Develop-
    													  ment; Raleigh, N.C.
    		Thank you for your interest in our concerns
    	and comments.

    					Sincerely,

    					Ginger Osburn
    					Conservation Chair
    					Cape Fear Chapter-Sierra Club
    					2237 Apt P. Wrightsville Ave.
    					Wilmington, N.C.
    							28403

     j

                                       COMMENTS AND RESPONSES

                                     4. RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS

                                                     V&5

                                                     University of North Carolina
                                                                       at Wilmington
                                                            Department of Chemical and Physical Science
                                                                601 South College Road
                     						               Wilmington, North Carolina 28403-3297
                                                                     August 30, 1984

                                    Chief of the Sanctuary Programs Division
                                    Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
    	                          NOS/NOAA
                                    3300 Whitehaven Street, N.W.
                                    Washington, D.C. 20235

                                     Dear Sir:

                                          I am a faculty member in the Chemistry Division of the University of North
                                    Carolina at Wilmington and my specialty is chemical oceanography. I am very
                                    interested in the preservation of Masonboro Island, primarily because I appreciate
                                    the scientific value of this undeveloped island as a natural laboratory.
                                          Masonboro Island is a completely undeveloped barrier island, one of very few
                                    such islands remaining in this state. As such, it is a unique and valuable resource.
                                    The New Hanover County location of Masonboro Island places it near the city of
                                    Wilmington and the UNC-W campus, in a region undergoing rapid urbanization.
                                    Masonboro Island is easily accessible by small boat, and has traditionally been used
                                    by UNC-W faculty and students as a natural laboratory for both teaching and
                                    research.

                                          The diversity of habitats, the richness of the flora and fauna, and the
                                    proximity of this unspoiled natural system to the University of North Carolina at
                                    Wilmington provides this state with a most significant resource. With Masonboro
                                    Island in its present pristine state, investigators at the University of North Carolina
                                    at Wilmington and at other - campuses and other universities are assured the
                                    existence and availability of  a natural laboratory for research and teaching. It is                  4.1.1 Comment no
                                    essential that this island be  preserved in its entirety to retain this value as a
                                    natural laboratory. Maintained in its natural state, this island would be of enormous
                                    value in the future; it would then be perhaps the only undeveloped barrier island
                                    remaining in this geographical area, and the sole laboratory for addressing scientific
                                    questions not yet formulated.

                                                                                      Sincerely,

                                                                                    Joan D. Willey
                                                                                    Associate Professor

                           Dr. Nancy Foster
                           Chief, Sanctuary Programs Division
                           National Ocean Service/ ROAA
                           3300 Whitehaven St. NW
                           Washington, D.C. 20235

                           Dear Dr. Poster;
                                 I have reviewed the draftenvironmental impact statement/                                      4.2.1  Comment noted; no response necessary
                           draft management plan for the Masonboro Island Component to the
                           N.C. National Estuarine Sanctuary, and would strongly recommend                                     4.2.2  The highest priority for the use of
                           adoption of the preferred alternative i.e. acquisition of the en-                                          available funds during the acquisition
                  4.20     tire system. As a unit, it -will provide a readily accessible,                                             phase and development is in acquiring
                           undisturbed natural laboratory, which is necessary for long-term                                           the key land and water areas of the
                           studies of coastal processes and wise management of coastal re-                                            sanctuary. The construction of a boat
                           sources. The proximity of this system to UNC-W makes it uniquely                                           dock, boardwalk, and the establishment
                           valuable to the marine science program at the university in ierms                                          of boat transport facilities, are of
                           of education as well as research.                                                                          secondary importance to acquisition of
                                 Although the facilities suggested in the manage-nenV plan are                                        key land and water areas sufficient to
                  4.2.2    minimal, even those are not essential and it would be                 "preferable                          designate the Masonboro Island as a
                           to Dut all of the available money into acquisition, if necessary.                                          component of this North Carolina National
                                 The Dolicies which have been proposed with recard to research                                        Estuarine Sanctuary
                  4.2.3    projects and to traditional uses are reasonable and will protect
                           the resource values of the sanctuary.                                                               4.2.3  Comnent noted; no response necessary
                                                                                          Sincerely,

                                                                                                  Af
                                                                                                     Mic@@r. ary
                                                                                          Assoc. Prof. Bi 1.
                                                                                           U!.X-Wilmington
                                                                                                             4
                                                                                                          -ary

                                                                                III Wiltnington

                                                                                 29403-3297

                                                                             27 August 1984

                                 DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES                                                      601 SOUTH COLLEGE ROAD

                                        Dr. Nancy Foster
                                        Chief, Sanctuary Programs Division
                                        National Oceao. Service/NOAA
                                        3300 Whitehaven Street, N.W.
                                        Washington, D.C.        20235

                                        Dear Sirs:.

                                              I would like to express my support for the inclusion of Masonboro
                                        Island in the National Estuarine Sanctuary System. I support the pre-
                                        ferred alternative as outlined in the draft Environmental Impact State-
                                        ment issued in July 1984. This alternative clearly provides the great-
                                        est protection to the island, and is the only alternative that assures
                                        the con'tinued integrity of the island system.

                                              Hy students and I have conducted research on                  the vertebrate animals
                                        on Hasonboro at various times over the past several years, and, in@@my
                      4.3.1             opinion, the island is a very important natural site.                     Several species
                                        of terns nest on the Island each year, and shore birds make heavy use of
                                        the beaches and marshes during migrations. Wading birds are abundant in
                                        the marshes     in summer, and waterfowl are present in winter. Clapper
                                        Rails are abundant all year.

                                              Masonboro Island will be an excellent addition to the sanctuary                                                    4.3.1 Comment noted; no response necessary
                                        system, and an important asset to the University of North Carolina at
                                        Wilmington and to the State of North Carolina as an excellent place to
                                        learn more about coastal ecosystems.

                                                                                           Sincerely,
                                                                                           @J rSF. PFARNELL, Ph.D.
                                        JFP:rep

                                                    The University of North Carolina a( Wilmington is!2 constituent inifilution
                                                of T14E UNIVERSITY OF NORT14 CAROLINA - William c. Friday. Pvnident

                                                         THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA
                                                                        AT WILMINGTON
                                                                        601 SOUTH COLLEGE ROAD
                                                                        WILMINGTON, N.C. 2MJ-3297

                       WILLIAM H. WAGONER                                                                                 TELEPHONE: (91" 791-4330
                              ch-"ft
                                                                        August 29, 1984

                                          Dr. Nancy Foster
                                          Chief, Sanctuary Programs Mission
                                          NOS/NOAA
                                          3300 Whithaven, N.W.
                                          Washington. D. C. 20235

                                          Dear Doctor Foster:

                                          I endorse wholeheartedly the efforts now being made in Wilmington
                                          and elsewhere to preserve Masonboro Island in its present un-
                                          developed state.
                                          Masonboro' Island serves'.The University of North Carolina at
                                          Wilmington in a unique way. Since it is so close to the campus,
                                          our natural science students have relatively quick and easy access
                     4.4.1                for field trips involving zoological and botanical studies and
                                          research. The natural science faculties here at the University
                                          would be severely handicapped in their ongoing flora. fauna and
                                          ecology studies of estuaries, salt marshes and wetlands, if the
                                          island's ecological systems were traumatized.
                                          Any help which you and your associates may give us in this community                                          4.4.1 Comment noted; no response necessary
                                          endeavor would be greatly appreciated.
                                                                      -7                  W
                                                                        Wil,                   r

                                          WHW/cb

                                                 The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a constituent institution
                                              of THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA - William C. Friday, President

                                                        University of North Carolina
                                                                   at Wilmington

                                                                          August 29, 1984

                                           Dr. Nancy Foster
                                           Chief, Sanctuary Program Mission
                                           NOS/NOAA
                                           3300 Whitehaven, N.W.
                                           Washington, D. C. 20235

                                           Dear Dr. Foster:

                                                        Both as an educator and as a private citizen
                       4.5.1               I want to be among those urging that everything possible
                                           be done to preserve Masonboro Island for public purposes.
                                           It is a fragile precious jewel which, properly protected,
                                           will be enjoyed by countless people through the years as
                                           a place where both body and spirit can be renewed.
                                                                                   Sincerely,                                                         4.5.1 Comment noted; no
                                                                                       George E Bair

                                           GEB:The

                                                     The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a constituent institution
                                                   of THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA - William C. Friday, President

                                             COMMENTS AND RESPONSES

                                               5. LOCAL BUSINESS

                                                        133

                                                           TODD M. SCHAFFER
                                                           Plaza East CWK* Sukes
                                                           IM Eastwood Road
                                                           MminVon, Nonh Carolina 284V--
                                                           919 2564887     Res.: 919 3924W46

                                                                                                                                         S/      37 ?Af

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                                        ro                                              /a- V ic J,@,                                                                     5.1.1 Comments noted; no response necessary.
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                                                                                            'W-Dunlea Realty
                                                                   Pod Office Box 4748 / Wilmington; North Carolina 28406
                                                                                          919/392-3063

                                 505 1 NewCentre Dr.. Suite I ISE
                                 Rkhwd A. Dunks, Jr.. Realtor                                                                     0q,     -? g I jqqq
                          Nor 5ir,5)
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                                          vll%@        PV EAZWQ@ I Z) vi                        E>L)('       Uj         aftj,5                                                     5.2.1 Comments accepted; No response necessary.
                11A                      0") muju                  H Ul- 61                           M0              Ui I 1@      i t C,05+
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                                                                                                      oil)         mi
                                                                                                            TO

                                                         Real Estate Sales. Appraisals & Properly Management * Member Wilmington Board of Realtors
                                               03                       Multiple Lisling Service w North Carolina Association of ReAton
                                               REALTOR*

                                                                     745 Masonboro Sound Road
                                  Grown Point Marine XXXXXXXXX Wilmington, N.C. 28403 Telephone (919) 791-4056

                              August 28, 1984

                              Chief of the Sanctuary Programs Division
                              Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
                              NOS/NOAA
                              3300 Whitehaven St. N.W.
                              Washington, D. C. 20235

                              Gentlepersons:

                              As owners of property on which we live just west of Masonboro Island
                              on the Intracoastal Waterway we are very interested in saving the Island
                              area from any development and for an estuarine sanctuary.

                              However,this is not the only reason for our interest:
                                  It is a wonderful nursery area for fish and shellfish. We have ob-
                                  served the disappearance of many of our nursery areas over the last            5.3.1 comments noted; no response necessary.
                    5.3.1         60 years and would hate to see any more lost to development.,
                                  The area furnishes a natural laboratory and a living classroom for
                                  for the faculty and students of the University of North Carolina at
                                  Wilmington and is used constantly by then.

                                  There are many more reasons I could mention and I feel sure you have
                                  heard them a1l.

                              Please consider your decision very carefully. Once developed there is no
                              going back.

                              Sincerely,

                              (Mr. and Mrs. Emerson Willard)

                       GLASGO.                                         MPANY                 DVPend5?fije Insurance

                                                                        August 30, 1984

                           Chief of the Sanctuary Programs Division
                           Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
                           NOS/NOAA
                           3300 Whitehaven St., N.W.
                           Washington, D.C. 2023S

                           Re: Masonboro Island
                                New Hanover County, N.C.
                           Dear Sir:                                                                                                 5.4.1 Coinments noted; no response necessary.

                                 Please add my name to the list of people who would like to
                           have  Masonboro Island remain at it's present state and in that
                           connection I would support the application of the North Carolina
                           Office of Coastal Management for the federal grant to enable them
                           to purchase portions of the island to insure that it does remain
                           as it is.

                                 I am   quite sure that you are aware of all of the enviromental
                           concerns in connection with this island and all of the studies that
                           have been conducted can obviously providemuch better reasons for
                           it remaining as it is than I could. However, as a life long resident
                           of this area, I do want to emphasize that I believe that the enviro-
                           mental concerns far outweigh the economic ones involved with development
                           of the property and that the public trust can best be served by
                           preserving this area of undeveloped seashore.

                                                                        Sincere y yours
                       5.4.1

                                                                        John R. Hicks

                           JRH/mmp
                                                                    @John

                                              WILLIAM H WEINEL. JR.. M.D.,F.A.C.O.G.                               GLEN MEADE OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY. P.A.
                                              JOHN W. ORMAND. JR.. M.D.. F.A.C.O.G.
                                              ANDREW A. CRACKER. M.D.. F.A.C.O.G.                                                      1809 GLEN MEADE ROAD
                                              DAVID P. MASON. M.D.. F.A.C.O.G.                                                            WILMINGTON. N.C 28403
                                              CLARENCE L. WILSON. #. M.D.. F.A.C.O.G.                                                         PHONE 763-9833

                                                                                           August 30, 1984

                                            Chief of the Sanctuary Programs Division
                                            Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
                                            NOS/NOAA
                                            3300 Whitehaven Street, N.W.
                                            Washington, D.C. 20235

                                            Dear Sirs:

                                                            I am writing in strong support for the maintenance of Masnboro Island off
                                            the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina as an estuarian sanctuary. Masonboro Island,
                                            one of a few remaining unspoiled beach and marshland islands, is in my opinion
                                            invaluable to our coastal environment and to the education of our children. This area
                                            which is easily accessible to local citizens and tourists contains countless species
                                            of fish, crustaceans, and shellfish in addition to being an important nesting site
                                            for multiple species of birds. Visits to Masonboro Island have been invaluable to
                                            my children leading to a growing appreciation of the multiple aspects of our environment.

                                                            I again urge you to strongly consider the North Carolina Office of Coastal
                                            Management's application for federal grant to establish this island as an estuarian
                                            sanctuary.

                                  5.5.1                                                                                                                                                                  5.5.1 Comments noted; no response necessary

                                            Sincerely yours,

                                            David Y. Mason, M.D.

                                            DPM/ldm

                                 August 28, 1984

                                 Chief of the Sanctuary Programs Division
                                 Office of Ocean & Coastal Resourse Management
                                 NOS/NOAA
                                 3300 Whitehaven St., NW
                                 Washington, DE 20235

                                 Dear Chicf:

                                 In an effort to lend a hand in helping to preserve the natural beauty
                                 and peace of Hasonboro Island, in Wilmington, North Carolina, I am writing
                                 to you.  I am asking as, not only a citizen of New Hanover Couty, but
                                 as a person who frequently takes advantage of the beauty and peace of
                                 @Iasonboro Island.  Should this island be sold and developed commercially,
                                 we, in New Hanover County would lose much more than we stand to gain.
                                 Our area is experiencing a boom in resort-condominium developemnt. However,
                                 if we allow the beauty and peacefulness of our coast to be ruined by the
                                 persistence of man and the ever-mighty dollar - we all lose, for we will
                                 look like and have all the problems ofother over-developed resort areas.                               5.6.1 Comment noted; no response necessary.
                                 This sort of future for our beautiful coastline is not the kind I would
                                 like to look forward to.

                                 Please take all necessary precautions and steps, NOT to let the coast of
                                 North Carolina look like a condominium factory, with no resemblance to
                                 the natural beauty which brings visitors here from all over the country.

                                 Yours truly,

                                 HAROLD P, KER REALTY/'

                                 Karen Chester

                                 KC,fn

                             5.6.1

                         L

                                              NORTH CAROLINA FILINI UO".

                                                          1223 North 23rd Street
                                                      Wiliningion. North Carolina 2R405
                                                            (919) 343-35(XI

                                                                             August 29, 1984

                               Chief of Sanctuary Programs Division
                               Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Mgnt.
                               3300 Whitehaven Street N.W.
                               Washington, D.C. 20235

                               Dear Sir,

                                    I strongly urge you to approve the North Carolina Office of
                               Coastal Management application for Masonboro Island, near Wilming-
                               ton, North Carolina, to become an estuarine sanctuary.  It is a
                               valued and important privilege to be able'to experience such an
                               unspoiled seashore natural island so close to "civilization" and
                               to be able to pass this privilege on to our children and their
                               children.

                                    Having enjoyed the beauty and quiet of Masonboro's dunes and                        5.7.1 Comment noted; no response necessary.
                               beaches myself several times in the past weeks, I can personally
                               attest to its marvelous qualities that would be totaiy changed and
                               destroyed by any type of construction or development.  In my
                               opinion, and from what I can see, that of many others also, this
                               federal grant would be extremely well spent and provide wonderful
                               long term benefits to the people not only of this area, but also to
                               the many tourists and visitors who come here.

                                   Thank you foryour kind attention.

                                                                             Sincerely,
                                                                            Irank Capra J.r.

                               FCJ/jg

                                                                                            Edabddwd INT
                                                                                   Me"imn N*W V4Clfk Mock ExclWIM
                                                                                  Fir5l Unjoe Seek Building - 919-763-1693
                                                                                          Pad Office Box 360
                                EVAN D. WAM JR.                                                "w& CArubm 2MI

                                                        barb

                                                                                                                                   5.8.1 Comment noted; no response necessary.

                                                                     L&- &J
                                               k.A                          J
                                                                   /%OIL Ar
                                                                                             Ij

                                                        we
                                               C.  C C.-C (I

                        5.8.1

                                         COMMENT AND RESPONSES

                                          6. PROPERTY OWNERS

                                                       :143

                                       Chief. Sanctuary Programs Division                    August 14, 1984
                                       National Ocean Service/ NOAA
                                       3300 Whitehaven St, N.W.
                                       Washington, D.C. 20235

                                  From: James D. Coggin (heir Carl L. Fales, Sr.)
                                           2095 Mayflower Drivf@
                                           Woodbridge, Virginia 22192

                                  RE: DEIS Masonboro Island Component: N.C. Estuarine Sanctuary

                                                                                                                                 6.1.1     The purpose of the Draft and Final
                                  Your DEIS is not complete in that it does not show in its entirety the meets                             Environmental Impact Statments (EIS)     is
                                                                                                                                           to provide environmental information to
                      6.1.1       and bounds of ownership as granted and willed to tne heirs and assigns as                                public officials and citizens before a
                                                                                                                                           proposed action is taken which may have
                                  listed.                                                                                                  an affect on the quality of the human
                                                                                                                                           environment. An EIS is a detailed written
                                                                                                                                           report describing the proposed action,
                                                                                                                                           the need for the action the affected
                                  As an owner of a portion of the described property I wish and will that it re-                           environment, alternatives considered,
                                                                                                                                           the environmental consequences of the
                                                                                                                                           proposed action and any other reasonable
                                  main as It is with the present owners.                                                                   alternatives to the proposed action(s).
                      6.1.2       We, the Coggin heirs, do not WAkto sell, give, bequeath, grapt or otherwise dis-                         An EIS will not normally detail the metes
                                                                                                                                           and bounds of ownership. An EIS is a
                                                                                                                                           document developed to assist in the
                                  pose of the property in our ownership as an heir of Carl L. Fales, Sr. it was                            decision wether to proceed or not pro-
                                                                                                                                           ceed with the proposed action. However,
                                  willed to us to have and to hold and this we claim.                                                      prior to the State of North Carolina's
                                                                                                                                           acquisition of a property interest with
                                  Because your study is Incomplete in that it does not set forth all Of the property                       the assistance of Federal funding, if
                                                                                                                                           such real property is land, a description
                                  involved, we therefore request that you not pursue further your attempts to ac-                          of the metes and bounds of ownershi
                       6.1.3                                                                                                                                                        p
                                                                                                                                           will be necessary for each individual
                                  quire any portion of the mentioned property.                                                             area.
                                  Further, your BEIS indicates that your sot&es have used the propertied for                      6.1.2    Comment noted.
                       6.1.4      their purposes    for this long without need for acquisition, I cannot under-                   6.1.3    Part III of the EIS describes the
                                                                                                                                           affected environment. The proposed
                                  stand why you feel the need to acquire this property for your stated reasons.                            sanctuary boundary is described both
                                                                                                                                           graphically and in the text. See
                                                                                                                                           additional discussion in the 11.1
                                                                                                                                           above.
                                 _@@erely yours
                                                                                                                                  6.1.4    The purpose and need for the proposed
                                                                                                                                           action are discussed at some length in
                                    mes D. Coggin                                                                                          Part I of this document; particulary
                            e@@a a D         - g
                                  li@
                                  Heir - C&rj1g1L. Fales, Sr.                                                                              section C.   "The Proposed Masonboro
                                                                                                                                           Addition."

                                  Copy sent to:
                                  Dr. Foster
                                  Romm 311
                                  US Department'-of Commerce
                                  Washington, D.C. 20230

                                                            J. W. HOLLIS
                                                              PO Box 904
                                                        LAURINBURG, NC 28352

                                     August 6, 1984

                                     Dr. Nancy Foster
                                     Chief, Sanctuary Programs Division
                                     National Ocean Service/NOAA
                                     3300 Whitehaven Street, MW
                                     Washington, D. C. 20235

                                     Dear Dr. Foster:

                                     I am in favor of adding the Masonboro Island Component to
                                     the North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary.                                6.2.1   Comment note; no response necessary

                                     Sincerely,

                                     J. W. Hollis

                                     CC: Joyce M. T. Wood
                                        Chief, Ecology and Conservation Division
                                        Room 6111, U. S. Department of Commerce,
                                        Washington, D. C. 20230

                          6.2.1

                                                                                     August 31, 1984
                                                                                    8413 Rainbow Road                                  6.3.1    Comments noted; no response necessary.
                                                                                     Vienna. VA 22180                                  6.3.2    Comment noted; no response necessary.
                                    Dr. Nancy Foster                                                                                   6.3.3    The public meeting referred to was held
                                    Chief, Sanctuary Programs Division                                                                          by a local public interest group. This
                                    National Ocean Service/NO&A                                                                                 group invited the staff of the State of
                                    3300 Whitehaven Street, NW                                                                                  North Carolina's Office of Coastal
                                    Washington, DC 20235                                                                                        Management to discuss the North Carolina
                                    Dear Dr. Foster:                                                                                            National Estuarine Sanctuary and the
                                                                                                                                                State's interest in Masonboro Island.
                                        As heir of Carl L. Fales and legatee of property located on Masonboro                                   This meeting was publicized extensively
                                    Island, I wish to register my strong objection to the primary proposal                                      in the Wilmington news media. The
                                    described in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and Draft                                      reference to this meeting in the Summary
                         6.3.1      Management Plan as prepared by the U.S. Department of       Commerce/NOAA and the                           and in Part I.C.3. has been clarified.
                                    State of Worth Carolina concerning the inclusion of Masonboro Island in the                                 Because this meeting was not held by
                                                                                                                                                the State of North Carolina, the State
                                    North Carolina Estuarine Sanctuary.                                                                         did not notify landowners of record of
                                                                                                                                                such an unofficial meeting (see response
                                        Specifically, I do not wish to sell or otherwise divest myself of the                                   to Comment 6.3.11).
                                    property bequeathed to me by my mother, Margaret Fales Coggin, daughter of
                                    Carl L. Fales. Thus, I advocate the '...no action alternative. ..that would                        6.3.4    The purpose of the site selection
                         6.3.2      allow conditions to continue as they are today.' I fail to understand how                                   process was to evaluate which natural
                                    this alternative would "...have an adverse effect on the biological resources                               areas in North Carolina's extensive
                                    of Masonboro Island.' Preservation of the island in its present state is most                               estuarine system would best fulfill the
                                    desirable to me.                                                                                            purposes of the National Estuarine
                                                                                                                                                Sanctuary Program -- unimpacted with
                                        I am extremely dissatisfied with the manner in which this action has been                               extensive marshes, tidal flats and
                                    approached in that I have never been informed of public meetings, etc., as                                  shallows; convenient to research and
                                    described in the DEIS. Specifically, a meeting was held in Wilmington on                                    education centers; etc. For this
                         6.3.3      October 26, 1983 "where the OCR staff explained the sanctuary program and its                               preliminary scoping process, experts on
                                    itent to acquire the island.0     ! ask that an explanation be given as to why I                            estuarine systems and the North Carolina
                                    was never informed of this meeting, and how that circumstance may be avoided                                coast were consulted. Because of the
                                    in the future.                                                                                              very preliminary nature of the activity,
                                                                                                                                                and that no actions took place at any one
                                        Furthermore, in June of 1980 "Detailed inventories of over 112 important                                site, no property owners were contacted
                                    natural areas were reviewed and a solicitation of nominations for potential                                 at this time.
                         6.3.4      sites was sent to over 50 keT parties..."       Is not a landowner a key party?
                                    The answer would seem to be yes'; however, at no time was I informed of these                      6.3.5    National Estuarine Sanctuary Program
                                    proceedings.                                                                                                regulations (Appendix 1) encourage
                                                                                                                                                continued traditional low-intensity
                                        As you must know, the heirs of Carl L. Fales have never. registered the                                 recreational and interpretive uses
                                    slightest intention of developing this property, nor do I have any -intention                               of the Sanctuary land and water areas
                         6.3.5      of doing so in my lifetime.     I would very much like to see the island remain                             if these activities are conducted in a
                                    as it is -- undeveloped and unencumbpred by people. Yet the DEIS states, on                                 manner consistent with the overall
                                    page 3. that "Commercial fishing and shellfishing may also be compatible                                    purpose of the Sanctuary (please see
                                    uses.0 This statement seems to contrast sharply with the purported intent of                                �921.1 of Appendix 1) . Commercial
                                    the Draft Management Plan.    Even more paradoxical is the statement that use of                            fishing, shellfishing, and hunting are
                                    the island for hunting is "...compatible with the primary sanctuary                                         all traditional uses and, as presently
                                    purposes." Now can the State of North Carolina allow hunting on property                                    conducted and regulated by the the
                                    inhabited by several endangered species?                                                                    State, have not caused a significant
                                                                                                                                                adverse impact on the Masonboro Island
                                                                                                                                                environment or on the several endangered
                                                                                                                                                species occuring on Masonboro Island.

                               Dr. Nancy Foster
                               Page 2

                                    In the preface and again on page 10 of the DEIS, reference is made to the
                               existing utilization of the site for research and education. To my knowledge,
                     6.3.6     neither I nor any of the heirs of Carl L. Fales has ever been asked, nor has                     6.3.6   Please refer to letters from individuals
                               there ever been granted, permission to use the site by any other party.        I                         representing academic institutions
                               would like an explanation of these activities and where they occur to                                    in Appendix 9 of the DEIS -- Research
                               determine if my property has been used without my permission.                                            Interest in Masonboro Island. The
                                                                                                                                        majority of the research done at
                                    Additionally, I respectfully request answers to the following questions:                            Masonboro Island has taken place in
                                                                                                                                        the salt marshes and shallow estuarine
                                         What is the name and location of the developer who has "recently                               waters; both Public Trust areas and
                     6.3.7               voiced plans of constructing a private club house on the north end       of                    property of the State of North Carolina.
                                         the island"? (page 18) .
                                                                                                                                6.3.7   Please refer to an article in the
                                         What plans do the State and the oil companies (listed under the                                Wilmington Morning_Star (May 17, 1984)
                                         heading National Interest Groues on pages 83 and 84) have in regard                            (see Part II.B.1.     page4S).
                                         to acquisition and use of the island? I request information
                     6.3.8               .regarding specific and detailed plans, as they exist.     If there are                6.3.8   The list to which you refer in this
                                         no specific plans, what general interest do these companies have? I                            comment is of agencies, organizations
                                         find the inclusion of the oil companies in the list of interest                                and persons receiving copies of the
                                         groups most disturbing -- the profit motive seems obvious.      I am also                      env'lronmental impact statement. The
                                         most eager to learn why the AFL-CIO is interested in the acquistion                            preparers of this document are not
                                         of the island by the State of North Carolina.                                                  aware of any expressions of interest
                                                                                                                                        in this project by either "oil companies"
                                         Now do I become a member of the Masonboro Island Local Advisory                                or the AFL-CIO.
                     6.3.9               Committee?
                                                                                                                                6.3.9   The Masonboro Island Local Advisory
                                         Why did I not automatically receive a copy of the DEIS as soon      as it                      Committee will be established if the
                                         was made available?                                                                            decision is to establish Masonboro
                     6.3.10                                                                                                             Island as a national estuarine
                                    Although numerous statements appear throughout the DEIS expressing a                                sanctuary.   If you are interested in
                               desire for cooperation, I find that in reality the State of North Carolina has                           participating on the Masonboro Island
                               not acted in good faith.    I have never been informed, as an interested party,                          Local Advisory Committee, you should
                               of any meetings or other public discussions concerning Masonboro Island.         In                      indicate your interest to the Director,
                               fact, it was only through the efforts of another of the heirs of Carl L.                                 North Carolina Department of Natural
                               Fales, Mrs. Dorothy Houck, that I was even informed of the existence of       the                        Resources and Community Development;
                               DEIS.                                                                                                    Raliegh, North Carolina.
                     6.3.11
                                    I received a copy of the DEIS less than 30 days before the public hearing,                  6.3.10  You were not listed as a property
                               hardly enough time to fully consider the implications of the plan. I                                     owner on the New Hanover County Tax
                               therefore feel that the State of North Carolina, in conjunction. with the                                Rolls from which we acquired our
                               Department of Commerce, has done its best to obscure its intentions as regards                           mailing list. For those property
                               Masonboro Island and has most definitely not made " ... every effort to keep the                         owners not listed, the availability
                               land owners of Masonboro Island fully info-rTned on the status of the acqusition                         of the DEIS was published in the
                               process.*                                                                                                Federal Register and in the local
                                                                                                                                        Wilmington newspaper. Please also
                                    I am a native of North Carolina, as were both my natural parents, their                             see response 6.3.11 below.
                               parents, their parents' parents, etc. I am very proud of my heritage,
                     6.3.12    particularly that of my ancestors who settled in and around the
                               Wilmington/Masonboro Sound area several centuries ago. I am loath to see a
                               family legacy unfairly usurped by the government for purposes which seem to        be
                               admirable, but which are most obviously tainted by profit-induced motives.         I
                               am more than willing to discuss viable alternatives, but must insist upon
                               retaining full ownership of the property that is legally and rightfully mine.

                               Dr. Nancy Foster
                               Page 3

                                   Conservation efforts are laudable.      However, the plan described in the                    6.3.11   The DEIS was mailed to all landowners
                               DEIS is not in the best interests of conservation, but is rather a potentially                             of record. Amy A. Coggin is not listed
                     6.3.13    profit-making venture for the State of North Carolina.       Furthermore, the                              as a landowner by the New Hanover County
                                                                                                                                          Tax Office. The DEIS and a notice
                               island has not been accurately represented in the DEIS.                                                    of the public hearing were mailed to
                                    I am most heartily in favor of the conservation of Masonboro Island. But.                             the Carl L. Fales Heirs, at 401 E.
                               unless and until the questions I have raised are answered to my satisfaction                               Columbia Street, Falls Church, VA 22046.
                     6.3.14    and a more realistic assessment of the island's make-up is presented, I will                               Furthermore, the State Office of Coastal
                               continue to adamantly oppose its acquistion by the State of North Carolina.                                Management tried to telephone all
                                                                                                                                          property owners from July 30 to August 2.
                                                                                                                                          1984, to remind them of the public hearing.
                                                                                                                                          Those who could not be reached by phone,
                                                                          Si  erel                                                        or for which a phone number was not available,
                                                                                                                                          were sent a letter reminding them of the
                                                                                                                                          public hearing. Now that we know you
                                                                                                                                          are a property owner, your name has
                                                                                 Coggin                                                   been added to our mailing list.

                                                                                                                                 6.3.12   Comment noted; no response necessary.
                               cc: Joyce M. T. Wood                                                                              6.3.13   We disagree. The primary goal of
                                     Chief, Ecology and Conservation Division                                                             establishing Masonboro Island as the
                                     U.S. Department of Commerce/NGM                                                                      fourth component of the North Carolina
                                                                                                                                          National Estuarine Sanctuary is the
                                                                                                                                          conservation of Masonboro Island. The
                                                                                                                                          State of North Carolina will not enjoy
                                                                                                                                          any profit from this project, but, as
                                                                                                                                          a result of the State's commitment to
                                                                                                                                          the project, considerable State resources
                                                                                                                                          (funds and manpower) will be devoted to
                                                                                                                                          Sanctuary acquisition, development, and
                                                                                                                                          operation.

                                                                                                                                 6.3.14   Comments noted; no response necessary.
                                                                       _@Co          qi @n@

                                            COMMENTS AND RESPONSES

                                         7.  Sportfishing Groups

                                                          151

                                                                                        August 30, 1994
                                                                                       NOS Maplefleld Dr
                                                                                       Plaltigh, N.C. 27612

                                             Dr. Nancy Foster, Chief
                                             Sanctuary Program Division
                                             National Ocean Service /NOAA
                                             33DO Whitehaven Street, NW
                                             -Washift6tip- D.C-20235-

                                             Dear Dr. Fostert

                                                  On behalf of the Raleigh (NC) Saltwater Sportfishing
                                             club, I have been asked to provide comments to your office
                                             concerning the Inclusion of the Masonboro Island Component
                                             In the Worth Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary. The
                                             Raleigh Club is concerned with programs that serve to main-
                                             tain and improve stocks of all marine species and programs
                                             that protect marine habitat.

                                                  We urge the approval of the request of the State of
                                             North Carolina for financial assistance from the Office of
                                             Ocean and Coastal Resource Management in the amount of
                                             $982,900 for the acquisition of the Masonboro Island
                                             Component. The study and preservation of these lands and
                                             waters will serve to increase the understanding of our
                                             estuarine systems and how they impact on marine populations.

                                                  One point of concern that is not clearly identifiable
                                             in the draft Envioronmental Impact Statement involves com-
                                             mercial fishing activities. The Raleigh Saltwater Sport-
                                             fishing Club agrees with the policy that allow traditional
                                             commercial activities within the esturine component; however,                       7.1.1    We have checked with the North Carolina
                                             We do not feel that areas should be reserved for such activ-                                 Division of Marine Fisheries and there
                                             ities through commercial leases. This point does not appear                                  are no current shellfishing leases
                                             to be specifically addressed in the study, and if allowed                                    within the boundaries of the proposed
                                             would be a point of objection by the organization.                                           Sanctuary. In addition, there is now a
                                                                                                                                          New Hanover County regulatin prohibiting
                                                  We commend the State of North Carolina and the National                                 the letting of any new shellfishing
                                             Ocean Service on their efforts to conserve and protect our                                   leases in the county.
                                             marine resources.
                                                                             Si &ce ely,
                                                                                    1Z     J
                                                                             David L. Tompkins, Jr.
                                                                             Raleigh Saltwater Sportfishing Club

                                                  PART VII

                                                Section C

               Comments from private individuals supporting the addition of Masonboro Island
               as the fourth component of the North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary

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                                                 for Lt. Gover-nor
                                   P. 0. Box 1984. Mt. Gilead. NC 27306 919/439w6666
                                   `1033 Wade Ave.. Suite `1`16. Poleigh, NC 27605 9191821-0356                                        SAINT JAMES CHURC
                                                                                                                                                  A
                                                                                                                                    WItMINGTON NORTH CA
                                                 STATEMENT BY SENATOR BOB JORDAN                                                          W,6 I.RIt
                                                            Wednesday, August 22,    7PM                                              C-   H*- -d     0."-.      - ------------
                                                                                                                                                    4T it"IV!,
                                         The State of North Carolina has proposed   to  acquire                                        t                         POST CA@R
                                   Masonboro island to preserve this important estuarine complex                                                k rs +U Lt'
                                   for research and education.                                                                      5 Q 0 -VV 1`1     )Af@    0',     f; 4?.       @t,
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                                   addit The 5,000 acre Masonboro Island will be an     important                                                  0ard V@ P0 4tyll I
                                         'un to North Carolina's estuarine sanctuary    system.   This                                                t    .        tl
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                                            ed area will be ideal for future research, education,
                                                                                                                                                 ST V C - ry
                                   and pub                                               mud flats,                                                           0 5//N6 A A
                                          lic enjoyment. its extensive salt marshes,
                                                                                                                                                       it t "
                                                                                                                                                Is VLAT       75-300 \;J1
                                   shallow creeks, and low dunes present a unique opportunity to                                       \040   ch
                                   better understand how undisturbed coastal systems function.
                                   This  improved understanding is critical to our ability to
                                         ly                                                                                       outo-4V411 @
                                   proper   manage development in other areas in the state so      as
                                   to protect coastal water quality, fisheries, recreation, and                                                         Al
                                   important natural resources.

                                         The State. of North Carolina is committed to this program
                                   To date, nearly $2.4 million worth of land for our sanctuary
                                   system has been secured through donations.     This is a gignificant
                                   accomplishment. During the 1984 General Assembly session,
                                   through my sponsorship and with the support of many others,
                                   $100,000 was appropriated to be used towards acquisition of
              IIA                  Masonboro island.
                                         The estuarine sanctuary program is a partnership
                                   and serves important natural interests. The federal participation
                                   which has made this program possible should continue with
                                   Masonboro Island.   The knowledge we gain here will be nationally
                                   significant and will be of great assistance to federal agencies
                                   and other states.
                                         Ftesearchers at UNC-Wilmington are ready to make immediate use
                                   of this area for research.   The public schools, our marine resources
                                   centers, and others are ready to use this area for educational
                                   programs.  There are too few undisturbed areas of this quality
                                   left in North Carolina, and we must take immediate action to save
                                   this very important resource.

                                         Therefore, I strongly urge the U.S. Department of Commerce
                                   to expeditiously issue a final impact statement on this proposal
                                   and to give approval quickly tc@this grant request.

                                         Thank you.
                                                                                                                                                   0

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                                                     William Holt Trotman

                                                     P.O. Box 352
                                                     Wrightsville Beach. N.C. 28408
                                                                                                                                                                                                              @,z / A'eo         A - e,, , e--
                                                                                   August 27, 1984                                                                                                                               A'(7 _7sy@3
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Atlqils@ :27,
                                                     Chief of Sanctuary Programs                                                                                             @/tl
                                                     Office of Coastal Management
                                                                                                                                                                             6C&,,
                                                     NOS/NOAR
                                                                                                                                                             33,t
                                                     3300 Whitehaven St.. N.W.
                                                     Washington D.C.                                                                                         eAi5X1JLf@"V' D_.C.         _70 23

                                                     Dear Sirs:                                                                                                                                              pi
                                                           I have been a resident of Wrightsville Beach, N.C. for the                                                                   15                                        jP
                                                     past four years. 1. like thousands of others, frequently visit
                                                     Masonboro Island and enjoy the unequaled beauty of its natural                                                                    5
                                                     state. It would indeed be a share to miss a chance to preserve                  such
                                                     a valuable and fast-disappearing resource as our-barrier islands.
                                                     The benefits of such preservation far outweigh any financial gains
                                                     to be derrived from private development. For the sake of this
                                                     and future generations I urge you to provide the funds necessary
            ell)                                     to establish flasonboro Island as an estuarine sanctuary.

                                                                                                         Sincerely,

                                                                                                         William Holt Trotman

                                                                                                                                 2-74    3

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                                                                                        205 QUAIL RIDGE RD.
                             Al 0 S /PV0 4.f                                          WILMINGTON, N. t 28403
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                                                                                                                                                                     A.@14 &@Ii. 29403

                                                                                            1710 Fordham Road
                                                                                            Wilmington, NC 28403                                      aA.-
                                                                                            August 28, 1984

                                                                                                                                                                                                     Irk-
                                       Chief, Sanctuary Programs Division
                                       office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
                                       NOS/NQAA
                                       3300 Whitehaven Street, N.W.
                                       Washington, D.C. 20235

                                       Dear Madam or Sir:
                                       1 am writing concerning the move to declare Masonboro Island, off the coa st
                                       of North Carolina, an estuarine sanctuary.
                                       I have lived in Wilmington, NC for 12 years, and have received much enjoyment                                7
                                       from the area beaches. We are fortunate in having the opportunity at this
                                       point, of preserving one of our last barrier islands as a natural sanctuary.
                                       North Carolina's barrier islands are almost if not all developed, some of them
                                       privately, thereby not allowing public access. I believe the public must
                                       be assured of access to beaches and natural, undeveloped open spaces on the
                                       beaches must The preserved for this reason. The fact that barriOr islands and
                                       Masonboro Island in particular, are sanctuaries for wildlife and plantlife
                                       should go without saying. The unique ecology of these islands must be
                                       preserved for the people of North Carolina and the United States to enjoy.
                                       I encourage you to approve the grant application for establishing Masonboro
                                       Island as an estuarine sanctuary.

                                       Thank you for your attention to these comments.

                                                                        Sincerely yours,

                                                                        Marty Pridgen

                                       /mlp

                                                                                      905 BiUmark Drive
                                                                                  Wilmington, NC 28403
                                                                                         August 28,1984

                                      Chief of the Sanctuary Programs Division
                                      Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management
                                      NOSINOAA
                                      3300 Whitehaven Street, NW                                                                                               609 Hasonboro Sound Road
                                      Washington, DC 20235                                                                                                     Wilmington, North Ca"lina
                                      Dear Sirs:                                                                                                               August 279 1994

                                        1 am writing as    a concerned citizen with regard to your
                                      department's decision on the fate of Masonboro Island, New Hanover                         7he Chief, Sanctuaries Programs Division
                                      County, Wilmington, N.C. Much discussion In the media and on                               Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Mgmt.
                                      � personal level Is taking place with regard to the possible loss of                       3300 White Raven Street, N W
                                      � very beautiful and ecologically important area of barrier island                         Washington, D. C. 20235
                                      in North Carolina.
                                        Masonboro Island provides one of the few remaining areas in                              Re: Kasonboro Island, North Carolina
                                      our county where one can enjoy the unspoiled beauty of nature. It                          Dear Sirt
                                      is also an important nursery area for fish and shell fish as well as
                                      a home for countless varieties of waterfowl. The inhabitable area                          Just to Ilya in the area where we can sight the naturalp
                                      cannot be very large and would present certain contamination of
                                      area marsh.                                                                                undefiled beauty of Kasonboro Island across the intra-
                                        Please give strong consideration to protecting this area as an                           coastal waterway is to be aware of *an indangered species".
                                      estuarine sanctuary and not allow the island to be spoiled by
                                      development.                                                                               We strongly approve (with our donations and our tax
                                                                      Sincerely,                                                 dollars) the preservation of this iek1nd as an estuarine

                                                                                                                                 sanctuary and as open land for the continued enjoyment of
                                                                      R. Michael Mincey                                          a caring public.

                                                                                                                                                              Sincerelyp

                                                                                                                                                              Jsmes Forger,
                                                                                                                                                              Landscape Archit-ect

                                                                                                                                                              Dora B. Forger
                                                                                                                                                              Romemaker

                                                                                            B. P. m .. er
                                                                                         P..t Offi. B. 722
                                                                                  S.rf City, N.4 C.li.. 28445

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                                                                                                                                  Chief of Sanctuary Programs               August 28, 1984
                                                                                                                                  Office of Ocean and Coastal Manageme
                                                                                                                                  NOS/NOAA
                                                                              August 29, 1984                                     3300 Whitehaven Street, N.W.
                                                                                                                                  Washington, D.C. 20235

                                                                                                                                  To whom It may concern:
                                  Dr. Nancy Foster. Chief                                                                         Let's preserve Masonboro Island. 0ne October my husband and I
                                  Sanctuary Programs Division                                                                     motored over in our little flat botton boat to discover a
                                  National Ocean Service/NOAA                                                                     flourishment of golden rod in full bloom being visited by thousands
                                  Washington, D. C. 20235                                                                         of monareh butterflies literally having a field day - it was a

    					Dear Dr. Foster:                                                                                precious and magical sight.
                                  The time is NOW for Masonboro Island to be left alone. Another developed                        As a resident (taxpayer) of Wilmington, N.C. I have watched the
                                  Island is just another development. But there to only one Hasonboro Is-                         natural course of shifting sands and ever changing coast, the
                                  land!                                                                                           Island "moves" particularly during winter storms. The part of the
    					                                                                                                island closest to me as the crow  flies is very thin and fragile,
                                  I recently read the following statement by the vice president In charge                         I have seen the ocean wash into the sound and indeed in will again.
                                  of environmental aspects before Kiawah Island was developed: "Generally                         Should mankind be allowed to inhabit and "develop" Masonboro Island
                                  the impact on Kiawah's wildlife can be intelligently managed so the in-                         there will be jetties, bridges, deep water docks and other things
                                  pacts are acceptable and. In many Instances. positive," (Does "positive"                        to try to protect the houses man builds, thereby destroying natural
                                  possibly mean that the wildlife would actually be better off?)                                  resources and the very opportunity for nature to preserve itself
                                                                                                                                  to naturally recycle Itself. Then when a severe storm comes along
                                  Kiawah was home to the loggerhead turtle. Now, the preservation of Ma-                          man will holler "disaster" and want relief to rebuild when in
                                  sonboro island Is Its only real chance for survival.                                            fact the real disaster will have to allow man to destroy that
                                  I wholly support the conservation of Masonboro Island for biological                            which is natural and precious in the first place
                                  research and study and for limited recreation. To quote Jonathan Schell,                        Now is the time to establish our barrier island as an estuarine
                                  "Every person Is the right person to act and every moment Is the right                          sanctuary. I beg and implore you to carefully consider agreeing
                                  moment to begin."                                                                               to a federal grant to allow the N. C. office of Coastal Management
                                                                              Yours very truly.                                   to preserve the island to buy up the island and keep it as is.

    																					Thank you very much, respectfully submitted,

    																										Julia Vickers Durrance
    																										(Mrs. Alfred Lee Durrance)
    																										226 Hickory Knoll Drive
    																										Wilmington, N.C. 28403
    																										Phone: 919-395-5958
    																					enclosing snapshots taken on Masonboro Island. you may keep them.
    																					description of photos on back of each one.

    												  (Mrs) Vivian K. Bates

                                  507 North Channel Drive
                                  Wriehtsville Beach
                                  North Carolina 28480

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                                                                                                                               Mrs. Stanley WinbornE, Jr.
                                                                                                                                415 Bradley Creek Point
                                                                                  /,0                                       Wilmington. North Carolina 2840-3

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                                                                     DAM S. HOLLOWAY
                                                                     Rt. 3 Box 334 AA
                                                                     Wilmington, NC 28403

                                                                                                August 25, 1984

                                         Chief,Sanctuary Programs Division
                                         Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Mgt.
                                         3300 Whitehaven St. NK
                                         Washington, DC    20235
                                         Dear Sir:
                                               I attended the public hearing an Aug. 22 concerning Masonboro Island.
                                         The following comments are submitted in support of making the entire island
                                         and marshes a national estuarine sanctuary.
                                               I grew up in Wilmington and spent many summers sailing and exploring
                                         around the island. I majored in Biology in college. Recently I returned to
                                         Wilmington after 4 years in the Navy. The most prominent change I noticed
                                         was the rapid increase in development, especially on the beaches. This area
                                         is experiencing a development boom. The completion of the I-40 extension to
                                         Wilmington will encourage more people to move here. in the early 1970's
                                         there was an effort to save Bald Head Island (Smith's island)
                                         from development. It is now privately owned. The beaches are a major summer
                                         attraction for residents and tourists. UNC Wilmington and Cape Fear Technical
                                         Institute have strong marine science programs. Therefore I strongly urge
                                         that Masonboro Island be left in its natural state for recreation and
                                         scientific use.
                                               Please forward a copy of the environmental impact statement when they
                                         are available. Thank You.

    															Sincerely,

    															David S. Holloway

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                                                                                                                                                                    E.C. HICKS, JR.
                                                                                                                                                                  2404 Confederate Drive
                                                                                                                                                               Wilmington, North Carolina 28403

                                                                                                                                                                     August 31, 1984

                                                                                                                                  Chief of Sanctuary Programs Division
                                                                                                                                  Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management
                                                                                                                                  NOS/NOAA
                                                                                                                                  3300 Whitehaven Street, NW
                                                                                                                                  Washington, D. C. 20235

                                                                                                                                  Dear Sir:

                                                                                                                                       We understand a decision will soon be reached as to whether Masonboro Island,
                                                                                                                                  an extremely valuable barrier Island just off the coast of New Hanover County, N. C.,
                                                                                                                                  III be sold to developers or be given a federal grant of $982,000 and perpetually
                                                                                                                                  preserved as an estuarine sanctuary.
                                                                                                                                       When I was younger there were any number of places on adjacent Wrightsville
                                                                                                                                  Beach, Shell Island and other areas up an down the coast where I could take my fam-
                                                                                                                                  ily for a day's fishing, picnicing, shell hunting and general enjoyment of sand, sea
                                                                                                                                  and sun. But with the recent proliferation of motels, condominiums, etc., they are
                                                                                                                                  becoming few and far between. Certainly, none remains that anywhere nearly equals
                                                                                                                                  Hasonboro Island, and even those are fast disappearing. I shrudder to think that my
                                                                                                                                  children, their children and their grandchildren may be totally deprived of this
                                                                                                                                  privilege.

                                                                                                                                       The cost of preserving this valuable asset is peanuts when compared with the
                                                                                                                                  18 billion dollars which, under H.R. 3678, the House of Representatives has just
                                                                                                                                  voted for water development and recreation in practically every, if not in every,
                                                                                                                                  State in the Union, many of them merely pork barrell boondoggles. It is peanuts                                                                                                                              beside the hundreds of millions which North Florida congressman would have the gov-
                                                                                                                                  ernment spend to build and maintain Lake Oklawaha and accompanying recreation facili-
                                                                                                                                  ties, very near which there Is already a plethera of equally good, or better, fish-
                                                                                                                                  ing spots. And there would be absolutely no cost of maintenance of Masonboro Island.

                                                                                                                                       Mrs. Hicks and I urgently implore you to exert your every effort to preserve
                                                                                                                                  this area as an estuarine sanctuary. With many thanks
    																										Sincerely,

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                                                JOSEPH W. WHITTED
                                           741 nASONBORO SOUND ROAD
                                             WILMINGTON, NC 28403

                                                 August 30.-1984                                                                                  306 Lawrence Apts.
                                                                                                                                                  Princeton, NJ 08540
                                                                                                                                                  August 30, 1984
                      Office of ocean and Coastal Resource Management                                    Chief of  the Sanctuary Programs Division
                      3300 Whitelmven .1treet, NW                                                        Office of ocean and Coastal Resource Management
                      Washington. DC 2,)235                                                              NOS/NOAA -
                                                                                                         3300 Whitehaven Street N.W.
                      Dear Sir-                                                                          Washington, D.C. 20235
                          .,It to my understanding that Masonboro Island Is being con-                   RE: MASONBORO ISLANDt NORTH CAROLINA
                      sidered as an addition to the North Carolina National: Estuarine
                      Sanctuary probram.                                                                 Dear Sir:
                           From time to time  for the past sixty years I have had                             As a native of New Hanover County, North Carolina, who,
                      the pleasure of visiting this delightful Island and enjoying                       although not currently a resident, visits there regularly, I am
                      Its beauty and solitude and serenity. Without going Into Its                       writing to urge you to establish Masonboro Island as an estuarine
                      ecological value, which you can determine much better than I.                      sanctuary.
                      I would like to speak on behalf of the future generations
                      whose Idea of a beach, unless definite measures are taken.                              I see this as a perfect opp;ortunity to preserve a little bit
                      probably will be a place of wall-to-wall condominimums                             of nature in the face of helter-skelter development. As you
                      and beer joint-lined boardwalks smell Ing of hotdogs and                           doubtless know, the island (along with the marshes behind it) is
                      sun-tan lotion.                                                                    a wildlife wonderland - a haven for shore birds of all descrip-
                                                                                                         tions, shellfish of all descriptions (unlike the marshes behind
                           I sincerely request that you preserve this natural     In-                    nearby Wrightsville Beach), and other fish and sea creatures. It
                      heritance so that our descendents, both yours and mine.     can                    is relatively unspoiled, even though it is easily accessible by
                      enjoy It In perpetuity and know what our coast was like     when                   small boats and larger ones. As such, it is a perfect candidate
                      the earliest explorers and settlers first arrived.                                 for preservation for use by all the people, instead of the wealthy
                                                                                                         few, with minimum impact on UFe wildlife and unspoiled quality.
                                                  Eincerely.                                                  Furthermore, the waterways all around the island, and the two
                                                                                                         inlets on either end of it, are already so crowded during the sum-
                                                                                                         mer that it is hard to imagine them with the significant increase
                                                                                                         in sheer number of boats which can be anticipated if major develop-
                                                                                                         ment should occur on the island. There is plenty of waterfront
                                                                                                         property - oceanfront and otherwise - under development within
                                                                                                         a few miles of Masonboro Island. Must we develop every inch of
                                                                                                         our seaboard for t@p benefit of the wealthy at the expense of the
                                                                                                         less fortunate and"hature itself?
                                                                                                              I urge you to approve the establishment of Masonboro island
                                                                                                         as an estuarine sanctuary - for the benefit and preservation of
                                                                                                         the creatures which live there and for the enjoyment of all who
                                                                                                         love and appreciate them and their unspoiled habitat.

                                                                                                              Thank you for your attention.

                                                                                                                                                  Cordiallyt

                                                                                                                                                  Richard B. Gwathmey,
                                                                                                                                                          W
                                                                                                                                                          5. GwTatey,

    8/27/84
    P.O. BOX 964
    Carolina Beach, N.C.
    28428

    Chief of the Sanctuary Programs Division
    Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
    NOS/NOAA
    3300 Whitehaven St. N.W.
    Washington, D.C.
    20235

    Dear Chief of Sanctuaries:

    We, the following residents of New Hanover County, N.C., strongly urge that you
    establish Masonboro Island as a protected sanctuary. We urge you to protect the
    whole island; we feel this is pareferable to protecting only parts. We feel that
    "development" of the island would not only be unsafe, but it would limit use of the
    island to a very few people. If the island is established as an estuarine sanctuary
    it could continie to be used by the public for purposes such as fishing, hiking
    beachcombing, birdwatching, nature field trips, clamming, crabbing, etc. It will
    also continue to serve as a hatchery for our valuable fisheries on the East coast.
    UNC-W proffessors and students cancontinue to use it for marine research, as well.
    PLEASE help us to protect Masonboro Island!

    Peter K. Meyer - Carolina Beach, NC
    Catherine E Meyer - " " "
    Hilda J Aldridge - New Hanover County
    Donald B Aldridge - " " "
    202
    Robert R. Arualley  Masonboro Social Rd. New Hanover Co.
    Mary Lambert  City of Wilmington
    Linda Hiller  Weightsville Beach
    James R. Dineen, MD  New Hanover County
    Flora B. Bass, New Hanover Co.
    Debra H. Pearce  New Hanover County
    Thomas L Pearce  New Hanover County
    Dianne Chestnut  " " "
    Do Hei Lee - Wilmington, N.C.
    Diane Lee " "
    -1-

    8/27/84
    P.O. BOX 964
    Carolina Beach, N.C.
    28428

    Chief of the Sanctuary Programs Division
    Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
    NOS/NOAA
    3300 Whitehaven St. N.W.
    Washington, D.C.
    20235

    Dear Chief of Sanctuaries:

    We, the following residents of New Hanover County, N.C., strongly urge that you
    establish Masonboro Island as a protected sanctuary. We urge you to protect the
    whole island; we feel this is pareferable to protecting only parts. We feel that
    "development" of the island would not only be unsafe, but it would limit use of the
    island to a very few people. If the island is established as an estuarine sanctuary
    it could continie to be used by the public for purposes such as fishing, hiking
    beachcombing, birdwatching, nature field trips, clamming, crabbing, etc. It will
    also continue to serve as a hatchery for our valuable fisheries on the East coast.
    UNC-W proffessors and students cancontinue to use it for marine research, as well.
    PLEASE help us to protect Masonboro Island!

    Sharla J. Fenchel - New Hanover County
    Ellen P. Mullinif  " " "
    Virginia Kendall   " " "
    May Ellen Lewis    " " "
    Ann S. Manning     " " "
    Marie Stephens
    Brenda Lanier      " " "
    Faye Mulliten      " " "
    Jerrie Long        " " "
    Bernodette Edison
    Roberta Thompson   " " "
    Sandra Brown       " " "
    Pat Howard         " " "
    Jane White         " " "
    Mary Ellen Pyland  " " "
    Debbie Ann Saw     " " "
    -2-                       (OVER)

                                                                             8/27/84
                                                                             P.O. BOX 964
                                                                             Carolina Beach, N.C.
                                                                             28428
    16

    Chief of the Sanctuary Programs Division
    Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
    NOS/NOAA
    3300 Whitehaven St. N.W.
    Washington, D.C.
    20235

    Dear Chief of Sanctuaries:

    We, the following residents of New Hanover County, N.C., strongly urge that you
    establish Masonboro Island as a protected sanctuary. We urge you to protect the
    whole island; we feel this is pareferable to protecting only parts. We feel that
    "development" of the island would not only be unsafe, but it would limit use of the
    island to a very few people. If the island is established as an estuarine sanctuary
    it could continie to be used by the public for purposes such as fishing, hiking
    beachcombing, birdwatching, nature field trips, clamming, crabbing, etc. It will
    also continue to serve as a hatchery for our valuable fisheries on the East coast.
    UNC-W proffessors and students cancontinue to use it for marine research, as well.
    PLEASE help us to protect Masonboro Island!

    203

                                                         8/27/84
                                                         P.O. BOX 964
                                                         Carolina Beach, N.C.
                                                         28428

    Chief of the Sanctuary Programs Division
    Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
    NOS/NOAA
    3300 Whitehaven St. N.W.
    Washington, D.C.
    20235

    Dear Chief of Sanctuaries:

    We, the following residents of New Hanover County, N.C., strongly urge that you
    establish Masonboro Island as a protected sanctuary. We urge you to protect the
    whole island; we feel this is pareferable to protecting only parts. We feel that
    "development" of the island would not only be unsafe, but it would limit use of the
    island to a very few people. If the island is established as an estuarine sanctuary
    it could continie to be used by the public for purposes such as fishing, hiking
    beachcombing, birdwatching, nature field trips, clamming, crabbing, etc. It will
    also continue to serve as a hatchery for our valuable fisheries on the East coast.
    UNC-W proffessors and students cancontinue to use it for marine research, as well.
    PLEASE help us to protect Masonboro Island!

                                                                                8/27/84
                                                                                P.O. BOX 964
                                                                                Carolina Beach, N.C.
                                                                                28428

                        Chief of the Sanctuary Programs Division                                                              Chief of the Sanctuary Programs Division
                        Office of ocean and Coastal Resource Management                                                       Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
                        NOS/NOAA                                                                                              NOS/NOA
                        3300 Whitehaven St. N.W.                                                                              3300 Whitehaven St. N.W.
                        Washington, D.C.                                                                                      Washington. D.C.
                        20235                                                                                                 20235

                        Dear Chief of Sanctuaries:                                                                            Dear Chief of Sanctuaries:

                        We, the following residents of New Hanover County, N.C., strongly urge that you				  We, the following residents of New Hanover County, N.C., strongly urge that you
                        establish Masonboro Island as a protected sanctuary. We urge you to protect the                       establish Masonboro Island as a protected sanctuary. We urge you to protect the
                        whole island; we feel this is preferable to protecting only parts. We feel that                       whole island; we feel this is preferable to protecting only parts. We feel that
                        "development" of the Island would not only be unsafe, but it would limit use of the                   "development" of the Island would not only be unsafe, but it would limit use of the
                        Island to a very few people. If the Island is established as an estuarine sanctuary                   Island to a very few people. If the Island is established as an estuarine sanctuary
                        it could continue to be used by the public for. purposes such as fishing, hiking,                     it could continue to be used by the public for. purposes such as fishing, hiking,
                        beachcombing, birdwatching, nature field trips, clamming, crabbing. etc. It will                      beachcombing, birdwatching, nature field trips, clamming, crabbing. etc. It will
                        also continue to serve as a hatchery for our valuable fisheries on the East coast.                    also continue to serve as a hatchery for our valuable fisheries on the East coast.
                        UNC-W professors and students can continue to use it for marine research, as well.                    UNC-W professors and students can continue to use it for marine research, as well.
                        PLEASE help us to protect Masonboro Island!                                                           PLEASE help us to protect Masonboro Island!

                                                       8/27/84                                                                                                           8/27/84
                                                       P.O. BOX 964                                                                                                      P.O. Box 964
                                                       Carolina Beach, N.C.                                                                                              Carolina Beach, N.C.
                                                       28428                                                                                                             26428

    Chief of the Secretary Programs Division                                                                             Chief of the Sanctuary Programs Division
    Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management                                                                     Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
    NOS/NOAA	                                                                                                         NOS/NOAA
    3300 Whitehaven St. N.W.                                                                                             3300 Whitehaven St. N.W.
    Washington, D.C.                                                                                                     Washington, D.C.
    20235                                                                                                                20235

    Dear Chief of Sanctuaries:                                                                                           Dear Chief of Sanctuaries:

    We, the following residents of New Hanover County, N.C., strongly urge that you                                      We, the following residents of New Hanover County, N.C., strongly urge that you
    establish Masonboro Island as a potected sanctuary.  We urge you to protect the                                      establish Mansonboro Island as a protected sanctuary. We urge you to protect the
    whole island; we feel this is preferable to protecting only parts. We feel that                                      whole island; we feel this is preferable to protecting only parts. We feel that
    "development" of the island would not only be unsafe, but it would limit use of the                                  "development" of the island would not only be unsafe, but it would limit use of the
    island to a very few people. If the island is established as an estuarine sanctuary,                                 island to very few people. If the island is established as an estuarine sanctuary,
    it could continue to be used by the public for purposes such as fishing, hiking,                                     it could continue to be used by the public for purposes such as fishing, hiking,
    beachcombin, birdwatching, nature field trips, clamming, crabbing, etc. It will                                      beachcombing, birdwatching, nature field trips, clamming, crabbing, etc. It will
    also continue to serve as a hatchery for our valuable fisheries on the East coast.                                   also continue to serve as a hatchery for our valuable fisheries on the East coast.
    UNC-W professors and students can continue to use it for marine research, as well.                                   UNC-W professors and students can continue to use it for marine research, as well.
    PLEASE help us to protect Masonboro Island!                                                                          PLEASE help us to protect Masonboro Island!

                                                                                   8/27/84
                                                                                   P.O. BOX 964
                                                                                   Carolina Beach, N.C.
                                                                                   28428

                           Chief of the Sanctuary Programs Division                                                               Chief of the Sanctuary Programs Division
                           Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management                                                        Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
                           NOS/NOAA                                                                                               NOS/NOAA
                           3300 Whitehaven St. N.W.                                                                               3300 Whitehaven St. N.W.
                           Washington, D.C.                                                                                       Washington, D.C.
                           20235                                                                                                  20235

                           Dear Chief of Sanctuaries:                                                                            Dear Chief of Sanctuaries:

                           We, the following residents of New Hanover County, N.C., strongly urge that you                        We, the following residents of New Hanover County, N.C., strongly urge that you
                           establish Masonboro Island as a protected sanctuary. We urge you to protect the                        establish Masonboro Island as a protected sanctuary. We urge you to protect the
                           whole Island; we feel this Is preferable to protecting only parts. We feel that                        whole Island; we feel this Is preferable to protecting only parts. We feel that
                           "development" of the Island would not only be unsafe, but It would limit use of the                    "development" of the island would not only be unsafe, but it would limit use of the
                           island to a very few people. If the Island Is established an an estuarine sanctuary,                   Island to a very few people. If the island is established as an estuarine sanctuary
                           it could continue to be used by the public for purposes such as fishing, hiking,                       It could continue to be used by the public for purposes such as fishing, hiking
                           beachcombing, birdwatching, nature field trips, clamming, crabbing, etc. It will                       beachcombing, birdwatching, nature field trips, clamming, crabbing, etc. It will
                           also continue to serve as a hatchery for our valuable fisheries on the East coast.                     also continue to serve as a hatchery for our valuable fisheries on the East coast.
                           UNC-W professors and students can continue to use It for marine research, as well.                    UNC-W professors and students can continue to use it for marine research, as well.
                           PLEASE help us to protect Mansonboro Island!                                                           PLEASE help us to protect Masonboro Island!

                           Signed:

                                                   626 Pine Valley Dr.                        919-791-4877                                                 141 Trails End Rd
                                                   Wilmington, N.C.  28403                                                                                 Wilm, N.C. 28403

                                                   P.O. Box 921                               919-791-1893                                                 P.O. 1164
                                                   Wrightsville Beach, N.C. 28480                                                                          St. Dines, N.C.

                                                  609 Trails End Rd.                                                                                      609 Trails End
                                                   Wilm, N.C. 28403                                                                                        Wilm, N.C.

                                                   609 Trails End Rd.
                                                   Wilm, N.C.  28403

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                        August 28, 1984
                                                                                                                                8/29/84
                        Chief of Sanctuary Programs Division                                                                    Dear Sir#
                        Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management                                                            Sm opposed to any development of Masonboro
                        Washington, D.C. 20235                                                                                  Island and Urge you to prevent that happening.
                        Dear Sir:                                                                                                                          Very truly yoWs,
                        I would like to take this opportunity to tell you the pleasure my family                                                           ?N - @6@- 11@11@z
                        experiences when we are able to go to Masonboro Island in Wilmington, N.C.                                                         Mrs. . Josie M
                        We have a boat and go over there every weekend to fish and swim and walk                                                                           ontg
                                                                                                                                                                                     y

                        over the dunes and look for shells. We love to see the sea gulls that
                        live there and have had many a fun-filled weekend there.

                        Wrightsville Beach is so developed that local people cannot get on the
                        beach except for a few "public access" walkways and we cannot find parking
                        places any where near these areas.

                        My son is in a Boy Scout troop that has a Father-Son campout twice yearly
                        on Masonboro Island and this affords the fathers time away from the other
                        world %eitb their sons for fellowship, fun and fishing and cooking, etc.

                        Please take into consideration these facts as you make your decision as
                        to the future of Hasonboro Island. This Is a beautiful Island and should
                        be preserved for the future residents of Worth Carolina as there are so
                        few places left that don't have Condos on them.

                        Sincerely,
                                        Q

                        Phyllis S. Powell
                        109 Seminole Trail
                        Wilmington, N.C. 28403

                                                                                                                                                                       August 30, 1984
                                                                               Wilmington, N. C.
                                                                               August 30, 1984                                       Dear Sirs,
                               Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Managnment                                                            I am writing in favor of the
                               NOS/NOAA                                                                                               federal grant to establish Masonboro
                               3300 Whitehaven St. N.W.                                                                               Island as an estuarine sanctuary. My
                               Washington, D.C. 20235                                                                                 family and I spend many wonderful
                                                                                                                                      weekends there and enjoy the unspoiled
                               Sirs:                                                                                                  beauty of nature at its best. We hope
                                                                                                                                      that we can keep that island as is for
                                    My husband and I would like to be counted amoung those for the                                    generations to come.
                               preservation of Masonboro Island.                                                                                             Sincerely,

                                    As residents of the Masonboro Bound area and members of the
                               "Quality of Life Alliance", we worked with that organization                                                            2302 Knightsbridge Rd.
                               to change soning laws, and limit growth in the fragile sound areas.                                                     Wilmington, N.C. 28403
                               We voted for the bond Issue to finance the laying of sewer lines
                               throughout the county. We live across the street from "Whiskey Creek"
                               and are very much aware of the problem of pollution from septic run off in
                               the creeks and stream that empty Into the sound.

                                  The preservation of some of these small islands is the only
                               way we are going to save mush of the marine life that is to
                               this area.

                                    Please consider seriously the preservation of this island.

                                                                 Yours Truly.

                                                                 225 Sierra Drive
                                                                 Harbour Villa
                                                                 Wilmington, N.C. 28403

                                                            James A. Ferger
                                                            Ferger Landscape Co.
                                                            4521 Middlesex Rd.            August 31,1984                                                  August 31, 1984

      Chief, Sanctuary Programs Division                      			Chief of the Sanctuary Programs Division
      Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Man      	                  Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management                        RE: MASONBORO ISLAND, N CAROLINA
      NOS/NOAA, 3300 Whitehaven St., NW                                     NOS/NOAA, 3300 Whitehaven St, N.W.
      Washington, DC    20235                                               Washington, D. C. 20235

      RE: MASONBORO ISLAND                                                                                                              Sirs:

      Dear Chief;                                                                                                                       I am writing in opposition to the proposal that Masonboro Island
                                                                                                                                        be considered for private development.
    	Resource management agencies in all departments, I would assume,. are following administrative  policies of
                      in the Cape Fear region will benefit enormously from the establish-                                             Like millions of other Americans. I be
                      ment of Masonboro as an island sanctuary.It is in the category of                                              in the past decade about the need for qc
                      a long-term economic resource with immediate impact!                                                            resources, and my appreciation for qaqnvi
                            Please let me know by phone immediately if sanctuary status                                               siderably deepened and broadened. That
                      becomes unlikely. In addition, if time permit please reply'-by mail                                              been sufficient to change my mind about writing you, but I must
                      concerning criteria and information affecting your decision.                                                    confess that MASONBORO ISLAND is enough in itself to keep as it is.
                            Special interests pose a real threat without your help!
                                                                                          Sincerely,

                                                                                                                                      We have a very small day sailor which
                                                                                                                                      waterway on Masonboro Sound. our destination on each sail is
                                                                                         James A. Ferger                              MASONBORO ISLAND or Masonboro Reach, as we call it.  I have
                                                                                                                                      0q7ver been there without feeling that the
                                                                                                                                       natural resource ---- which our country can not afford to loose.
                                                                                                                                      Between two over developed islands, Wrightsville and Carolina Beaches,
                                                                                                                                      we need to preserve one of the few uninhabited barrier isalnds for
                                                                                                                                      future generations to enjoy in its pristine beauty.

                                                                                                                                      Last summer I delighted in seeing several Seaturtle tracks leading
                                                                                                                                      up to the high ground on Masonboro for egg depositing, I remember
                                                                                                                                       my father telling me as a child that he too boat to Masonboro
                                                                                                                                      at night and actually see the turtles emerge from the sea, I would
                                                                                                                                      hope my children and grandchildren will also have this experience of
                                                                                                                                      a lifetime ..... only if MASONBORO ISLAND is enough in itself to keep as it.
                                                                                                                                      STATE.

                                                                                                                                      Please help North Carolina preserve this treasure through the federal
                                                                                                                                      grant to establish the island as an estuarine sanctuary. The committment
                                                                                                                                      of the N. C. General Assembly with $100,ooo demonstrates that the people
                                                                                                                                      of North Carolina feel  that it is of upmost importance.

                                                                                                                                                                Your truly,

                                                                                                                                                              Gillie S Revelle (Mrs. Riddick Revelle)
                                                                                                                                                              2858 Skye Drive, Fayetteville, N.C> 28303

                                                                                                                                                           BRIAN J. LEWIS, P.E.
                                                                                                                                                          336 West Renovah Circle
                                                                                                                                                           Wilmington, N.C. 28403

                                                                                                                                                               (919) S43-6812

                                                                                                                                                              Aug. 30 1964

                                 x:t@

                                                                                                                                  Dear Sirs,
                                                                                                                                       I went to urge you to grant North Carolisia the money necessary
                                                                                                                                  to establish Masonboro Island a an estuarine sanctuary. It is so
                                                                                                                                  important to keep these dlicat: seashore wilderness areas from the
                                                                                                                                  hands of developers. Please help us save Masonboro Island.

                                                                                                                                                                 Sincerely#
                                                                                                                                                                 Brian Jflewis

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                                                                        Aug. 30, 1984
                       Chief of the Sanctuary Programs Division
                       Office of Ocean & Coastal Resource Management
                       NOS/NOAA
                       3300 Whitehaven St. N.W.
                       Washington, D.C. 26235

                       Dear Sir:

                       Allow me to join the chorus of voices asking that Masonboro Islands
                       off the North Carolina coast near Wilmington, be declared an estuarine
                       sanctuary.
                       With so much development - truly overdevelopment - going on; it is a
                       fantasy to see a real ocean beach. More-and-more, the prime natural
                       and ocean settings are available to those with money, The average
                       citizen sees himself "walled-out" from the ocean by row upon row of
                       condominium or related construction. Many, many times areas that have
                       been open to public access are no longer such.

                       It is the last real natural beach left in this region of any size and
                       yet is available for visits by many people as this is a density of
                       Population here.
                       As with all beautiful spots, there is pressure for development (and
                       profits). However, the tangle of ownership (including county, state

                       and federal) and narrow and limited building space is even more
                       evidence this beautiful spot should be left so -- for future generations,
                       If Masonboro Island is not preserved it will never be able to be
                       duplicated.
                       Have you ever visited ???    I have for years  -- would be glad to
                       host you around there some time.
                       Thanks for listening.

                                                    John  Randt
                                                                 33 Pelican Point Rd.
                                                                 Wilmington, N.C. 28403
                                                                 919 763-0979

                                                      Scott Randt, Age 12.

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                                                                                                                                 Wilmington, NC 28403
                                                                                                                                 August 31, 1984

                                                                                            Chief of the Sanctuary Programs Division
                                                                                            Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
                                                                                            NOS7NOAA
                                            2V    Z-7                                       3300 Whitehaven St., N.W.
                                                                                            Washington, D.C. 202
                                                                   7Z
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                                                                                            Dear Sir:

                                                                                                AS a long time resident of the coast of North Carolina, a) II have to
                                             (A UJ PNA i 5, 4     4R,-'t                    say about the proposed development of Masonboro island, is PLEASE, PLEASE,
                                                                                            PLEASE, do not let anyone do it. This beautiful island is an essential
                                                                                            refuge for-many forms of coastal wildlife. With developers taking more and
                         ,S-70-7-Z-@- O-F    W Va"s 1-HIt's 6-70@\3                         more coastal land every day, it is imperative that some exercise positive
                       jz@@ ka                        @A'o po'@C-                           forethought and keep as much land as possible far animal refuge.
                                                                                                The Island also affords a magnificent place for people to relax and
                                                     DL 4N Ll@                              enjoy the pursuits that0nly an unspoiled island can offer. To allow
                                                                                            development on Masonboro Island would be a terrible mistake. Some jewels
                                                                                            most always remian untarnished for the future. Our children would never
                                                                                            forgive us if we ruined this truly great island.

                                                                                                Thank you.

                                                                                                                                 Sincerely,

                                                                                                                                 Ann Levans

                                                         JOHN M. IRVINE
                                                          "TRANOUILITY"        Aug.28, 1984
                                                     521 MASONBORO SOUND ROAD
                                                      WILMINGTON. N. C. 28403

                            Chief of the Sanctuary Programs Div.
                            Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
                            NOS/NOAA
                            3300 Whitehaven St.
                            Washington, D.C. 20235
                                   Subject; Masonboro Island,between Wrightsville Beach
                            and Carolina Reach, as an undeveloped wild life sanctuary.
                                                                                                                               Chief of the Sanctuary Programs Division
                            You are well aware of the needs of wild life for this living                                       Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Man
                            rock, so we will not discuss this.                                                                NOS/NOAA
                            Our local public is just about fenced out of places to see                                         3300 Whitehaven Street, N.W.
                                                                                                                               Washington, D. C.    20235
                            the ocean and beaches. Parents need such a place to take their
                            children and adults benefit from exploration along along the
                            beaches of Masonboro Island. There are thoudands of residents
                            of New Hanover County who need access to such a sanctuary.                                                                            Masonboro
                            Many tourists have never had the experience of seeing the ocean                                                            Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
                            and beach. Properly publicised the proposed sanctuary could be
                            a drawing card for tourists.
                            Whereever one is from, a few hours on the be       beach of Masonboro                                    This is to express my support for the North Carolina Office of Coastal
                            Island is like a mini vacation, the ocean, surf, extensive beach,                                   Management's application to establish Masonboro Island as an estuarine
                            cries of sea birds puts things back in true proportions. I covet
                            this for our public.                                                                               sanctuary.
                            The alternative to a sanctuary on Masonboro Island is going to                                         The ever-seaward march of development in this area seems intent on
                            become very costly. During hurricanes a large part of this island
                            is under water - perhaps 80%.                                                                      occupying all fragile and unstable barrier islands with squadrons of vacation
                            If the public id allowed to build on it they will have to face                                  homes. Unrestrained development will overwhelm the natural attractions and
                            unnecessary and, perhaps large individual losses.
                            Costs to the islands residents will include high insurance costs,                               pleasures which the area has to offer. Here is a chance to preserve natural
                            if available all, and if not, heavy monetary losses during                             beauty and Its attendant marine life.

                            Costs to New Hanover County taxpayers would eventually include                                     A colloquialism keeps running through my mind:  "If it ain't broke, don't
                            water, sewer, police, evacuation costs caused by hurricanes.
                                                                                                                               fix it."  I hope the Island will not be disturbed
                            Costs to the state of N.C. would be the demand for roads and
                            eventuallly an extremely expensive bridge to the mainland.

                            If the proposed sanctuary is not aquired soon it will cost														Sincerely,
                            more for the land or become unavailable. Lets act on this now
                            for the benefit of the present and future generations.

    																											Elizabeth J. Amos
                                                                  Sincerely,

                                                                                                                             August 30, 1984

                        August 30, 1984
                        Chief of the Sanctuary Programs Division
                        Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Mgt.                                                            Mrs. Linda D. Marett
                        NOS/NOAA                                                                                             802 Pine Forest.Road
                        3300 Whitehaven St., NW                                                                              Wilmington, N.C. 28403
                        Washington, DC

                        Subject:      Masonboro Island, NC--
                                      Establishing an estuarine sanctuary
                                                                                                                             Chie f of the Sanctuary Proftams Division
                        We believe that Masonboro Island, NC should be established                                           Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
                        as an estuarine sanctuary and prese            'rved In Its present                                  NOS/NOAA
                        natural state for future generations.                                                                3300 Whitehaven Street, N.W.
                        Masonboro is the last of the Islands In this area that                                               Washington, D.C. 20235
                        remains unspoiled and undeveloped.              We strongly feel
                        it should be kept that way.           This island has served
                        for decades as a quiet retreat for fishing and relaxing.
                        It also serves as a nesting and feeding ground for                                                   Dear Sirs:
                        numerous species of waterfowl that have few refuges left.
                                                                                                                                       I am writing in strong support for the maintenance of Masonbero Island off
                        Development     is incompatible with these noted uses                                                the coast 0f Wilmington, North Carolina as an estuarian sanctuary.         Masouboro island,
                        Development     will destroy Masonboro's natural habiiat                                             ont r
                                                                                                                                 I a few remaining unspoiled beach and marshland islands, is in my opinion a
                        and beauty.      We believe these should be preserved for                                            valuable asset to our coastal environment and to the education of our children.           This
                        everyone to     enjoy now and in the future.            And certainly                                areas which is easily accessible to local citizens and tourists         contains coun le s
                        the Island's value as a wildlife refuge can not be                                                                                                                                          t S
                                                                                                                             species of fish, crustaceans, and wildlife.      it' is an important nesting site for
                        questioned.                                                                                          multiple species of birds and Loggerhead turtles. Visits to Masonboro island are
                        With these    concepts in mind, we hope the federal grant                                            invaluable because of the educational experience and aesthetic beauty.
                        applied for will be allotted to the NC Office of Coastal                                                       I urge you to strongly consider the North Carolina Office of Coastal
                        Management    so that Masonboro island will be preserved.                                            Management's application for federal grant to establish this island as an estnariin
                                                                                17  ,7                                       sanctuary.
                                                              4
                        Dr. SWI-e PfLrrer- 4nd                                                       If
                        Daniel L. Pferrer
                        327 Olde Point Rd.
                        Hampstead, NC 28443                                                                                  Sincerely,
                                                                                                                             (Zi

                                                                                                                             Mrs. Linda D. Marett

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                                                                                      CHARM M. HWJ, M.D. PETER 0. ZACK, M.D. VALMA P. MATTHEWS, PAD.
                                                                                                   THE PEDIATRIC CENTER
                                                                                              TELEPHONE fM9) 762-2851 - 1914 GLEN MEADE ROAD
                                                                                                 WLMI NGTON. NORTH CAFKXJ NA 28403

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                                                                                                            Dr. Nancy Foster
                                                                                                            September 3, 1984
                                                                                                            Page 2

                                                                                                                  The opportunity to acquire and preserve Masonboro Island
                                                                                                            as a estuarine sanctuary may soon end. A Wrightsville Beach
                                                                                                            developer has proposed an open-air pavilion on the north end
                                                                                                            of Masonboro Island. Speculators have purchased several tracts
                             THE CONSERVATION COUNCIL OF NORTH CAROLINA                                     of land. As Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach are developed
                                            307 Granville Read, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27514                     from sound to sea, developers are studying other properties for
                                                                                                            second homes. Masonboro Island is the last major ocean front
                                              (919) 942-7935 or 942-1080 (24 hours)                         real estate that is still up for grabs in Southeastern North
                                                                                                            Carolina.
                                                                         September 3, 1984                        Acquisition and preservation of Masonboro Island enjoys
                                                                                                            broad-based popular support in New Hanover County and in North
                                                                                                            Carolina. The State of North Carolina has already acquired
                          Dr. Nancy Foster, Chief                                                           89.20 acres and New Hanover County, 15.20 acres. The State and
                                                                                                            county have managed their lands for conservation purposes.
                          Sanctuary Programs Division                                                       The Conservation Council of N. C. joins the Society for Mason-
                          National Ocean Service/NOAA                                                       boro Island and many other conservation and civic organizations
                          3300 Whitehaven Street, Northwest                                                 in supporting acquisition and preservation of Masonboro island.
                          Washington, D. C. 20235
                                                                                                                  The Conservation Council has reviewed and approves the
                          Dear Dr. Foster,                                                                  proposed management plan and local advisory group for Masonboro
                               The Conservation Council of North Carolina has long sup-                     Island.
                          ported acquisition and preservation of Masonboro Island in New                          In summary the Conservation Council of N. C. supports and
                          Hanover County for research, education, recreation, water quality                 urges favorable consideration of the State of North Carolina's
                          and habitat.  After reviewing the Draft Environmental Impact .                    application to include Masonboro Island as the fourth component
                          Statement and Draft Management Plan of July, 1984, 1 am writing                   of the North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary.
                          on behalf of the Conservation Council of N. C. to support the
                          State of North Carolina's application for financial assistance                          Thank you for your consideration.
                          to acquire privately owned tracts of Masonboro Island and to
                          include Masonboro Island as the fourth component of the North
                          Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary.

                               Masonboro island is a long, narrow embayment. No other
                          estuarine areas of this type are currently protected by the                                                     __"ncere @y
                          National Estuarine Sanctuary program in the Carolinian biogeo-
                          graphic region. Sea turtles nest, brown pelicans and ospreys
                          feed on Masonboro island.                                                                                             0'a
                                                                                                                                            Bill Ho man,  Member of the Board
                               Students and professors from nearby University of North                                                      Conservation  Council of N. C.
                          Carolina at Wilmington, other colleges and high schools already
                          make extensive use of Masonboro Island for research and education.
                          The island's unspoiled state and convenient location makes it
                          an excellent natural laboratory. By protecting Masonboro Island                   CC:   Ms. Joyce Wood, U. S. Dept. of Commerce
                          as a National Estuarine Sanctuary the effects of coastal processes
                          and development on the developed islands of Wrightsville Beach,                         The Honorable John East
                          north of Masonboro Inlet and Carolina Beach, south of Snow's Cut                        The Honorable Jesse Helms
                                                                                                                  The Honorable Charlie Rose
                          can be compared with Masonboro Island. Acquisition and inclusion                        The Honorable Karen Gottovi
                          of the island in the National Estuarine Sanctuary system would
                          allow research and education to continue.                                               Mr. Dave Owens, N. C. Office of Coastal Management

                                                                     AUG 28 1184
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                                                                                                       Chief of Sanctuary programs Division
                                                                                                       Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
                                                                                                       NOB/NOAA
                                                                                                       3300 Whitehaven St.,N.W,
                                                                                                       Washington, D.C. 20235

                                                    	                                               Dear Sir

                                                                                                            I am writing to you in reference to the federal grant
                                                                                                       applied for by the N.C. Office of Coastal Management in
                                                                                                       order to establish Mosonboro Island as a satuaring
                                                                                                      sanctuary.   I feel that I speak not only for myself, but my
                                                                                                       friends as well when I say that Masonboro Island should be
                                                                                                        left unchanged from itt's present state. I do not say that
                                                                                                       as a matter of only personal opinion because I feel there
                                                                                                       are many reasons for preserving Masonboro Island.
                                                                                                            Masonboro Island serves as a now a nesting ground to many
                                                                                                       shore birds during the mating season. This I feel is one
                                                                                                       good reason to leave the Island unchanged. Also, the
                                                                                                        artificial jette on the island supports a large population
                                                                                                       pock and blue crabs. The shallow on the island
                                                                                                       side of the jette are popular territory to schools of
                                                                                                       Menhaden, Bluefish, and Spanish Makeral. This makes the
                                                                                                       waters off Masonboro prime fishing spots and places for
                                                                                                       catching crabs.
                                                                                                            As far as recreation goes, Masonboro is the perfect
                                                                                                       place for all types of things. The whole family can go to
                                                                                                       the island and all have something different to do. Dad can
                                                                                                       drift for flounder in the inlet while Mom scours the sand in
                                                                                                       search of sea-shells. Meanwhile the the younger children can
                                                                                                       swim an the sound side in the coves along the island and the
                                                                                                       older children (like my friends and I) can take to the waves
                                                                                                       at any time of the day with our surfboards and inflatable
                                                                                                       rafts (something we have to wait until 4 p.m. to do on
                                                                                                       Wrightsville Beach).
                                                                                                            If Masonboro Island  was to be developed, I feel that
                                                                                                       many of it's beautiful qualities would be ruined. I like
                                                                                                       the peacefull seashore wilderness and hope that the federal
                                                                                                       government will realize how perfect Masonboro Island is
                                                                                                       right now and want to help those who love it for what it is
                                                                                                       keep it that way.

                                                                                                                                           Sincerely yours,

                                                                                                                                           John M Younghans

                                                PART VIII: APPENDICES

                                                                                             Page

                     Appendix 1:     Bibliography and Literature Cited     . . . . . . . .    247

                     Appendix 2:     National Estuarine Sanctuary Regulatios; Final
                                           Rule (June 27, 1984)   . . . . . . . . . . . .     251

                     Appendix 3:     Research and Educational Forms for the
                                           Proposed Component   . . . . . . . . . . . . .     273

                     Appendix 4:     Site Selection Process   . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     283

                     Appendix 5:     Salinity and Flow Patterns in the Masonboro
                                           Island Area   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      293

                     Appendix 6:     Vascular Plant Species of Masonboro, Island    . . . .

                     Appendix 7:     Vertebrate Fauna of Masonboro Island    . . . . . . .    309

                     Appendix 8:     Macroinvertebrates of the Masonboro Island Area          323

                                                            245

                                                 APPENDIX I

                                      Bibliography and Literature Cited

                                                        247

                   Appendix 1.     Bibliography and literature cited.

                   Buol,      S.W., F.D. Hole, and R.J. McCracken. 1980. Soil Genesis and
                         Classification (second edition). The Iowa State University Press.
                         Ames, Iowa.

                   Carpenter, R. 1984. Written communication of January 13, 1984, sent to OCM
                         concerning fishery resources in Masonboro Sound. N.C. Division of
                         Marine Fisheries. Wrightsville Beach, N.C.

                   Cooper, J.E., S.C. Robinson, and J.B. Funderberg (eds.). 1977. Endangered
                         and Threatened Plants and Animals of North Carolina. N.C. State Museum
                         of Natural History. Raleigh, N.C.

                   Crouse, D.T. 1984. Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nesting in North Carolina:
                         Applications of an Aerial Survey. Biological Conservation 29
                         (1984):143-155.

                   Engels, W.L.    1942. Vertebrate fauna of North Carolina coastal islands.
                         I. Shackleford  Banks. Amer. Midl. Nat. 28: 273-304.

                                     1952.    Vertebrate fauna of North Carolina coastal
                         islands. II. Shackleford Banks. Amer. Midl. Nat. 77: 702-741.

                   Fussell. J.0. 111, 1978. Bogue Banks Study. Report prepared for the
                              U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Pine Knoll Shores, N.C.

                   Godfrey, P.J. and M.M. Godfrey. 1976. Barrier Island Ecology of      Cape
                         Lookout National Seashore and Vicinity, North Carolina. National Park
                         Service Monograph Series, No. 9. Washington, D.C.

                   Harrington, C. 1980. Geomorphic Classification System for the State of
                         North Carolina. Dept. of Marine, E.arth, and Ceosciences. N.C. State
                         University. Raleigh, N.C.

                   Hoiser, P.E. and W.J. Cleary. 1977. A    Resource Inventory of Masonboro
                         Island, North Carolina. Unpublished report. University of North
                         Carolina at Wilmington. Wilmington, N.C.

                   Hoyt, J.H. 1967. Barrier Island Formation. Geol. Soc. Am. Bull. 78:
                         1125-1135.

                   Leatherman, S.P. 1982. Barrier Island Handbook. University of Maryland.
                         College Park, Md.

                   Moorefield, T.P. 1978. Geologic Processes and History of the Fort Fisher
                         Coastal Area, North Carolina.       Unpublished M.S. Thesis. East
                         Carolina University. Greenville, N.C.

                   National Oceanic and Atmosphe  ric Administration. 1950-1981. Annual
                         summaries for weather stations in N.C. U.S. Dept. of Commerce.
                         Asheville, N.C.

                   Oliver, W. 1984. Written communication of January 4, 1984, sent to OCM
                         concerning the archaeological significance of Masonboro Island.
                         N.C. Dept. of Cultural Resources. Raleigh, N.C.
                                                              249

                    Parnell, J.R. and R.F. Soots,. 1979. Atlas of Colonial Waterbirds of N.C.
                         Estuaries. UNC Sea Grant Publ. No. UNC-SG-78-10. University of North
                         Carolina at Wilmington. Wilmington, N.C.

                    Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles, and C.R. Bell. 1968. Manual of the Vascular
                         Flora of the Carolinas.     University of North Carolina Press.
                         Chapel Hill, N.C.

                    Soil Conservation Service. 1977. Soil Survey of the Outer Banks, North
                         Carolina. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. Washington, D.C.

                    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1977. Final Impact: Statement, Baldhead
                         Island, North Carolina. Wilmington District. Wilmington, N.C.

                                       1980. Carolina Beach Inlet, North Carolina: Detailed
                         Project Report on Improvement of Navigation. Wilmington District.
                         Wilmington, N.C.

                    Zullo, V.A. 1984. Written communication of January 12, 1984, sent to OCM
                         concerning the Masonboro Island estuary.     Dept. of Earth
                         Sciences. University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Wilmington,
                         N.C.

                                                           250

                                                 APPENDIX 2

                             National Estuarine Sanctuary Program Regulations
                                       1974, 1977, 1983, and 1984

               0

                                                             25JL

                                                          Wednesday
                                                          June 27, 1984

                                                          Part IV

                                                          Department of
                                                          Commerce

                                                          National Oceanic and Atmospheric
                                                          Administration

                                                          15 CFR Part 921
                                                          National Estuarine Sanctuary Program
                                                          Regulations; Final Rule

                                                      253

                         26502       Federal Register / Vol. 49, No. 125 / Wednesday, June 27, 1984 / Rules and Regulations

                         DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE                             315(1) of the Coastal Zone Management             would be chosen. Section 921.4(b) of the
                                                                            Act, 16 U.S.C. 1461(1). The National              1974 guidelines provided that "various
                         National Oceanic and Atmospheric                   Estuarine Sanctuary Program has been              sub-categories will be developed and
                         Administration                                     operating under guidelines published              utilized as appropriate."
                         15 CFR Part 921                                    June 4, 1974 (39 FR 19922) and proposed             In 1981, a study was undertaken to
                                                                            regulations published September 9, 1977           assess the original biogeographic
                         [Docket No. 40315-301                              (42 FR 45522).                                    classification scheme and make
                                                                                                                              recommendations, as necessary. A
                         National Estuarine Sanctuary Program               11. General Background                            system with 27 subcategories was
                         Regulations                                         On August 3,1983 (48 FR 35120),                  proposed. The subcategories fit within
                                                                            NOAA published proposed regulations               the original scheme and further define
                         AGENCY: Office of Ocean and Coastal                for continued inplementation of the               the coastal areas to assure adequate
                         Resource Management (OCRM),                        National Esturine Sanctuary Program               sanctuary representation (Clark.
                         National Ocean Service (NOS), National             pursuant to Section 315 of the Coastal            Assessing the National Estuarine
                         Oceanic and Atmospheric                            Zone Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1461,              Sanctuary Program: Action Summary,
                         Administration (NOAA), Commerce.                   (the Act). Written comments on the                March.1982, cited as The ClankReport).
                         ACTION: Final rule.                                proposed regulations were accepted                  The Clark Report also recommends
                         SUMMARY: These final regulations revise            until October 3, 1983. These comments             consideration of an estuarine typology
                         existing procedures for selecting and              have been considered in preparing tbise           in evaluating and selecting sites. The
                         designating national estuarine                     fi.nal regulations. A summary of                  typology system recognizes that there
                         sanctuaries and provide guidance for               significant comments on the proposed              are significant differences in estuary
                         their long-term management. Site                   regulations and NOAA's responses are              characteristics not related to regional
                         identification and selection is to be              presented below.                                  location. Such factors include water
                         based on a revised biogeographic                    The final regulations establish the              source, water depth, type of circulation,
                         classification scheme and typology of              Program's Mission and Goals and revise            inlet dynamics, basin configuration,
                         estuarine areas. The regulations place a           the procedures for selecting, designating.        watershed type, and dominant
                         greater emphasis on management                     and operating national estuarine                  ecological community.
                         planning by individual states early in             sanctuaries.                                        The final regulations adopt the
                         the process of evaluating a potential              III. Refinements to the Regulations for           revised biogeographic classification
                         site. The regulations reflect a                    the National Estuarine Sanctuary                  scheme and the recornmendation to
                         @rogression from the initial                       Program                                           consider typology in site selection (see
                         identification of a site, through the               Based on experience in operating the             1921.3).
                         designation process. and continued                 Program and comments on the proposed              (2) Site Designation
                         management of the sanctuary by the                 regulations, a number of refinements in             Eligible states may apply for
                         state after Federal financial assistance           operational procedure and policy have             preacquisition awards to aid in selecting
                         has ended. The regulations provide for             been'designed. The final regulations              an estuarine sit-6-in conformity with the
                         regular programmatic evaluations of                implement these refinements, which                classification scheme and typology
                         sanctuary performance. Clarifications in           include:                                          system. A description of the site
                         the financial assistance application and                                                             selection process to be carried out by
                         award process have also been made.                 A. Defining the Mission and Goals of
                                                                            the Program                                       the state, including a provision for
                         EFFECTIVE DATE: These regulations are                                                                public participation in the process, must
                         effective Friday, October 5, 1984. This             The Mission Statement and Goals for              be submitted for NOAA's approval. This
                         delayed effective date will allow                  the continued implementation of the               ensures that the procedures for the site
                         sufficient time for the Congress to enact          National Estuarine Sanctuary Program              selection process are planned prior to
                         legislation pertaining to the conduct of           stress the importance of designating              implementing the selection process and
                         the National Estuarine Sanctuary                   estuarine area,'through Federal-state             approval of the preacquisition award.
                         Program if it chlooses to do so. If                cooperative efforts, for long-term                Figure 1 depicts the entire designation
                         necessary, the effective date of these             research and educational benefits.                process.
                         regulations will be postponed. and a               Though broad in scope, they establish a             After selection of a site, a draft
                         notice thereof published in the Federal            framework within which specific                   management plan is prepared. Requiring
                         Register, in compliance with the notice            Program activities are conducted, The             the development of a comprehensive
                         provisions contained in section 12 of the          Mission Statement and Goals are                   draft management plan in the
                         Coastal Zone Management Act, 16                    adopted by the final regulations                  preacquisition phase is designed to
                         U.S.C. 1463a.                                      (� 921.1).                                        guarantee that early in the estuarine
                         FOR FURTHER-INFORMATION CONTACT.                   B. Revision of the Procedures for                 sanctuary designation process the state
                         Dr. Nancy Foster, Chief, Sanctuary                 Selecting, Designating and Operating              considers management policies, an
                         Programs Division, Office of Ocean and             Estuarine Sanctuaries                             acquisition and construction plan
                         Coastal Resource Management, NOAA/                                                                   (including schedules and priorities),
                         NOS, 3300 Whitehaven St., NW.,                     (1) Revision of the Biogeographic                 staffing requirements, a research .
                         Washington. D.C. 20235, (202)1634-4236.            Classification Scheme and Proposed                component, interpretive and education
                         SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                         Estuarine Typologies                              plans, future funding and other resource
                         1. Authority                                        The 1974 guidelines identified 11                requirements, and alternatives. Draft
                                                                            biogeographic regions from which                  and final environmental impact
                           This notice of final rulemaking is               representative sites throughout the               statements (EIS) are prepared analyzing
                         issued under the authority of Section              coastal waters of the United States               the environmental and socioeconomic

                                                                                                              254

                                  Federal Register / Vol. 49, No. 125 / Wednesday, June 27, 1984, / Rules and Regulations                               26503

                     impacts of establishing a sanctuary and        draft management plan and the final             (subject to pre-designation construction
                     implementing the draft management              FIS, the site enters an initial acquisition     policies, see � 921.21). prepare the final
                     plan. The EIS is prepared in accordance        and development phase. The state is             management plan, and initiate onsite
                     with National Environmental Policy Act         then eligible for an initial acquisition        research and education programs. All of
                     (NEPA) procedures, including provisions        and development award. During this              these lasks are to be carried out in
                     for public comment and hearings.               phase, award funds may be used to               conformance with the NOAA-approved
                      Following NOAA approval of the                purchase land, construct minor facilities       draft management plan.
                                                                                                                    SILUNG CODE 3610-06-M

                    26504      Federal Register / Vol. 49, No. 125 / Wednesday, June 27, 1984 Rules and Regul ations

                           Figure 1. National Estuarine Sanctuary Program Uesignation Process

                      AWARD                                  STAGE                           PdBLIC INPUT

                    Preacquisition                      Site Selection                      Public Meeting,
                      Award                                  921.11)                          on Site(s)

                                                                v
                                                       Approval of Sitp.
                                                           by NOAA
                                                          (� 921.11)

                                                                v
                                                        Development of                      Public Meeting;
                                                  Draft Management Plan and                Public Hearing on
                                                           Draft EIS                         the Draft EIS
                                                          (� 921.12)
                                                                1
                                                                v
                                                       NUAA Approval of
                                                    Uraft Management Plan
                                                             921.12)

                                                                v
                                                         Development of                        Final EIS
                                                          Final EIS
                                                             921.12)
                                                                I
                                                                v
                    Initial Acquisition                   Preparation of                      Public Meeting
                    and Development                  Final Management Plan;                  on Final Plan
                        Awards                    Acquisition of Key Landand
                                               Water Areas; Minor Construction
                                                          (� 921.21)

                                                                v
                                                     Final Management Plan
                                                       Approved by N(AA;
                                                       Uther Findings
                                                             921.30)

                                                                v
                                                     Sanctuary  Designation
                                                             921.3U)
                                                                I
                                                                v
                       Uperation and                  Implementation of
                     Management Award;              Final management Plan;
                    Subsequent Acquisition      Acqui'sition of Remaining Land;
                    and Development Award;                Construction
                    Potential:Research                    (� 921.32)
                          Awards                                I
                                                                v
                                                   Programmatic Evaluation                   Public Meeting(s)
                                                          (� 921.34)                           on Evaluation

                    MUM CODE 2510-ID"

                                                                         25G

                                    reuerai xegister / Vol. 49,         No. 125 / Wednesday, June 27, 1984 / Rules and Regulations                            26505

                         The task under the intia]l acquisition         regulations ensure that a state wifl have       by the states. in conjunction with
                       and development phase should be                  adequate flexibility in long-term               NOAA. are mandated by these
                       completed within two years. At this              operation of an estuarine sanctuary to          regulations as an integral part of'site
                       point, NOAA must make formal                     deal with changing circumstances. The           selection', designation. and management.
                       findings. as specified 1921-30, that the         regulations require more information               The Program's purpose is to establish
                       final management plan has been                   about the sanctuary, particularly               selected estuarine areas as sanctuaries
                       completed and is approved. that the key          through the development of a site-              to serve as natural field laboratories and
                       land and water areas as specified in the         specific management plan, prior to each         provide opportunities for long-term
                       management plan are under state                  step in the funding process. In this            research, education, and interpretation.
                       control. and that a memorandum of                manner, it is expected that decisions           Because of this. the present and future
                       understanding between the state and              affecting the sanctuary and management          uses-of such an area are certainly an
                       NOAA concerning the state's long-term            priorities will be planned for in advance,      important factor in considering whether
                       commitment to the sanctuary has been             rather than in an ad hoc fashion.               it should be a national estuarine
                       signed.. After NOAA makesthese                   IV. Summary of Significant Comments             sanctuary.
                       findings, the sanctuary is considered
                       "designated". The state than b    "egins         on the Proposed Regulations and                    ft is also important to emphasize that
                       implementation of the final management           NOAA!s Respo                                    the Program does not invblve broad
                       plan, including the construction of                Comments were received from 17                scale regulation on land uses apart from
                       necessary facilities and additional land         sources. Comnienters included Federal           that already undertaken by the state or
                       acquisition.. The state is also eligible for     and state agencies, representatives of          proposed by the state under its own
                       operation and management awards to               the oil and gas industry, representatives       applicable authorities. Multiple use of
                       provide assistance in implementing the           of the electric utility industry, and           national estuarine sanctuaries is
                       final management plan.                           environmental and public interest               encouraged (see � 9211(d)). Resource
                         The regulations also provide                   groups. All comments received are on            protection is,, however. the highest
                       procedures for the programmatic                  file at the Sanctuary Programs Division         priority goal of the National Estuarine
                       evaluation of a sanctuary during the             Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource            Sanctuary Program and uses must be
                       period of the operation and management           Management, 2M Wisconsin Avenue,                compatible with long-term resource
                       awards (or under the initial acquisition         NW., Room 334 Washington, D.C. 20235.           protection. Within national estuarine
                       and development award if the sanctuary           The comments are available for review           sanctuaries. states may impose certain
                       is not designated within two years) and          at that office. Each of the major issues        regulatory controls to ensure the
                       for a continuing, biennial review of an          raised by the commenters has been               continued protection of sanctuary
                       estuarine sanctuary after Federal                summarized and NOAA's response                  resources. Areas proposbd for
                       funding has expired. Procedures for              provided under the rele@ant subheading          designation are evaluated through the
                       withdrawing designation, if a sanctuary          in this section.                                EIS process with opportunities for public
                       fails to meet established standards,                                                             coniment.
                       have been added (f 921.35).                      Geneml
                         To foster screntific studies within,           I pact on Existing Sanctuaries                  Section-by-Section Analysis
                       national estuarine sanctuarim NOAA is            Im                      -
                       setting aside funds for research within            One commenter suggested that the              Subpart A-General
                       sites with approved final management             final regulations indicate the impact of           SecLion 921.1-Mission and Goals.
                       plans. This is a separate category of            the changes on existing sanctuaries.               (1) Several commenters supported the
                       financial assistance from the operation            Response- The changea in procedure            Program Mission and Goals and foond
                       and management or acquisition and                reflected in these regulations will,            them to be a substantial improvement
                       development support. The research                improve the Progxam@s operation and the         over the 1974 guidelines and 1977
                       funding is described in Subpart F.               effective implementation of national            proposed regulations.
                         Financial assistance requirements and          estuarine sanctuaries over time. They
                       procedures have been revised. The                will therefore be applied to existing              Response: The Mission and Goals
                       programmatic information required for            sanctuaries, to the degree practicable.         were established to guide continued
                       each type of award is specified in the                                                           effective implementation of the National
                       appropriate sections--min preacquisition         Public Participation                            Estuarine Sanctuary Program. Program
                       (Subpart B@ acquisition and                        Because of the potential. impacts             experience over the past several years
                       development (Subpart C); and operation           reslulting from an axe, being design, ted       led to the development of refinements
                       and management (� 921.32). General               as a nationai estuarine sanctuary, one          designed to improve the original
                       financial assistance information is              cornrnenter noted that the maximum              guidelines.
                       provided in Subpart F.                           opportunity fox the participation of               The concept of a national estuarine
                         In summary, the regulations include            interested persons should be provided.          sanctuary does not easily merge with
                       more standards and guidelines for states         The commenter encouraged NOAA to                that of existing natural resource
                       to follow in developing and operating a          ensure that states comply with the              protection programs, such as wildlife
                       national estuarine saanctuary. as well           conditiow of It M.11(d) and 921.12(d).          refuges or parks. National estuarine
                       as additional guidelines for NOAA in             The commenter recommended that a                sanctuaries are designed to ensure
                       overseeing the Program. Based on                 careful review of aH established and            Protection of a natural habitat unit in
                       experience and from discussions with             potential industrial activities be              which long-term researcli and
                       several states with estuarine                    undertaken to ensure a well-balanced            educational projects can be focused. A
                       sanctuaries, NOAA has fourid that the            decision on the site`& suitability for          primary aim of these research and
                       previous lack of guidance raised many            designation as a national estuarine             education projects is to provide
                       concerns about what an estuarine                 sanctuary.                                      information to states that is useful for
                       sanctuary should be, the staWs role in             Response: NOAA agrees with the                decisionmaking concerning the
                       developing and operating a sanctua-ry.           comment on the importance of public             development or protection of its coast
                       and how decisions should be made@ The            participation. Public participation efforts     and associated resources.

                                                                                                     257

                         "6506        Federal Register / Vol. 49,         No. 125 / Wednesday. June 27, 19a4 I Rules and Regulations

                           National estuarine sanctuaries are not         NOAA disagrees with the commenter on             owned by a state or conservation group.
                         established primarily for recreational           Goal 4. The purpose of the goal is to            In this way actual ownership would not
                         pursuits, although compatible uses are           ensure the protection of selected                be as important as the site*s value to the
                         encouraged. Sanctuaries are also not             estuarine areas. Federal/state                   Program.
                         intended solely to enhance habitat for a         cooperative efforts to ensure such                  Response.- NOAA believes that the
                         single species by modification of the            protection are emphasized: the Federal           inclusion of representatives of all
                         natural character of the estuarine               role encompasses more then grants-in-            national estuarine variations would be
                         system.                                          aid, but includes continuing evaluation          impracticable from a management
                           The final regulations, including the           and coordination of research and                 perspective. It should be noted that
                         Mission and Goals, are designed to               education to ensure that the sites remain        control of estuarine land and water
                         clarify the definition and function of a         as natural field laboratories consistent         areas is only one facet in sanctuary
                         national estuarine sanctuary.                    with the legislative intent.                     designation. Properties already owned
                           (2) Another commenter. however,                  NOAA has based these revised                   by the state or a conservation group
                         suggested that the section on Mission            regulations an the Act and its legislative       may not comprise a natural unit or have
                         and Goals, which replaced the "Policy            history. Through experience with the             the-research and educational foundation
                         and Objectives" section of the 1974              Program. NOAA has made certain                   required by the Program. Such'areas are
                         guidelines, expands the scope of the             refinements to the process. In fact. by          already in a protected status and are
                         Program in ways not originally intended.         explicitly providing for Section 312             available for research and educational
                         The commenter suggested that Goal 2              evaluations (as required by the Coastal          purposes, along with those regional
                         (concerning research) was adequate.              Zone Management Act) as seeking to               representatives comprising the National
                         and that the other three should be               coordinate research and education from           Estuarine Sanctuary system. Adding
                         deleted. The commenter suggested that            the national level. the Program has made         these sites to the Program may not serve
                         the first goal. concerning long-term             significant strides to fulfill the               beneficial purposes. Thus. while the
                         management planning, should be left to           Congressional intent (see � � 921.1 (c)          biogeographic classification scheme sets
                         the National Marine Sanctuary Program            and 9ZI.34).                                     the initial parameters within which
                         or state coastal zone programs. The                (3) One reviewer felt that the idea of         detailed site selecion and analysis is
                         commenter further suggested that the             coordinating research and education              focused. it should not be considered
                         third goal. involving enhancement of             information expressed in � 921.1(c) was          alone. Many other factors must be
                         public awareness through interpretation.         a good idea. but should be carefully             considered.
                         should also be dropped even though it            thought out and developed in                        Within regions without an estuarine
                         was recognized that such interpretive            coordination with individual states.             sanctuary, however. the non-acquisition
                         efforts often stern from scientific                Response.- NOAA is now in the                  alternatives suggested by the
                         research. Finally, the commenter                 process of developing a detailed plan for        conimenter will be utilized to the
                         suggested that the fourth goal. involving        coordinating research and education.             greatest degree possible.
                         stimulating Federal-state cooperation to         Comments from states and other                      (3) Another commenter was
                         promote the management of estuarine              interested groups are being actively             concerned that implementation of the
                         areas, should be dropped oince it                solicited in preparing this plan.
                         allegedly -provides the Federal                    (4) Several commenters strongly                biogeographic classification scheme on
                         government with more authority than              supported the concept in J 921.1(d) of           the basis of one site per region would
                         needed. T"ne commenter supports this             encouraging multiple use of estuarine            lead to too many estuarine sanctuaries.
                         view by citing legislative history to            sanctuaries. One of the same                        Response.- As detailed in The Clark
                         assert that the Act "authorizes Federal          commenters also supported the                    Repor4 the classification scheme and
                         grants-in-aid, but makes no attempt to           statement in Section 921.11(c)(5) that the       estuarine typology are designed to
                         diminish State authority through Federal         site selection process consider "the             provide the Program with an array of
                         preemption."                                     site's compatibility with existing and           sanctuaries broadly reflective of our
                           The same commenter generally                   potential land and water use in                  Nation's estuarine zones. Only with this
                         questions the need for the National              contiguous areas."                               diversity of sites can the Program
                         Estuarine Sanctuary Program and need               Response.- NOAA is strongly                    produce beneficial research and
                         for revisions to the existing program.           committed to the concept of multiple use         educational projects useful in coastal
                         The commenter encouraged NOAA to                 in estuarine sanctuaries as long as the          decisionmaking. There are presently 14
                         examine the legal and scientific bases           purposes for which the sanctuary is              biogeographic regions represented in the
                         for the estuarine sanctuary program and          established are maintained. Therefore it         system.
                         to ensure that the regulations conforin to       is important that site selection efforts            (4) Another commenter stated that by
                         the intended goals of the Coastal Zone           closely analyze existing and potential           including 27 regions. and providing for
                         Management Act.                                  uses of the area and adjacent areas.             one site per region, NOAA has extened
                           Response.- The Mission and Goals                 Section 921.3-Biogeogrophic                    the Program in an unwarranted manner.
                         described in Section 921A are in no way          Classification Scheme. (1) One state             The commenter recommended instead
                         an expansion of the Program. Rather              requested that the goal of one site per          that NOAA use the classification
                         they reflect the legislative history and a       region be revised to allow for more sites        scheme in the Program Development
                         synthesis of the Program's past                  per region based on the estuarine                Plan for the National Marine Sanctuary
                         experience and need for basic policy             typology system. The commenter noted             Program which relied on eight regions.
                         guidance. Goals 2 and 3 am both valid.           that only by including severalsites per             Response.- Estuarine sanctuaries. in
                         since both education and Interpretive            region could all significant national            order to be beneficial for long-term
                         afforts are natural outgrowths of                variation be included. The commenter             research and educational purposes,
                         science. The first goal, Involving               suggested that outright acquisition was          should reflect the Nation's coastal areas.
                         management planning. represents a                not always necessary. The alternative            The biogeographic classification scheme
                         logical mechanism for achieving                  suggested was to incorporate into the            and estuarine typologies were
                         Program purposes.with maximum utility            National Estuarine Sanctuary Program             developed from this premise as
                         and a -in' um amount of waste.                   thm sites, as appropriate, that are              demonstrated in The Clark Report. In

                                Federal Register / Vol. 49,         No@ 125 / Wednesday, June 27, 1984 / Rules and Regulations                                   26507

                    identifying sites for potential marine          appropriately occur during the EIS              a significant Federal action for the
                    sanctuary status. eight regions were            process, but the commenter suggested            purposes of the NEPA EIS requirement.
                    used. but for administrative purposes           that states may wish to involve Federal            (3) One commenter noted that since
                    rather than representativeness. On top          agencies with special expertise earlier         resource protection is a primary
                    of this scheme, a detailed marine               during the site selection process.              program goaL the regulations should
                    classification scheme. developed solely           Response.- The regulations require that       specify that the plan detail
                    for marine areas and illustrative of the        states seek the views of Federal                responsibilities for surveillance and
                    Nation's oceans, was applied. As a              agencies as well as other parties early in      enforcement of human activities.
                    result of this process. twenty-nine sites       the site selection process (see                    Response. NOAA agrees and the
                    were selected by NOAA for placement             J I 921.11(d) and 921.12(a)(3)). Federal        regulations (at � M.12(b)(8)) have been
                    on the Site Evaluation Ust (see 48 FR           agencies will also be actively involved         revised to require that responsibilities
                    355e8 (1983)).                                  in the management planning process              for surveillance and enforcement be
                      Section 921-4(b)--Coord1hation with           aiLd EIS development (see 1 9=12 (d)            detailed in the management plan.
                    the National Marine Sanctuary                   and (e)).                                          (4) One commenter questioned the
                    P@pgrorn. One commenter was                       Section 921.11-4ite Selectiam (1)             usefulness of the NOAA-state
                    concerned about the possible                    Several states suggested that the               memorandum of under@tanding (MOM
                    duplication of time and effort if an area       regulations address multiple-site               which is required as part of the
                    is established as an estuarine sanctuary        national estuarine sanctuaries.                 management plan (see J 921.12 (a)(51
                    and a marine sanctuary. The commenter             Response. Section 921.10(b) has been          and (b)(10)). The commenter suggested
                    requested that NOAA address the                 revised to specifically reference               that the MOU could not be considered
                    possibility of a dual designation and -         multiple-site systems within the                legally binding on future legislatures.
                    means by which both programs could              National Estuarine Sanctuary Program.              Response- The MOU emphasizes the
                    coexist without generating serious                (2) One commenter urged early and             significance of establishing an estuarine
                    problems.                                       frequent public Involvement in the              sanctuary and recognition by the state
                      Response: Section 9=4(b) Is intended          designation and management of national          and Federal government of the long-term
                    only to ensure that the National                estuarine sanctuaries. It was suggested         commitment to management of the area
                    Estuarine Sanctuary Program and                 that where the proposed regulations             in accordance with the agreed-upon
                    National Marine Sanctuary Program               limit notice to the local media (for            goals and objectives. The MOT1 spells
                    work closely together this is                   example in � 921.11(d) concerning               out. at the beginning of the process. the
                    particularly true in terms of                   preliminary site selection). notice should      roles of the Federal and state
                    management planning, research                   also be made in the Federal Register            governments. and what is expected of
                    projects, and education/interpretive            since not all parties interested in the         each party. It will clearly indicate that
                    activities. It is also important to note        proposed designation live in the                each party is aware of its commitment
                    that the Programs are not duplicative           adjacent area and the Program has a             and responsibilities at the beginning of
                    and could serve complementary                   broad national interest                         the process. The MOU emphasizes that
                    purpose& The regulations have been                Response. This change has been made           lands acquired under the National
                    clarified to provide that the boundaries        (we 11 921.11(d)1-                              Estuarine Sanctuary Program must
                    of the national marine and estuarine              Section 921.12-Monagement Plan                continue to be used in a manner
                    sanctuaries would not overlap, even             DLevelopment, (1) One state noted that          consistent with sanctuary purposes.
                    though they may be adjacent (similar to                2(b
                    the case where a National Wildlife              1921.1 . ), concerning management                  (51 Several states approved requiring
                    Refuge abuts a National Park@                   plan development. should include a              the management plan early in the
                                                                    description of the sanctuary                    proceiss as a guide to future decisions
                    Subpart B-Preacquisition: Site                  arlmird trative structure as a required         before the expenditure of substantial
                    Selection and Management Plan                   plan component. It was suggested that           funds. Other commenters, however.
                    Development                                     the plan should at least outline the            expressed convern that requiring the
                      Section 921.10-General. (1) One state         staff's roles for research. education/          preparation of a draft management plan
                    suggested that the $50,000 Federal share        interpretation. and enforcement.                prior to any commitment to the site from
                    was not enough to accomplish the goals            Response: NOAA agrees and                     NOAA could lead to the waste of
                    of the preacquisition award (e.4, site          language to this effect has been added          extensive staff time, public
                    selection and draft managment plan              at I 921.12(b)(2).                              participation, and resources.
                    development) and recommended that a               (Z) One state suggested that an                  Response: These regulations are
                    small sum be set aside for site selection,      environmental impact statement not be           predicated upon ten years of experience
                    and that other funds to prepare the draft       required in all cams. Rather, in less           in administering the Rational Estuarine
                    plan be negotiated between the state            complex situations. the flexibility to          Sanctuary Program. The regulations are
                    and the Federal government based on             prepare an environmental assessment             intended to rectify many of the problems
                    the proposed sanctuary's complexity-            should be left open.                            that have occurred in specific
                      Response. Based on past experience.             Response: NOAA disagrees. Based on            sanctuaries in the past Many of these
                    the $5UM Federal funding leveL                  experience with the program, an                 problems could have been foreseen and
                    supplemented by state match is                  environmental assessment is not an              overcome by thoughtful. pre-senchazry
                    adequate for site selection and draft           adequate mechAnim to fully consider             plAnning Thus. NOAA is strongly
                    plan development. Additional funds to           the environ-e-tal and socioeconomic             supportive of developing a management
                    complete the final plan am available            impacts of a proposed nations estuarine         plan early in the decision irr               Tbe
                    under the acquisition and develoomarit          sanctuary, particularly where a                 concern that NGAA is not committed to
                    award (see I =121@                              management program is being proposed.           the state during the draft managemoUt
                      (2) One commenter suggested that              Further, it does not provide for the            Plan         a is turwarranted given the
                    specific reference to the need for              extensive public review required                procedures specified in the reguistlimm
                    Federal agency coordination be included         through the NEPA proces& We believo             NOAXs financial commitment bevolm
                    in Subpart B. Suck coordination could           that designation of any site qmshfies as        with the prwmquisition award for sift

                                                                                                259

                         26508       Federal Register / Vol. 49, No. 125 / Wednesday, June 27, 1984 1 Rules and Regulations
                                                                                                                                               0

                         selection and continues through all the          large capital expenditures until a final         gauge the effectiveness of the
                         developmental stages. NOAA may                   plan is prepared and substantial                 sanctuary*s program.
                         support up to one-half of the total costs        progress in land acquisition has been              (2) The same commenter as in (1) also
                         of establishing a particular sanctuary.          made.                                            questioned the value of a program
                         NOAA's programmatic commitment to a                Section 921.32-Operation qnd                   evaluation after Federal funding expires.
                         proposed sanctuary begins with                   Management. Implementation of the                  Response. The required evaluations
                         approval of a site and continues through         Management Plan. (1) One state                   will ensure that sanctuary objectives. as
                         the management plan review and                   suggested the $250,000 cap on federal            specified in the management plan. are
                         preparation of the MS. If the sanctuary          funding for operation and management             still being attained and that proposed
                         proposal is approved, and if the                 in Section 921.32(b) should be modified          boundary changes and amendments to
                         requirements of the preacquisition phase         to provide for additional funds based on         the management plan can be reviewed.
                         are met. NOAA will proceed with                  need.'                                           The evaluations will ensure that the
                         establishing the site as a national                Response: The Program is designed to           purposes for which the sanctuary was
                         estuarine sanctuary.                             assist states in establishing estuarine          established continue to be met and that
                           Decision points early in the process           sanctuaries. Funds are provided for an           the site meets the criteria of the national
                         provide opportunities for either party to        initial period of implemenatatio&                system.
                         withdraw before too much time and                thereafter the states must assume                  After Federal funding expires. the
                         effort have been committed.                      responsibility for continued operation.          state is required to submit an annual
                           (6) In terms of I 921.12(b)(7). one              Section 921.33-Boundary Changes                report on the sanctuary. The report will
                         commenter suggested that the schedule            and Amendments to the Management                 detail program successes and
                         for acquisition, required as part of the      ,  Plan. (1) Several states requested that          accomplishments in implementing the
                         management plan. was useful as a                 this section be modified to apply only to        policies and activities described in the
                         guide, but not as a rigid pl                     laws specifically applicable to the              sanctuary management plan. The report
                         document.                                        sanctuary, and not general                       also should propose a work plan for the
                           Response. NOAA views the                       environmental quality laws such as for           next year of sanctuary operations and
                         acquisition strategy as a flexible               air and water.                                   describe the state's role in ongoing
                         planning tool. It does. however. identify          Ri@spanse. Section 921.33 has been             sanctuary programs. Inadequate annual
                         key areas where acquisition should be            clarified to reflect this point.                 reports will trigger a full-scale
                         focused and acquisition priorities                 (2) One commenter recommended that             evaluation with a site-visit. In addition.
                         developed. The strategy will also                public notice and opportunity to                 on a periodic basis, NOAA will also
                         contain alternatives (including boundary         comment be provided in an cases where            conduct a full-scaleSection 312
                         changes) if selected priority areas              boundaries are changed or management             evaluation with a site visit.
                         eventually cannot be acquired.                   plans are amended under 1921.33.
                           (7) One commenter suggested that the             Response: The proposed regulations               Section 921.3S-Withdrowal of
                         requirements for the draft management            provide that ff NOAA determines it is            Designation. (1) Several reviewers
                         plan should referenci three additional           necessary, public notice and an                  suggested that the section on the
                         elements. all of which were included in          opportunity for comment on boundary              withdrawal of designation be modified.
                         the 1974 guidelines: (1) Definitions of       .  changes and changes to the final                 to allow the applicable state to
                         permitted. compatible. restricted and            management plan will be provided.                participate in decisions regarding the
                         prohibited user. (2) a monitoring plan to        Major changes do require public notice           disposition of property.
                         ensure that the integrity of the sanctuary       and opportunity for comment and. in                Response., The state will of course be
                         is maintained. and (3) a description of          certain cases. preparation of an                 consulted by NOAA in any decision
                         the authorities which will be put in             environmental assessment Thus. the               regarding property disposition. which
                         place to manage the Sanctuary and                clear intent of these regulations is to          will be carried out according to
                         enforce the policy and use restrictions.         provide for public notice where                  Attachment N of OMB Circular A-102.
                           Response. A resource protection plan           applicable. There may, however, be               Revised. and these regulations.
                         requirement has been added (see                  times where changes to the management              (2) Several reviewers questioned. in
                         I M.12(b)(8)) which encompasses                  plan are minor and will not require such         the event of withdrawal of sanctuary
                         elements (1) and (3). A monitoring plan          notice.                                          designation. ihe method of disposal for
                         should be included as part of the                  Section 921.34-Pmgwm Evaluation.               property held in less-than-fee simple or
                         research plan (see I QZ2.22(b)(3)).              (1) One commenter specifically                   controlled by a lease.
                         Subpart C-Development and                        questioned the value of Section 312-type           Response. Section 9ZI.21(e) [which
                         Preparation of the Final Management              evaluations of sanctuary performance:            was � 921.35(e) in the proposed
                         Plan                                             the commenter stated that performance            regulations) ivould be followed to the
                                                                          reports, whicli are required as a                extent it applies. Leasehold and other
                           Section 921.21-1hitial Acquisition             condition of the financial award. are            real property interests purchased in
                         and Development Awards. (1) One state            adequate for NOAA's purposes.                    whole or in part with Federal funds are
                         noted that the limit of 5 percent of the           Aesponse: Perforinlanc reports are of          subject to the provisions of Attachment
                                                                                                     a "
                         Initial acquisition and development              course helpful. But such reports do not          N. OMB Circular A-10Z Revised.
                         awards which may be expanded on                  address the specific range and depth of            (3) Another state requested that the
                         minor construction activities which aid          Issues needed to iisome the                      deed language be rewritten so that a
                         in implementing portions, of the                 effectiveness of sanctuary operation and         state would be "endded to retain title to
                         management plan may not be adequate              opportunities for improvement In                 property which the state determines is
                         for multiple-site systems.                       addition during an evaluation.                   no longer needed for grant purposes, so
                           Response. After careful consideration.         individuals or groups that are. or should        long as the property is used for other
                         NOAA has determined that necessary               be. involved in sanctuary management             purposes a roved by NOAA as beft
                         construction can be planned for and              or are affected by the sanctuary are             consistent Zth    the sancNM popum.!'
                         included an pad of the aWtial award.             contacted. This provides NOAA with                 Response: Y#hm popm ty porchaiied
                         The intent of this restriction is to limit       valuable feedback that is necessary to           in few simple or lenkhan-Ise WoWle in

                                                                                                                260

    Federal Register / Vol. 49,            No. 125 / Wednesday, June 27, 1984 / Rules and Regulations                                   26509
    no longer used for the purposes of the        Subpart F--General Financial                       is somewhat acid. It was suggested that
    National Estuarine Sanctuary Program.         Assistance Provisions                              the circumneutral range should be 6.5
    NOAA is required to dispose of the          (1) One state criticized the exclusion            rather than 5.5.
    property according to the provisions of     of land as state match for the operation             Response: For the reasons indicated in
    Attachment N. OMB Circular A-102,             and management awards. The state                   the above response, we decided to
    Revised. These provisions are               found such an exclusion to be an undue             continue with the proposed system.
    essentially the same as stated in             constraint upon management and                      (3) Another reviewer stated that in
    � 921.21 (e) of the final regulations.       operation alternatives available to                Group II Transition Areas. the
    (4) One commenter suggested that            states.                                            description of coastal marshes and
    specific criteria and an appeals            Respone: In order to maximize the                  coastal mangroves as the only coastal
    procedure (including public notice of the    support provided to a sanctuary during             wetland transition areas is too narrow.
    proposed withdrawal of designation) be       its early years, NOAA has precluded                Other wetland areas (marshes, swamps,
    added to the regulations.                    land as match for the operation and                bogs) should be included.
    Response: As specified in          921.34   management award. To a reasonable                    Response. A new subtitle "Coastal
    and 921.35, NOAA's continuing                  degree, state match should relate to the           Marshes and Swamps", has been added.
    evaluation of sanctuary performance           purpose of the particular award. Since               (4) Another commenter stated that the
    will examine the state's performance in      the purpose of the operation and                   typology did not appear to contain
    upholding the mandate of Section 315 of      management award is to provide for the             criteria which adequately describe a
    the Act, the national Program goals, and      sanctuary's operation and                          Great Lakes-type site.
    the policies established in the        .      implementation of the management                     Response: Great Lakes areas can fall
    management plan. Specific criteria to         plan, the use of land as match is                  under Class II, Group I.B (Basin
    judge these factors cannot be                 inappropriate, particularly since land             Structure); I-C (Inlet Type: L.D. (Bottom
    enumerated, but will be examined on a        acquisition should be well underway                Composition); Group IIA (Circulation);
    case-by-case basis. Section 921.35 spells     prior to the state's receiving an                  II.C (Freshwater); and Group III-
    out a procedure for withdrawal of             operation and management award. The                Chemical.
    designation. including an appeal to the       allowable categories of match (see
    Assistant Administrator for Ocean              J 921.51(e)] provide the state with                V. Other Actions Associated With the
    Services and Coastal Zone                     sufficient flexibility.                            Proposed Rulemaking
    Management.                                                                                  I  (A) Classification Under Executive
    (5) One state questioned who would          Appendix 2-Estuarine Typology                      Order 12291
    decide the "current fair market value" of        (1) One reviewer stated that in Group
    lands slated for withdrawal of                III-Chemical, the proposed salinity                    NOAA has concluded that these
    designation in  921.35(e)(i) [now            limits were particularly confusing. The            regulations are not major because they
    921.21(e)(i)]. It was recommended that       reviewer noted that a salinity zone of 10          will not result in:
    an arbitration system of three                ppt to 20 ppt is very important because            (1) An annual effect on the economy
    independent appraisers or comparable         numerous estuaries possess waters in               of $100 million or more:
    system be established.                        this salinity range, but the proposed                (2) A major increase in costs or prices
    Response: Fair market value would be         polyhaline zone is too broad to describe           for consumers. individual industries.
    determined by an independent appraiser       this. The reviewer included the                    Federal. state or local government
    (e.g., certified real property appraiser     following table of salinity ranges from             agencies. or geographic regions; or
    GSA representatives) and certified by a       Introduction to Marine Biology by                    (3) Significant adverse effects on
    responsible official of the state, as        Mosby:                                             competition, employment investment.
    provided by Attachment F of OMB                                                                    productivity, innovation or on the ability
    circular A-102, Revised.                     salinity (0/100)      Types of water                of United States-based enterprises to
    Subpart E-Research Funds                                                                          compets with foreign-based enterprises
    (1) Several reviewers sugested that         0 to 0.5              Fresh water.                      in domestic export markets.
    research funds be offered on a 100            0.5 to 3.0            Oligohaline brackish water.
                                            3.0 to 10             Mesohaline brackish water.           these final rules amend existing
    percent Federal basis, i.e. without a       10.0 to 17            Ployhaline brackish water.
    state match requirement.                      17 to 30              Oligohaline seawater.          procedures for selecting and processing
                                                30 to 34              Mesohaline seawater.             potential national estuarine sanctuaries
    Response: Section 315 of the Coastal       34 to 38              Polyhaline seawater.              in accordance with a revised
    Zone Management Act requires that all       > 38                  Brina.                           biogeographic classification scheme and
    funds to coastal states for national           > 38                                                estuarine typologies. These rules
    estuarine sanctuary purposes be                                                                    establish a revised process for
    provided on a fifty-fifty matching basis     From Vuilleangas,I. 1993 Uber die Biologie            identifying. designating and managing
    (2) Other commenters suggested that                                                                national estuarine sanctuaries. They will
    funding limits and the total research          error. NOAA considered the information              not result in any direct economic or
     budget be discussed in the regulations.         provided. but has decided to continue to           environmental effect nor will they lead
    Response: Funding limits and the total   use the proposed salinity ranges which                     to any major indirect economic or
    Federal funds for research in national        are from Ecology of Inland Waters and                 environmental impacts.
     estuarine sanctuaries will vary from          Estuaries(Reid and Wood 1978). This is              (B) Regulatory Flexability Act Analysis
    year-to-year; thus, these figures are no        the standard limnology test used in
    included in the final regulations. NOAA        college. The table used as an example is            The General Counsel of the
    will, however, distribute information           from a 1933 paper, the salinity table              Department of Commerce certified to
    about the relative funding limits and            used in the typology is the widely                 the Small Business Administration that
    funding totals. Such information will be         accepted "Venice System' adopted in                this rule will not have a significant
    sent to states with national estuarine           1958.                                             economic impact on a substantial
    sanctuaries and to other interested              (2)The same reviewer also questioned              number of small entities. Thus,
     parties.                                          the pH  values suggesting that a pH of5.5        regulatory Flexibility Analysis is not

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                              26510        Federal Register / Vol. 49,             No. 125 / Wednesday, June 27, 1984 / Rules-and Regulations

                              required for this notice of final                    Subpart D-Sancturay Designation and                  ideas from one sanctuary are made
                              rulemaking. The regulations set forth                Subsequent Operation                                 available to others in the svstem. The
                              procedures for identifying and                       Sec.                                                 network that will be estabfished will
                              designating national estuarine                       921.30 Designation of National Estuarine             enable sanctuaries to exchange
                              sanctuaries, and managing sites once                     Sanctuaries.                                     information and research data with each
                              designated.                                          921.31 Supplemental acquisition and                  other. with universities engaged in
                                These rules do not directly affect                     developmenr awards.                              estuarine research, and with Federal
                              ..small government jurisidictions" as                921.32 Operation and management:                     and state agencies. NOAA's objective is
                              defined by Pub. L 96-354. the                            Implementation of the Management Plan.           a system-wide programof research and
                                                                                   921.33 Boundary changes. Amendments to
                              Regulatory Flexibility Act and the rules                 the Management Plan. and addition of             monitoping capable of addressing the
                              will have no effect on small businesses.                 multiple-site components.                        management issues that affect long-terfn
                                                                                   921.34 Program evaluation.                           productivity of our Nation's estuaries.
                              (C) Paper Work Reduction Act of 1980                 921.35 Withdrawal of designation.                      (d) Multiple uses are encouraged to
                              (Pub. L. 96-511)                                     Subpart E-Research Funds                             the degree compatible with the
                                These regulations do not impose any                921.40 General.                                      sanctuary's overall purpose as provided
                              information requirements of the type                 9ZI.41 Categories of potential research              in the management plan and consistent
                              covered by Pub. L 96-511 other than                      projects; evaluation criteria.                   with subsections (a) and (b), above. Use
                              those already approved by the Office of                                                                   levels are set by the individual state and
                              Management and Budget (approval                      Subpart F-Gerwrall Financial Assistance              analyzed in the management plan. The
                              number 064"12,1) for use through                     Provisions                                           sanctuary management plan (see
                              September 30,1986.                                   921.50 Application information.                      � 921-12) will describe the uses and
                                                                                   921.51 Allowable costs.
                              (DI National Environmental Policy Act                921.52 Amendments to financial assistance            establishes priorities among these uses.
                                                                                       awards.                                          The plan shall identify uses requiring a
                                NOAA has concluded that publication                Appendix 1-Biogeographic Classification              state permit, as well as areas where
                              of these rules does not constitute a                     Eicheme                                          uses are encouraged or prohibited. In
                              major Federal action significantly                   Appendix 2-Typology of National Estuarine            general, sanctuaries are intended to be
                              affecting the quality of the human                       Areas                                            open to the public. low-intensity
                              environment. Therefore, an                               Authority. Sec. 315(l), Pub. L 92-583, as        recreational and interpretive activities
                              environmental impact statement is not                amended. 86 Star. 1280 (16 U.S.C. 1461(l)).          are generally encouraged.
                              required.                                                                                                   (e) Certain manipulative research
                              list of Subjects in 15 CFR Part 921                  Subpart A-General                                    activities may be allowed on a limited
                                                                                   � 921.1 Mission and goals.                           basis. but only if specified in the
                                Administrative practice and                            (a) The mission of the National                  management plan and only if e
                              procedure. Coastal zoni. Environmental               Estuarine Sanctuary Program is the                   activity is consistent with overall
                              protection. Natural resources, Wetlands.             establishment and'management. through                sanctuary purposes and the sanctuary
                              (Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog                 Federal-slate cooperation. of a national             resources are protected. Manipulative
                              Number 11.420 Estuarine Sanctuary Program)           system of estuarine sanctuarie      's               research activities require the prior
                                Dated: February 29,1984.                           representative of the various regions                approval of the state and NOAA.
                              Paw M. Wolm                                          and estuarine types in the United States.            Habitat manipulation for resource
                              AssistantAdministratorfor Ocean Services             Estuarine sanctuaries will be                        management purposes is not permitted
                              and Coastal Zone Management.                         established to provide opportunities for             within national estuarine sanctuaries.
                                                                                   long-term research, education. and                     (f) While the Program is aimed at
                                Accordingly, 15 CFR Part 921 is                                                                         protecting natural, pristine sites, NOAA
                              revised as follows:                                  interpretation.
                                                                                       (b) The goals of the Program for                 recognizes that many estuarine areas
                              PART 921-HATIONAL ESTUARINE                          carrying out this mission are:                       have undergone ecological change as a
                              SANCTUARY PROGRAM                                        (1) Enhance resource protection by               result of human activities. Although
                              REGULATIONS                                          implementing a long-term management                  restoration of degraded areas is not a
                                                                                   plan tailored to the site's specific                 primary purpose of the Program. some
                              Subpart A-General                                    resources:                                           restorative activities may be permitted
                              Sec.                                                     (2) Provide opportunities for long-term          in an estuarine sanctuary as specified in
                              9n.1 Mission and goals.                              scientific and educational programs in               the management plan.
                              921.2 Definitions.                                   estuarine areas to develop information                 (g) NOAt% may provide financial
                              921.3 National Estuarine Sanctuary                   for improved coastal decisionmaking:                 assistance to coastal states, not to
                                   Biogeographic Classification Scheme and             (3) Enhance public awareness and                 exceed 50 percent of all actual costs, to
                                   Estuarine Typologies.                           understanding of the estuarine                       assist in the designation and operation
                              9=41 Relationship to other provisions of the         environment through resource                         of national estuarine sanctuaries (see
                                   Coastal Zone Management Act and to
                                   the National Marine Sanctuary Program.          interpretive programs: and                           section 921.51(e)). Three types of awards
                                                                                       (4) Promote Federal-state cooperative            are available under the National
                              Subpart 111-Preacquisitlom Ske Selection             efforts in managing estuarine areas.                 Estuarine Sanctuary Program. The
                              mul Menagernent Plan D*vM*mwd                            (c) To assist the states in carrying out         preacquisition award is for site
                              mmo Generall.                                        the Program's goals in an effective                  selection and draft management plan
                              M.11 site selection.                                 manner, the National Oceanic and                     preparation. The acquisition and
                              92LU Management Plan development.                    Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)                    development awar      d is intended
                              &d4ortc-Acqumum Devaknmmit, and                      will coordinate a research and                       primarily for land acquisition and
                              P "natloin of the Final Menagunent Plan              education information exchange                       construction purposes. The operation
                              92L20 General.                                       throughout the national estuarine-                   and management award provides funds
                              OnM Initial'acquisition and development              sanctuary system. As part of this role,              to assist in iroplementingthe research.
                                   awwd&                                           NOAA will ensure the4 information and                educationaL and administrative

                                                                                                                     262

                                     Federal Register / Vol. 49,          No. 125 / Wednesday, June 27, 1984 / Rules and Regulations                                      26511

                        programs detailed in the sanctuary                and to include a variety of ecosystem             Financial assistance application
                        management plari. Under the Act, the              types. A biogeographic classification             procedures are specified in Subpart F.
                        Federal share of funding for a national           scheme based on regional variations in              (b) In selecting a site, a state may
                        estuarine sanctuary shall not exceed              the nation's coastal zone has been                choose to develop a multiple-site
                        $3.000,000. At the conclusion of Federal          developed. The biogeographic                      sanctuary reflecting a diversity of
                        financial assistance, funding for the             classification scheme Is used to ensure           habitats in a single biogeographic
                        long-term operation of the sanctuary              that the National Estuarine Sanctuary             region. A multipl 'e-site sanctuary also
                        becomes the responsibility of the state.          System includes at least one site from            allows the state to develop
                          (h) Lands already in protected status           each region. The estuarine typology               complementary research and
                        by another Federal, state, local                  system is utilized to ensure that sites 'in       educational programs within the
                        government or private organization can            the Program reflect the wide range of             multiple components of its sanctuary.
                        be included within national estuarine             estuarine types within the United States.         Multiple-site sanctuaries are treated as
                        sanctuaries only if the managing entity             (b) The biogeographic classification            one sanctuary in terms of financial
                        commits to long-term non-manipulative             scheme, presented in Appendix 1,                  assistance and development of an
                        management. Federal lands already in              contains 27 regwris. Figure 2 graphically         overall management framewGrk and
                        protected status cannot comprise the              depicts the biogeographic regions of the          plan. Each individual component of a
                        key land and water areas of a sanctuary           United States.                                    proposed multiple-site sanctuary shall
                        (see J 921.11(c)(3)).                               (c) The typology system is presented            be evaluated separately under
                        J 921.2 Definitions.                              in Appendix 2.                                    � 921.11(c) as part of the site selection
                                                                                                                            process. A state may propose to
                          (a) "Act" means the Coastal Zone                � 921.4 Relitionship to other provisions of       establish a multiple-site sanctuary at the
                        Management Act as amended, 16 O.S.C.              the Coastal Zone Management Act and to            time of the initial site selection. or at
                        1451 et seq. Section 315(l) of the AcL 16         the National Marine Sanctuary Program.            any point in the development or
                        U.S.C. 1461(1), establishes the National            (a) The National Estuarine Sanctuary            operation of the, estuarine sanctuary,
                        Estuarine Sanctuary Program.                      Program is intended to provide                    even after Federal funding for the single
                          (b) "Assistant Administrator" (AA)              information to state agencies and other           component sanctuary has expired. If the
                        means the Assistant Administrator for             entities involved in coastal zone                 state decides to develop a multiple-site
                        Ocean Services and Coastal Zone                   management decisionmaking pursuant                national estuarine sanctuary after the
                        Management, National Ocean Service.               to the Coastal Zone Management Act, 16            initial acquisition and development
                        National Oceanic and Atmospheric                  U.S.C. 1451 et seq. Any coastal state.            award is made on a single site. die
                        Administration, U.S. Department of
                        Commerce, or his/her successor or                 including those-that do not have                  proposal is subject to the requirements
                        designee.                                         approved coastal zone management                  set forth in � 921.33. It should be noted,
                          (c) -Coastal state" means a state of            programs under section 306 of the Act, is         however, that the total funding for a
                        the United States in. or bordering on, the        eligible for an award under the National          multiple-site sanctuary remains at the
                        Atlantic, Pacific, or Arctic Ocean, the           Estuarine Sanctuary Program (see                  S3,000,0GO limit. the funding for
                        Gulf of Mexico, Long Island Sound. or               921.2(e)).                                      operation of a multiple-site sanctuary is
                        one or more of the Great Lakes. For the             (b) Where feasible, the National                also limited to the $250,000 standard
                        purposes of this title, the term also             Estuarine Sanctuary Program will be               (see I qZ1.32(b)1.
                        includes Puerto Rico, the Virgin Island&          conducted' in close coordination with the         � 921.11 Sit* selection.
                        Guam the Commonwealth of the                      National Marine Sanctuary Program                   (a) A state may use up to S10,000 in
                        Northern Marianas, and the Trust                  (Title III of the Marine Protection,              Federa) preacquisition funds to establish
                        Territories of the Pacific Islands, and           Research and Sanctuaries Act, as                  and implement a site selection process
                        American Samoa (see 16 U,S.C. 1454(4)).           amended, 16 U.S.C. 1431-14341, also
                          (d) "Estuary" means that part of a              administered by NOAA. Title III                   which is approved by NOAA.
                        river or stream or body of water having           authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to             (b) In Addition to the requirements set
                        unimpaired connection with the open               designate ocean waters as marine                  forth in Subpart F, a request for Federal
                        sea, where the sea water is measurably            sanctuaries to protect or restore such            funds for site selection must contain the
                        diluted with fresh water derived from             areas for their conservation.                     following programmatic information:
                        land drainage. The term also includes             recreational, ecological, or esthetic.              (1) A description of the proposed site
                        estuary-type areas of the Great Lakes,            values. National marine and estuarine             selection process and how it will be
                        see 16 U.S.C. 1454(7).                            sanctuaries will not overlap, though they         implemented in conformance with the
                          (e) "National Estuarine Sanctuary"              may be adjacenL                                   biogeographic classification scheme and
                        means and area, which may include all                                                               typology (� 921.3);
                        or the key land and water portion of an           Subpart B-Preacquisition: Site                      (2) An identification of the site
                        estuary, and adjacent transitional area           Selection and Managernant Plan                    selection agency and the potential
                        and uplands, constituting to the extent           Development                                       management agency; and
                        feasible a natural unit. set asides as a                                                              (3) A description of how public
                        natural field laboratory to provide long-           921.10 General.                                 participation. will be incorporated into
                        term opportunities for research.                  pr (a) A state may apply for a                    the process (see � 921.11(d)).
                        educational, and interpretation on the              eacquisition award for the purpose of             (c) As part of the site selerAion
                                                         n the area         Re selection and preparation of                 process,
                        ecological relationships withi.                   81                                                          the state and NOAA shall
                        (see 18 U.S.C. 1454(8)).                          documents specified in J 921.12 (draft            evaluate and select the final site(s@
                                                                          management plan and environmental                 NOAA has final authority in approving
                        1921.3 National Estuarine Sanctuary               impact statement [EIS)). The total                such sites. Site selection shall be guided
                        Biogeographic Classification Schme and            Federal share of the prear-quisition              by the following principles:
                        Estuarine Typologles.                             award may not exceed $50,000. of which              (1) The site's benefit to the National.
                          (a) National estuarine sanctuaries are          up to $10,000 may be used for site                Estuarine Sanctuary Program relative to
                        chosen to reflect regional differences            selection as described in J 921.11.               the biogeographic classification scheme

                                                                                                 263

                        26512        Federal Register / Vol. 49,          No. 125 / Wednesday, June 27, 1984 / Rules and Regulations

                        and typology set forth in � 921.3 and              921.12 Management Plan development                  Note.-In forma ti on on preparing a
                        Appendices I and 2;                                  (a) After the selected site is approved         preliminary engineering report (PER) is
                          [2) The site's ecological                       by NOAA and the state, the.state may               provided in "Engineering and Construction
                                                                                                                             Guidelines for Coastal Energy Impact
                        characteristics, including its biological         request the remainder of the                       Program Applicants" (42 FR 64830 (1977)),
                        productivity, diversity of flora and              preacquisition funds to develop the draft          which is supplied to award recipients:
                        fauna, and capacity to attract a broad            management plan and environmental
                        range of research and educational                 impact statement. The request must be                (7) An acquisition plan identifying the
                        interests. The proposed site should, to           accompanied by the information                     ecologically key land and water areas of
                        the maximum extent possible, be a                 specified in Subpart F and the following           the sanctuary. priority acquisitions, and
                        natural system;                                   programmatic information:                          strategies for acquiring these areas. This
                          (3) Assurance that the site's                      (1) An analysis of the site based on            plan should identify ownership patterns
                        boundaries encompass an adequate                  the biogeographic scheme/typology                  within the proposed sanctuary
                        portion of the key land and water areas           discussed in � 921.3 and set forth in              boundaries: land already in the public
                        of the natural system to approximate an           Appendices I and 2:                                domain; an estimate of the fair market
                                                                             (2) A description of the site and its           value of land to be acquired; the method
                        ecological unit and to ensure effective           major resources, including location                of acquisition, or the feasible '
                        conservation. Boundary size will vary             proposed boundaries, and adjaceW land              alternatives (including less-than-fee
                        greatly depending on the nature of the            uses. Maps. including aerial                       techniques) for the protection of the
                        ecosystem. National estuarine                     photographs, are required;                         estuarine area: a schedule for
                        sanctuaries may include existing                     (3) A description of the public                 acquisition with an estimate of the time
                        Federal or state lands already in a               participation process used by the state            required to complete the proposed
                        protected status.where mutual benefit             to solicit the views of interested parties,        sanctuary; and a discussion of any
                        can be enhanced, see � 921.51(e)(2).              a summary of comments, and, if                     anticipated problems:
                        Importantly. however, NOAA will not               interstate issues are involved,                      Note.-As discussed in � 921.11(c)(3), if
                        approve a site for potential sanctuary            documentation that the Governor(s) of              protected lands are to be included within the
                        status that is dependent upon the                 the other affected state(s) has been               proposed sanctuary, the state must
                        inclusion of currently protected Federal          contacted:                                         demonstrate to NOAA that the site meets the
                        lands in order to meet the requirements              (4) A list of'all sites considered and a        criteria for national estuarine sanctuary
                        for sanctuary status (such as key land            brief statement of the basis for not               status independent of the inclusion of such
                        and water areas). Such lands may only             selecting the non-preferred sites; and             protected lands.
                        be included within a sanctuary to serve              (5) A draft management plan outline               (8) A resource protection plan
                        as a buffer or for other ancillary                (see subsection (b) below) and an                  detailing applicable authorities.
                        purposes:                                         outline of a draft memorandum of                   including allowable uses, uses requiring
                          (4) The site's importance for research,         understanding (MOU) between the state              a permit and permit requirements. any
                        including proximity to existing research          and NOAA detailing the Federal-state               restrictions on use of the sanctuary. and
                        facilities and educational institutions;          roles in sanctuary management during               a strategy for sanctuary surveillance
                        (Comment: NOAA is developing more                 the period of federal funding -and                 and enforcement of such use
                        detailed criteria for selecting potential         expressing the state's long-term                   restrictions, including appropriate
                        national estuarine sanctuaries based              commitment to operate and manage the               government enforcement agencies:
                        upon research characteristics, Once               sancturay.                                           (9) If applicabld, a restoration plan
                        these criteria are developed, a notice of            (b) After NOAA approves the state's             describing those portions of the site that
                        their availability will be published in the       request to use the remaining                       may require habitat modification to
                        Federal Register).                                preacquisition funds, the state shall              restore natural conditions; and
                          (5) The site's compatibility with               begin developing a draft management                  (10) A proposed memorandum of
                        existing and potential land and water             plan. The plan will set out in detail:             understanding (MOU) between the state
                        uses in contiguous areas; and                        (1) Sanctuary goals and objectives,             and NOAA regarding the Federal-state
                          (6) The site's importance to education          management issues, and strategies or               relationship during the establishment
                        and interpretive efforts, consistent with         actions for meeting the goals and                  and development of the national
                        the need for continued protection of the          objectives;                                        estuarine sanctuary. and expressing the
                        natural system.                                      (2) An administrative section                   long-term commitment by the state to
                          (d) Early in the site selection process,        including staff roles in administration,           maintain effectively the sanctuary after
                                                                          research. educa Vi on /interpretation, and         Federal financial assistance ends. In
                        the state must seek, the views of affected        surveillance and enforcement.                      conjunction with the MOU and where
                        landowners, local governments, other                 (3) A research plan, including a                possible under state law, the state will
                        state and Federal agencies, and other             monitoring design;                                 consider taking appropriate
                        parties who are interested in the area(s)            (4) An interpretive plan (including             administrative or legislative action to
                        being considered for selection as a               interpretive, educational and                      ensure the long-term protection of the
                        potential national estuarine sanctuary.           recreational activities);                          sanctuary. The MOU shall be signed
                        After the local government and affected              (5) A plan for public access to the             prior to sanctuary designation. If other
                        landowners have been contacted. at                sanctuary:                                         MOUs are necessary (such asmith a
                        .least one public meeting shall be held in           (6) A construction plan, including a            federal agency or another state agencyJ,
                        the area of the proposed site. Notice of          proposed construction schedule, and                drafts of such MOUs also must be
                        such a'meeting, including the time,               drawings of proposed developments. If a            included in the plan.
                        place, and relevant subject matter, shall         visitor center, research center or any               (c) Regarding the preparation of an
                        be announced by the state through the             other facilities are proposed for                  environmental impact statement PS)
                        area's principal news media at least 15           construction or renovation at the site, a          under the National Environmental Polic
                        -days prior to the date of the meeting and        preliminary engineering report must be             Act on a national estuanine sanctuary
                        by NOAA in the Federal Register.                  prepared;                                          proposal, the state shall provide all

                                                                                                              264

                                     Federal Register / Vol. 49, No. 125 / Wednesday, June 27, 1984 / Rules and Regulations                                                         26513

                       necessary information to NOAA                           921.21 Initial acquisition and                        Title to the property conveyed by this deed
                       concerning the socioeconomic and                     development awards.                                   shall vest in the Irecipient of the CZMA
                       environmental impacts associated with                   (a) Assistance is provided to aid the              Section 315 award or other Federally-
                                                                                                                                  approved entity) subject to the condition that
                       implementing the draft management                    recipient in: (1) Acquiring land and                  the property shall remain part of the
                       plan and feasible alternatives to the                water areas to be included in the                     Federally -designated [name of National
                       plan. Based on this information, NOAA                sanctuary boundaries; (2) minor                       Estuarine Sanctuary]. In the event that the
                       will prepare thedraft EIS,                           construction, as provided in paragraphs               property is no longer-included as part of the
                         (d) Early in the development of the                (b) and (c) of this section; (3) preparing            sanctuary, or if the sanctuary designation of
                       draft management plan and the draft                  the final management plan; and (4) up to              which it is part is withdrawn, then the
                       EIS, the state shall hold a meeting in the           the point of sanctuary designation, for               National Oceanic and Atmospheric
                       area or areas most affected to solicit               initial management costs, e.g.,                       Administration or its successor agency, in
                       public and government comments on the                implementing the NOAA approved draft                  conjunction with the State, may exercise any
                       significant issues related to the                    management plan, preparing the final                  of the following rights regarding the
                                                                                                                                  disposition of the property;
                       proposed action. NOAA will publish a                 management plan, hiring a sanctuary                      (i) The recipient may be required to
                       notice of the meeting in the Federal                 manager and other staff as necessary,                 transfer title to the Federal Government. In
                       Register and in local media.                         and for other management-related                      such cases, the recipient shall be entitled to
                         (e) NOAA will publish a Federal                    activities. Application procedures are                compensation compute'd'by applying the
                       Register notice of intent to prepare a               specified in Subpart F.                               recipient's percentage of participation in the
                       DEIS. After the draft EIS is prepared                   (b) The expenditure of Federal and                 cost of the program or project to the current
                       and filed with the Environmental                     state funds on major construction                     fair market value of the property; or
                                                                     r      activities is not allowed during the                     00 At the discretion of the Federal
                       Protection Agency (EPA), a Notice of                                                                       Government, (a) the recipient may either be
                                                                            initial acquisition and development                   directed to sell the property and pay the
                       t.vailability of the DEIS will appear in
                       the Federal Register. Not less than 30               phase. The preparation of architectural               Federal Government an amount computed by
                       days after publication of the notice,                and engineering plans, including                      applying the Federal percentage of
                       NOAA will hold at least one public                   specifications, for any proposed                      participation in the cost of the original project
                       hearing in the area or areas most                    construction is permitted. In addition,               to the proceeds from the sale (minus actual
                                                                            minor construction activities, consistent             and reasonable selling and fix-up expenses. if
                       affected by the proposed sanctuary. The              with paragraph (c) of this section also               any, from the sale proceeds); or (b) the
                       hearing will be held no sooner than 15               are allowed. The NOAA-approved draft                  recipient may be permitted to retain title after
                       days after appropriate notice by NOAA                managtynent plan must, however,                       paying the Federal Government an amount
                       of the meeting has been given in the                                                                       computed by applying 4he Federal percentage
                                                                            include a construction plan and a public              of participation in the cost of the original
                       principal news media and in the Federal              access plan before any award funds can                project to the current fair market value of the
                       Register. After a 45-day comment                     be spent on construction activities.                  property.
                       -period, a final EIS is prepared by                     (c) Only minor construction activities                Note-Fair market value of the property
                       NOAA.                                                that aid in implementing portions of the              must be determined by an independent
                       Subpart C-Acquisition, Development,                  management plan (such as boat ramps                   appraiser and certified by a responsible
                                                                            and nature trails) are permitted under                official of the state, as provided by OMB
                       and Preparation of the Final                         the initial acquisition and development               Circular A-162 Revised, Attachment F.
                       Management Plan
                                                                            award. No more than five (5) percent of                  (f) Prior to submitting the finel
                       � 921.20 General.                                    the initial acquisition and development               management plan to NOAA for review
                        After NOAA approval of the site, the                award may be expended on such                         and approval, the state should hold a
                       draft management plan and the draft                  facilities. NOAA must make a specific                 public meeting in the area affected by
                       MOU, and completion of the final EIS, a              determination' based on the final EIS,                the estuarine sanctuary. NOAA will
                                                                            that the consi;Zion activity will not be              publish a no.tice of the meeting in the
                       state is eligible for an acquisition and             detrimental to the environment.                       Federal Re ster and in the local media.
                       development award to acquire land and                   (d) Except as specifically provided in                         . 91
                       water areas for inclusion in the                     paragraphs (a)-(c) of this section,                   Subpart D-Sanctuary Designation and
                       sanctuary and to construct research and              construction projects, to be funded in                Subsequent Operation
                       educational facilities in accordance with            whole ot in part under the acquisition                � 921.30 Designation of National Estuarine
                       the draft management plan. The                       and development award, may not be                     Sanctuaries.
                       acquisition and development award has                initiated until the sanctuary receives
                       two phases. In the initial phase. state              formal designation, see � 921.30.                        (a) The AA shall designate an area as
                       performance should work to meet the                                                                        a national estuarine sanctuary pursuant
                       criteria required for formal sanctuary                  Note.-The intent of these requirements             to Section 315 of the Act, based upon
                       designation., i.e., acquiring the key lamd           and the phasing of the acquisition and                written findings that the state has met
                       and water areas as specified in the draft            development award is to ensure that                   the following conditions:
                                                                            substantial progress in acquiring the key land
                       management plan and preparing the                    and waters areas hai been made and that a                (1) A final management plan has been
                       final plan. These requirements are                   final management plan is completed before             approved by NOAA;
                       specified in 1921.30. The-initial                    major sums are spent on construction. Once               (2) Sanctuary construction and access
                       :
                       cquisition and development phase is                  substantial pr6gress in acquisition has been          policies, � 921.21(b)-(d), have been
                       xpected to last no longer than two                   made, as defined by the state in the                  followed;       '
                       years after the start of the award.           If     management plan, 6ther activities guided by              (3) Key land and water areas of the
                       necessary, a longer time period may be               the final management plan may begin with              proposed sanctuary, as identified in the
                       negotiated between the state and                     NOAA's approval.                                      managernentplan, are under state
                       NOAA. After the sanctuary is ,                          (e) Deeds for real property acquired               control; and -
                       designated, funds may be used to..                   for the sanctuary under acquisition .                    (4) An MOU between the state and
                       acquire any remaining land and for                   funding. shalt contain substantially the              NOAA ensuring.a long-term
                       construction purposes.                               following -provision:                                 commitment by, the state to the

                                                                                                        265

                      26514       Federal Register / Vol. 49, No. 125 / Wednesday, June 27, 1984 / Rules and Regulations

                      sanctuary's effective operation and            not listed in the management plan or           will trigger a full-scale management
                      implementation has been signed.                final EIS require public notice and the        audit with a site-visit. On a periodic
                         (b) A notice of designation of a            opportunity for comment; in certain            basis, NOAA will also conduct a full-
                      national estuarine sanctuary will be           cases, an environmental assessment             scale Section 312 evaluation with a site
                      placed in the Federal Register and in the      may be required. Where public notice is        visit and public meeting.
                      local media.                                   required, NOAA will place a notice in
                         (cl The term "state contror' in             the federal Register of any proposed           � 921.35 Withdrawal of designation.
                         921-30(a)(3) does not necessarily           changes in sanctuary boundaries or                (a) Upon a finding by the Program
                      require that the land be owned by the          proposed major changes to the final            Office through its progranimatic
                      state in fee simple. Less-than-fee             management plan and ensure that a              evaluation (1921.34) that a national
                      interests and regulatory measures may          notice is published in the local media.        estuarine sanctuary is not meeting the
                      suffice where the state makes a showing          (b) As discussed in � 921.10(b), a state     mandate of Section 315 of the Act, the
                      that the lands are adequately controlled       may choose to develop a multiple-site          national Program goals or the policies
                      consistent with the purposes of the            national estuarine sanctuary after the         established in the management plan.
                      sanctuary.                                     initial acquisition and development            NOAA will provide the state with a
                                                                     award for a "Ie site has been made.            written notice of the deficienci Such a
                         921.31 Supplernental acquisition and
                      development awards.                            Public notice of the proposed addition in      notice will explain the deficiencies in
                                                                     the Federal Register and local media,          the' state's approach, propose a solution
                         After sanctuary designation, and as         and the opportunity for comment, in            or solutions to the deficiency and
                      specified in the approved management           addition to the preparation of either an       provide a schedule by which the state
                      plan, the state may request a
                                                                     environmental assessment or                    should remedy the deficiency. The state
                      supplemental acquisition and                   environment impact stafement on the            shall also be advised in writing that it
                      development award for construction and         proposal will be required. An                  may comment on the Program Office's
                      acquiring any remaining land.                  environmental impact statement. if             finding of a deficiency and meet with
                      Application procedures are specified. in       required. will be prepared in accordance       Program officials to discuss the finding
                      Subpart F. Land acquisition must follow        with section 921.12 and will also include      and seek to remedy the deficiency.
                      the procedures specified in J 921.21(e).       an administrative framework for the               (b) If the issues cannot be resolved
                         921.32 Operation and managetnent:           multiple-site sanctuary that describes         within a reasonable time, the Program
                      knpleatentation of the N[anagement plan.       the complementary research and                 Office will make recommendation
                         (a) After the sanctuary is formally         educational programs within the                regarding withdrawal of designation to
                      designated, the state may apply for            sanctuary. If NOAA determines, based           the AA. A notice of intent to withdraw
                      assistance to provide for operation and        on the scope of the project and the
                                                                     issues associated with the additional          designation, with an opportunity for
                      management. The purpose of this phase                                                         comment, will be placed in the Federal
                      in the national estuarine sanctuary            !ite, that an environmental assessment         Register.
                      process is to implement the approved           is sufficient to establish a muhtple-site
                      final management plan and to take the          sanctuary, then the state shalLdevelop a          (c) The state shall be provided the
                      necessary steps to ensure the conti@,,ed       revise& management plan as described           opportunity for an informal hearin&
                      effective operation of the sanchary            in � 9M.12(b). The revised mahagement          before the AA to consider the Program
                      after direct Federal support is                plan will address the sanctuary@wide           Office's recommendation and finding of
                      concluded.                                     goals and objectives and the additional        deficiency, as well as the state's
                         (b) Federal funds of up to $Z50,OW, to      component's relationship to the original       comments on and response to the
                      be matched bry the state, are available        site.                                          recommendation and finding.
                                                                                                                       (d) Within 30 day after the informal
                      for the operation and management of the        � 921.34 Program, evakwmon.                    hearing, the AA shall issue a written
                      national estuarine sanctuary. Operation          (a) Performance during the term of the       decision regarding the sanctuary. If a
                      and management awards are subject to           operation and management award (or             decision is made to withdraw sanctuary
                      the following limitations:                     under the initial acquisition and              designation, the procedures specified
                         [1) No more than $5(LOOO in Federal         development award, if the sanctuary is         inj 921.21(e) regarding the disposition of
                      funds per armual award. and                    not designated within two years) will be       real property acquired with federal
                         (2) No more than ten percent of the
                      total amount (state and Federal shares)        evaluated annually by the Program              funds shall be followedL
                      of each operation and management               office and periodically in accordance
                      award may be used for construction-            with the provisions of Section 312 of the      Subpart E-Research Funds
                      type activities (Le, $10AW maximum             Act to determine compliance with the           � 921.40 GeneraL
                      per year).                                     conditions of the award and overall
                                                                     progress in implementing the                      (a) To stimulate high quality research
                         921.33 Boundary changes, americh.           management plan.                               within designated national estuarine
                      to the Management Plan, and addition of          (b) To ensure effective sanctuary            sanctuaries, NOAA may find research
                      rwAWle-alts components.                        oversight after the major federal funding      on a competitive basis to sanctuaries
                         (a) Changes in sanctuary boundaries         expires, the state is required to submit       having an approval final management
                      and major changes to the final                 an annual report on the sanctuary. The         plan. Research funds are intended to
                      management plan, including state laws          report should detail program successes         support significant research p  'r6jects
                      or regulations promulgated specifically        and accomplishments in meeting the             that will lead to enhanced scientific
                      for the sanctuary, may be made only            policies and activities described in the       understanding of the sanctuary
                      after written approval by NOAA. If             sanctuary management plan. A work              environment, improved coastal
                      determined to be necessary, NOAA may           plan, detailing the projects to be             decisionmaking, improved sanctuary
                      require public notice including notice in      undertaken the next.year to meet the           management, or enhanced public
                      the Federal Register. and an opportunity       Program goals and the state's role in          appreciation and understanding of the
                      for comment. Changes in the boundary           ongoing sanctuary programs, should also        sanctuary ecosystem. Research .
                      involving the acquisition of properties        be included. Inadequate annual reports         opportunities will be identified in final

                                                                                                   266

                                    Federal Register / Vol. 49, No. 125 / Wednesaav. June 27, !984 1; Rules and Regulations                                            26515

                        management plans for national                        (3) Research quality (i.e.. soundness of          oipphcations must contain back up data
                        estuarine sanctuaries. Research funds              approach, environmental consequences,               or hudget estimates (Federal.and non-
                        will be used to rill obvious voids in              experience related to methodologies):               Federal shares), and evidence !hat the
                        available data, as well as to support                (4) Importance to the National                    application complies with the Executive
                        creative or innovative projects.                   Estuarine Sanctuary Program:                        Order IZ37Z, "Intergovernmental Revi.,w
                         (b) Research funds are provided in                  (5) Budget and Institutional                      of Federal Programs." In addition.
                        addition to any funds available to the             Capabilities (i.e., reasonableness of               applications for acquisition and
                        state under the operation and                      budget. sufficiency of logistical support);         development awards must contain:
                        management or acquisition and                      and                                                   (1) State Historic Preservation Office
                        development awards. Research funds                   (6) In addition. in the case of long-             qo@@ents;
                        must be matched by the state. consistent           term monitoring projects, the ability of              (2) Appraisals and title information;
                        with I 921.51(e)(iii) ("allowable costs").         the state or the research grant recipient             (3) Governor's letter approving the
                        Individual states may apply for funding            to support the grant beyond this initial            sanctuary proposal; and
                        for more than one research project per             funding.                                              f4) Written approval from.NOAA of
                        sanctuary.                                         Subpart F-General Financial                         the draft or final management plan.
                        � 921.41 Categories of potential research          Assistance Provisions                               The Standard Form 424 has been
                        project; evaluation criteria.                                                                          approved by the Office of Management
                         (a) While research funds may be used              � 921.50 Application Information.                   and Biidget (Appro@ral number 0648-
                        to start-up long-term projects, they are             (a) The maximum total Federal                     0121) for use through September 30,
                        not intended as a source of contintifing           funding per sanctuary is S3.000,000 for             1986.
                        funding for a particular project over              the preacquisition, acquisition and                   921.51 Allowable costs.
                        time. Emphasis will be placed an                   development, and operation and
                                                                           management awards. The research                       (a) Allowable costs will be
                        projects that are also of benefit to other         funding under � 921.40 is excluded from             determined in accordance with OMB
                        sanctuaries in the system. Proposals for           this total.                                         Circulars A-10Z. "Uniform
                        research under the following categories              (b) Only a state Governor, or his/her             Administrative Requirements for
                        will be considered:                                designated state agency, may apply for              Grants-in-Aid to State and Local
                         (1) Establishing a Data Base and                  national estuarine sanctuary financial              Governments", and A-87, "Principles for
                        Monitoring Program (e.g.. studies related          assistance awards. If a state is                    Determining Costs Applicable to Grants
                        to gathering and interpreting baseline             participating in the national Coastal               and Contracts with State. Local. and
                        information on the estuary. Funds are              Zone Management Progam. the recipient               Federally Recognized Indian Tribal
                        available to establish a data base and
                        monitoring system; however, the long-              of an award under Section 315 of the                Governments"; the financial assistance
                        term support for such a system must be             Act shall consult with the state coastal            agreement; these regulations; and other
                        carried out as part of overall sanctuary           management agency regarding the                     Department of Commerce and NOAA
                        implementation);                                   application.                                        directives. The term "costs" applies to
                                                                             (c) No acquisition and development                both the Federal and non-Federal
                         (2) Estuarine Ecology (e.g., studies of                                                               shares.
                        ine relationships between estuarine                award may be made by NOAA without
                        pecies and their environment. studies              the approval of the Governor of the                   (b) Costs claimed as charges to the
                        a                                                  state. or his/her designated agency, in             award must be reasonable, beneficial
                        of biological populations community                which the land to be acquired is located.           and necessary for the proper and
                        relationships, studies an factors and                (d) All applications are to be                    efficient administration of the tmancial
                        processes that govern the biological               submitted to: Management and Budget                 assistance award and must be incurred
                        productivity of the estuary);                      Group, Office of Ocean and Coastal                  during the awards period. except as
                         (3) Estuarine Processes (e.g.. studies            Resource Management. National Ocean                 provided under preagreement costs.
                        on dynamic physical processes that                 Service, National Oceanic and                       subsection (d).
                        influence and give the estuary its                 Atmospheric Administration, 3300                      (c) Costs must not be allocable to or
                        particular physical characteristics.               Whitehaven St., NW., Washington. D.C.               included as a cost of any other
                        including studies related to climate,              20235.                                              Federally-financed program in either the
                        patterns of watershed drainage and                   (e) An original and two copies of the             current or a prior award period.
                        freshwater inflow. patterns of water               complete application must be submitted                (d) Costs incurred prior to the
                        circulation within the estuary. and                at least 120 working days prior to the              effective date of the award
                        studies on oceanic'or terrestrial factors          proposed beginning of I]ie project. The             (preagreement costs) are allowable only
                        that influence the condition of estuarine          Application for Federal Assistance                  when specifically approved in the
                        waters and bottoms);                               Standard Form 424 (Non-construction                 financial assistance agreement. For nor,-
                         (4) Applied Research (e.g., studies               Program) constitutes. the formal                    construction awards, costs incurred
                        designed to answer specific                        application for preacquisitiom operation            more than three months before the
                        management questionsy and                          and management. and research awards.                award beginning date "I not be
                         (5) Socioeconomic Research (e.g..                 The Application for Federal Assistance              approved. For construction and.land
                        studies on patterns of land use, .                 Standard Form 424 (Construction                     acquisition awards. NOAA will evaluate
                        sanctuary visitation. archaeological               Program) constitutes the formal                     preagreement costs on a case-by-case
                        research)-                                         application for land acquisition and                basis.
                         (b) Proposals for research in national            development awards. The ap3rication                   (a) General guidelines for the non-
                        estuarine sanctuaries will be evaluated            must be accompanied by the                          Federal share am contained in OUB
                        in accordance with criteria listed below-          informatiod required in Subpart B                   Circular A-= Attachment F. The
                         (1) Scientific merits:                            (preacquisition). Subpart C and Section             following may be used by the state in
                         (2) Relevance or importance to                    921.31 (acquisition and development).               satisfying the matching requirement:
                        sanctuary management or coastal                    and 1921.32 (operation and                            (1) P@,eacquisiddn Awards. Cash and
                        decisionmakinX                                     management), as applicable. All                     in-kind contributions (value of goods

                                                                                                          267

                         26516        Federal Register / Vol. 49.            No. 125 / Wednesday, June 27, 1984 / Rules and Regulations

                         and services direc  tly benefiting and              development award. The value in excess                 a. East Flonda fSt. John's Mver to Cape
                         specifically identifiable to this part of           of the amount required as match for the              Canaveral.).
                         the project) are allowable. Land may not            initial award may be used to match                   Wes: Indion
                         be used as match.                                   subsequent supplemental acquisition                    9. Caribbean f Cape Canaveral to Ft.
                          (2) Acquisition and Development                    and development awards for the                       Jefferson and south).
                         Awards. Cash and in-kind contributions              estuarine sanctuary.                                   10. West Florida (Ft. Jefferson to Cedar
                         are allowable In general. the fair market             (3) Operations and Management                      Key).
                         value of lands to be included within the            Awards, Research Funds. Cash and in-                 Louisianian
                         sanctuary boundaries and acquired                   kind contributions (directly benefiting
                         pursuant to the Act, with other than                                                                       11. Panhandle Coast (Cedar Key to Mobile
                                                                             and specifically identifiable to this                Bay).
                         Federal funds, may be used as match.                phase of the projectL except land, are                 11 Mississippi Delta (Mobile Bay to
                         The fair market value of privatel@                  allowable.                                           Galveston).
                         donated land. at the time of donation, as                                                                  13. Western Culf (Calveston to Mexican
                         establishment by an independent                     � 921.52 Amendments to financial                     border).
                         appraiser and certified by a responsible            assistance awards.                                   Californian
                         official of the State (pursuant to ONIB               Actions requiring an amendment to
                         Circular A-!02 Revised. Attachment F)               the financial assistance award, such as                14. Southern California (Mexican border to
                                                                                                                                  Point Concepcion).
                         may also be used as match. Appraisals               a request for additional Federal funds,                15. Central California (Point Concepcion to
                         must be performed according to Federal              revisions of the approved project                    Cape Mendocino).
                         appraisal standards as detailed in                  budget or extension of the performance                 ie. San FranciscoPay.
                         NOAA regulations and the "Uniform                   pe*niod must be submitted to NOAA on                 Columbian
                         Appraisal Standards for Federal Land                Standard Form 424 (OMB approved
                         Acquisitions." Costs related to land                number 074&0= for use through                          17. Middle Pacific (Cape Mendocino to the
                         acquisition. such as appraisals, legal              September 30.1986) and approved in                   Columbia River).
                                                                                                                                    I& Washington Coast (Columbia River to
                         fees and surveys, may also be used as               wTiting.                                             Vancouver Island).
                         match. Land. including submerged lands.             Appendrk I-Biographic Classification                   19. Puget Sound.
                         already in the state's possession. in a             Scheme                                               Great Lakes
                         fully-protected status consistent with
                         the purposes of the National Estuarine              Acadian                                                20. Western Lakes (Superior, Michigan.
                                                                                                                                  Huron).
                         Sanctuary Program. may be used as                     1. Northern Gulf of Maine (Eastport to the           21. Eastern Lakes (Ontario, Erie).
                         match only if it was acquired within a              Sheepscot River).
                         one-year period prior to the award of                 2. Southern Gultof Maine (Sheepscot River          Fjord
                         preacquisition or acquisition funds and             to Cape Cod).                                          22. Southern Alaska (Prince of Wales
                         with the intent to establish a national             Virginian                                            Island to Cook Wet).
                         estuarine sanctuary. For state lands not                                                                   23. Aleutian Islands (Cook Wet to Bristol
                         in a fully-protected status (eg, a state              3. Southern New England (Cape Cod to               Bay).
                         park containing an easement for                     Sandy Hook).
                         subsurface mineral rights), the value of              4. Nfiddle Atlantic (Sandy Hook to Cape            Sub-Arctic
                         the.development right or foregone value             Hatteras).                                             24. Northern Alaska (Bristol Bay to
                         may be used as match if acquired by or                5. Chesapeake Bay.                                 Demarcation Point).
                         donated to the state for inclusion within           Carolinian                                           Insular
                         the sanctuary.                                        S. Northern Carolinas (Cape Hatteras to              25. Hawaiian Islands.
                           A state may initially use as match                Santee River).                                         28. Western Pacific Island.
                         .land valued at greater than the Federal              7. South Atlantic (Santee River to St. Jahn's        27. Eastern Pacific Island.
                         share of the acquisition and                        River).                                              BILLM CODE 1510-06-M

                                                                                                                     268

                      SUB:XRT'i.        2

                                      FJORD

                                                  19

                                                                                             20
                                  COLUMBIAN                                               GREAT LAKES

                                                                                                   21

                                             16                                                      5

                                CALIFORNIAN,

                                                                                    2.,
                                                                                    tj
                       26
                                        25                                        LOUISIANIAN
                             INSULAR                                         -v*"-"1

                        27

                                               Figure 1. Biogeographic Regions of the United States.

                                26518      Federal Register I Vol. 49, No. 125 / Wednesday, June 27, 1984 1 Rules and Regulations

                                Appendix 2-Typology of National                     2. Southeast Areas: Floral dominants                  B. Coastal Swamps: These are wet lowland
                                Estuarine Areas                                   include Myrica, Baccharis. and flex.                  areas that support mosses and shrubs
                                                                                    3. Western Areas: Adenostorna,                      together with large trees such, as cypress or
                                This typology system reflects significant         Arcotyphyqlos, and Eucalyptus are the                  gum.
                                differences in estuarine characteristics that     dominant floral species.                                C. Coastal Mangroves: This ecosvstem
                                are not necessarily related to regional             C. Coastal Grasslands. This area. which             experiences regular flooding on either a daily,
                                location. The purpose of this type of             possesses sand. dunes and coastal flats. has          monthly, or seasonal basis, has low wave
                                classification is to maximize ecosystem           low rainfall (10 to 30 inches per year) and           action. and is dominated by variety of salt-
                                variety in the selection of national estuarine    large amounts of humus in the soil. Ecological        tolerant trees, such as the red mangrove
                                sanctuaries. Priority will be given to            succession, is slow. resulting in the presence        (Rhizophora mangle), black mangrove
                                important ecosystem type as yet                   of a number of seral stages of community              (Avicenniia nitida), and the white mangrove
                                unrepresented in the sanctuary system. It         development. Dominant vegetation includes             (Laguncularia racemosa). It is also an
                                should be noted that any one site may             mid-grasses (Z to 4 feet tall), such as               important habitat for large populations of
                                represent several ecosystem types or              Ammophila, Agropyron. and Caqlamovifa, tall           fish, invertebrates, and birds. This type of
                                physical characteristics.                         grasses (5 to 8 feet tall),.such as Spartina, and     ecosystem can be found from central Florida
                                Class 1-Ecosystem Types                          trees such as the willow (Saqlix sp.). cherry          to extreme south Texas to the islands of the
                                                                                  (Prumus sp.). and cottonwood (Populus                 Western Pacific.
                                Group I-Shorelands                                deltoides). This area is divided into four
                                A. Maritime Forest-Woodland- This                 regions with the following typical strand               D. Intertidal Beaches. This ecosystem has
                                                                      type of     vegetation:                                           a distinct biota of microscopic animals,
                                ecosystem consists of single-stemmed species      I                                                     bacteria, and unicellular algae along with
                                that have developed under the influence of          1. Amttc/Boreal: Elymus.
                                sail spray. It can be found on coastal uplands      2. Northeast/West: Aqmmophiqla,                       macroscopic crustaceans, mollusks. and
                                or recent features. such as barrier islands and     3. Southeast/Gulf- Uniola; and                      worms with a detritus-based nutrient cycle.
                                beaches. and may be divided into the                4. Mid-Altantic/Gulf- Spartina patens.              This area also includes the driftline
                                following biomes:                                    D. Coastal Tundra. This ecosystem. which            communities found at high tide levels on the
                                1. Northem Coniferous Forest Biame: This           is found along the Arctic and Boreal coasts of        beach. The dominant organisms in this
                                is an area of predominantly evergreens such         North America. is characterized by low                ecosystem include crustaceans such as the
                                as the sitka spruce (Piceea), grand fir (Abies    temperatures, a short growing season, and             mole crab (Emerita), amphipods
                                and white cedar (Thuja, with poor                some permafrost. producing a low. treeless            (Gammaridae), ghost crabs (Oypode), and
                                development of the shrub and herb layers.         mat community made up of mosses. lichens,             bivalve molluscs such as the coquina (Donax)
                                but high annual productivity and pronounced       heath. shrubs, grasses, sedges. rushes. and           and surf clams (Spisula and Mactra).
                                seasonal periodicity.                             herbaceous and dwarf woody plants.                      E. Intertidal Mud and Sand Flats. These
                                2. Moist Temperate (Mesothermal)                   Common species include arctic/alpine plants           areas are composed of unconsolidated. high
                                Coniferous Forest Biome: Found along the          such as Empetrum niqgruin and Betuqla narra,            organic content sediments that function as a
                                west coast of North America from California       the lichens Cetraria and Cladoniqa, and                short-term storage area for nutrients and
                                to Alaska, this area is dominated by conifers,    herbaceous plants such as Potentilla                  organic carbons. Macrophytes are nearly
                                has a relatively small seasonal range. high       tridentata and Rubus chamaemorus.                     absent in this ecosystem. although it may be
                                humidity with rainfall ranging from 30 to 150     Common species on the coastal beach ridges            heavily colonized by benthic diatoms. dino-
                                inches. and a well-developed understory of        of the high arctic desert include Dryas               flagellates. filamentous blue-green and green
                                vegetation with an abundance of mosses and        intergrifola and Saxifrage oppositifolia.            algae, and chaemosynthetic purple sulfur
                                other moisture-tolerant plants.                     This area can be divided into two main              bacteria. This system may support a
                                3. Temperate Deciduous Forest Blame. This         subdivisions:                                         considerable population of gastropod&
                                biome, in characterized by abundant. evenly        i. Low tundra: characterized by a thick.           bivalves. and polychaetes, and may serve as
                                distributed rainfall. moderate temperatures       spongy mat of living-and undecayed                    a feeding area fora variety of fish and
                                which exhibt a distinct seasonal pattern,         vegetation. often with water and dotted with          wading birds. In sand. the dominant fauna
                                well-developed soil biota and herb and shrub      ponds when not frozen: and                            include the wedge shed Donax, the scallop
                                layers. and numerous plants which produce           2. High tund a bare area except for a             Pecten, tellin shells Tellina. the heart urchin
                                pulpy fruits and nuts. A distant subdivision of scanty growth of lichens and grasses, with            Echinocardium, the lug worm Arenicoqla.
                                this blame is the pine edaphic forest of the      underlying ice wedges forming raised                  sand dollar Dendraster, and the sea pansy
                                southeastern coastal plain in which only a       polygonal areas.                                      Reniqlla. In mud, faunal dominants adapted to
                                small portion of the area is occupied by            E. Coastal Cliffs. This ecosystem is an             low oxygen levels include the terebellid
                                climax vegetation. although it has large areas    important nesting site for many sea and shore         Amphitrite. the boring clam Playdon, the
                                covered by edaphic climax pines.                  birds. It consists of communities of                  deep sea scallop Placopecten, the quahog
                                4. Broad-leaved Evergreen Subtropical             herbacesous, graminoid, or low woody plants           Mercenaria, the echiurid worm Urechis, the
                                Forest Biomes: The main characteristic of this    (shrubs. heath. etc.) on the top or along rocky       mud snail Nassarius, and the sea cucumber
                                biome, is high moisture with less pronounced      faces exposed to salt spray. There is a               Thyone.
                                differences between winter and summer.            diversity of plant species including mosses.            F. Intertidal Algal Beds. These are hard
                                Examples are the hammocks of Florida and          lichens. liverworts. and "higher" plant
                                the live oak forests of the Gulf and South        representatives.                                      substrates along the marine edge that are
                                Atlantic coasts. Floral dominants include                                                               dominated by macroscopic algae. usually
                                pines, magnolias, bays, hollies. wild             Group 11 Transition Areas                             thalloid, but also filamentous or unicellular in
                                tamarind. strangler fig. gumbo limbo, and           A. Coastal Marshes: These are wetland                growth form. This also includes the rocky
                                Palms.                                            areas dominated by grasses (Poacea). sedges           coast tidepool that fail within the intertidal
                                B. Coast Shrublands: This is a transitional       (Cyperaceae). rushes (Juncaceas). cattails             zone. Dominant fauna of these areas are
                                area between the coastal grasslands and           (Typhaccae). and other graminoid species              barnacles. mussels. periwinkles, anemones.
                                woodlands and is characterized by woody           and is subject to periodic flooding by either         and chitons. Three regions are apparent-
                                species with multiple stems, a few centimeters    salt or freshwater. This ecosystem may be               1. Northern Latitude Rocky Shores. It is in
                                to several maters above the pound                 subdivided into: (a) tidal. which is                  this region that the community structure is
                                developing under the influence of salt spray      periodically Hooded by either salt or brackish         but developed. The dominant algal species
                                and occasional sand burial. This includes         water (b) non-tidal (freshwater); or (c) tidal        include Chondrus at the law tide level. Fucus
                                thicket& scrub, scrub savanna. heathlands.        freshwater. These are essential habitats for          and socophyllum at the mid-tidal level. and
                                and coastal chaparraL There is a great            many important estuarine species of fish and          Laminaria and other kelp-like algae just
                                variety of shrubland vegetation exhibiting       invertebrates as well as shorebirds and               beyond the intertidal. although they can be
                                regional specificity-                              waterfowl and serves important roles in               exposed at extremely low tide* or found in
                                1. Northers Areas: Characterized by              shore stabilizatiom flood control. water              very deep tidepools.
                                Fludsonia, various erinaceous species. and        purification. and nutrient transport and                2. Southern Latitudes. The communities in
                                thickets of Myrica, Prunus, and Rosa               storages                                            this region are reduced in comparison to

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                                       Federal Register / Vol. 49,               No. 125 / Wednesday, June 27, 1984 / Rules and Regulations                                    26519

                        those of the northern latitudes and possesses            confined waters-abundant marine grasses,             1.Coastal plains estuary:Where a
                        algae consisting mostly of single-celled or              shellfish. and juvenile fish. Water movement         drowned valley consists mainly of a single
                        filamentous green. blue-green. and red algae.            is reduced. with the consequent effects of           channel, the form of the basin is fairly
                        and small thalloid brown algae.                          pollution being more severe in this area than        regular, forming a simple coastal plains
                         3. Tropical and subtropical Latitudes: The              in exposed coastal areas.                            estuary. When a channel is flooded with
                        intertidal in this region is very reduced and              3. Bay:Bays are larger confined bodies of          numerous tributaries, an irregular estuary
                        contain numerous calcareous algae such as                water that are open to the sea and receive           results. Many estuaries of the eastern United
                        Porolithon and Lithothamnion as well as                  strong tidal flow. When stratification is            States are of this type.
                        green algae with calcareous particles such as            pronounced, the flushing action is augmented            2.Fjord: Estuaries that form an elongated,
                        Halimeda, and numerous other green, red		           by river discharge. Bays very in size and in         steep headlands that alternate with deep U-
                        and brown algae.                                         type of shorefront.                                  shaped valleys resulting from glacial scouring
                                                                                   4.Embayment: A confined coastal water               are called fjords. They generally possess
                        Group III--Submerged Bottoms                             body with narrow, restricted inlets and with         rocky floors or very thin veneers of sediment,
                           A. Subtidal Hardbottoms: This system is               a significant freshwater inflow can be               with deposition generally being restricted to
                        characterized by consolidated layer of solid		     classified an embayment. These areas                 the head where the main river enters.
                        rock or large pieces of rock (neither of biotic          have more restricted inlets than bays, are           Compared to total fjord volume, river
                        geomorphological features such as submarine              action, and are subject to sedimentation.            restricted tidal ranges at their mouths, due to
                        canyons and fjords and is usually covered                   5. Tidal River: The lower reach of a coastal      sills, or upreaching sections of the bottom
                        with assemblages of sponges, sea fans,                   river is referred to as a tidal river. The           which limit free movement of water, often
                        bivalves, hard corals, tunicates, and other              coastal water segment extends from the sea           making river flow large with respect to the
                        attached organisms. A significant feature of             or estuary into which the river discharges to        tidal prism. The deepest portions are in the
    			  estuaries in many parts of the world is the              a point as far upstream as there is significant      upstream reaches, where maximum depths
                        oyster reef, a type of subtidal hardbottom.              salt content in the water, forming a salt front.     can range from 800 m to 1200 m, while sill
                        Composed of assemblages of organisms                     A combination of tidal action and freshwater         depths usually range from 40 m to 150 m.
                        (usually bivalves). It is usually found near an          outflow makes tidal rivers well-flushed. The             3. Bar-bounded Estuary: These result from
                        estuary's mouth in a zone of moderate wave               tidal river basin may be a simple channel or a       the develpment of an offshore barrier, such
                        action, salt content, and turbidity. If light            complex of tributaries, small associated             as a beach strand, a line of barrier islands.
                        levels are sufficient, a covering of                     embayments, marshfronts, tidal flats, and a          reef formations, a line of moraine debris, or
                        microscopic and attached macroscopic algae,              variety of others.                                   the subsiding remnants of a deltaic lobe. The
                        such as kelp, may also be found.                            6. Lagoon: Lagoons are confined coastal           basin is often partially exposed at low tide
                           B. Subtidal Softbottoms: Major                        bodies of water with restricted inlets to the        and is enclosed by a chain of offshore bars or
                        characteristics of this ecosystem are an                 sea and without significant freshwater               barriers islands, broken at intervals by inlets.
                        unconsolidated layer of ine particles of silt.           inflow. Water circulations is limited, resulting     These bars may be either deposited offshore
                        sand, clay, and gravel, high hydrogen sulfide            in a poorly flushed, relatively stagnant body        or may be coastal dunes that have become
                        levels, and anserobic conditions often                   of water, Sedimentation is rapid with great          isolated by recent sea level rises.
                        existing below the surface, Macrophytes are              potential for basin shoaling. Shores are often           4.Tectonic Estuary: These are coastal
                        either sparse or absent, although a layer of             gently sloping and marshy.                           indentures that have formed through tectonic
                        benthic microalgae may be present if light	              7. Perched Coastal Wetlands: Unique to            processes such as slippage along a fault line
                        levels are sufficient. The faunal community id           Pacific islands, this wetland type, found            (San Francisco Bay), folding, or movement of
                        dominated by a diverse populations of deposit            above sea level in volcanic crater remnants,         the earth's bedrock, often with a large inflow
                        feeders including polychaetes, bivalves, and             forms as a result of poor drainage                   of freshwater.
                        burrowing crustaceans.                                   characteristics of the creater rather than, from        5. Volcanic Estuary: These coastal bodies
                           C. Subtidal Plants: This system is found in           sedimentation. Floral assemblages exhibit            of open water, a result of volcanic processes,
                        relatively shallow water (less than 8 to 10              distinct zonation while the faunal                   are depressions or craters that have direct
                        meters) below mean low tide. It is an area of            constituents may include freshwater,                 and/or subsurfaces connections with the
                        extremely high primary production that                   brackish, and/or marine species. Example:            ocean and may or may not have surface
                        provides food and refuge for a diversity of              Aunu'u Island. American Samoa.                       continuity with streams. This formations
                        faunal groups, especially juvenile and adult                 8. Anchialine Systems: These small coastal       are unique to island areas of volcanic origin.
                        fish, and in some regions, manatees and sea              exposures of brackish water form in lava                 C. Inlet Type: Inlets in various forms are an
                        turtles. Along the North Atlantic and Pacific            depressions or elevated fossil reefs, have           integral part of the estuarine environment, as
                        coasts, the seagrass Zostera marina                      only a subsurface connection to the ocean,           they regulate, to a certain extent, the velocity
                        predominates. In the South Atlantic and Gulf             but show tidal fluctuations. Differing from          and magnitude of tidal exchange, the degree
                        support a number of epiphytic organisims.                true estuaries in having no surface continuity
                                                                                 with streams or ocean, this system is                of mixing, and volume of discharge to the sea.
                                                                                 characterized by a distinct biotic community         There are four major types of inlets:
                        Class II--Physical Characteristics                       dominated by benthic algae such as                      1. Unrestricted: An estuary with a wide,
                                                                                 Rhizoclonium, the mineral encrusting                 unrestricted inlet typically has slow currents,
                        Group I-Geologic                                         Schizothrix, and the vascular plant Ruppia           no significant turbulence, and receive the full
                           A. Basin Type: Coastal water basins occur             maritima. Characteristic fauna, which exhibit        effect of ocean waves and local disturbances
                        in a variety of shapes, sizes, depths, and               a high degree of endemicity, include the             which serve to modify the shoreline. These
                        appearances. The eight basic types discussed             mollusks Theodoxus neglectus and T.                  estuaries are partially mixed, as the open
                        below will cover most of the cases:                      corrasus. the small red shrimp Metabetaeus,           mouth permits the incursion of marine waters
                           1. Exposed Coast: Solid rock formations or            iohena and halocaridina rubra, and the fish          to considerable distances upstream,
                        heavy sand deposits characterize exposed                 Eqleotris sandwicensis and Kuhlia                    depending on the tidal amplitude and stream
                        ocean shore fronts, which are subject to the             sandvicensus. Although found throughout the               gradient.
                        full form of ocean storms. The sand beaches              world, the high islands of the Pacific are the       2.Restricted: Restrictions of estuares can
                        an very resilient, although the dunes lying              only areas within the U.S. where this system           exist in many forms: bars, barrier islands,
                        just behind the beaches are fragile and easily           can be found.                                        spits, sills, and more. Restricted inlets result
                        damaged. The dunes serve as a sand storage                B. Basin Structure: Estuary basins may                in decreased circulation, more pronounced
                        area making them chief stabilizers of the                result from the drowning of a river valley           longitudinal and vertical salinity gradients,
                        ocean shorefront.                                        (coastal plains estuary), the drowning of a          and more rapid redimentation. However, if
                           2.   Sheltered Coast:Sand or coral barriers           glacial valley ((fjord), the occurrence of an        the estuary mouth is restricted by
                        built up by natural forms, provide sheltered            offshore barrier (bar-bounded estuary), some          depositional features or land closures, the
                       areas inside a bar or reef where the                      tectonic process (tectonic estuary), or              incoming tide may be held back until it
                        ecosystem takes on  many characteristics of                volcanic activity (volcanic estuary).                suddenly breaks forth into the basin as a

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                            26520      Federal Register / Vol. 49,                   No. 125 / Wednesday, June 27, 1984                      / Rules and Regulations

                            tidal wave, or bare. Such currents exert                  1. Stratified: This is typical of estuaries               Subsurface water:  This refers to the
                            profound effects on the nature of the                    with a strong freshwater influx and is                  precipitation that has been absorbed by the
                            substrate, turbidity, and biota of the estuary.          commonly found in bays formed from                      soil and stored below the surface. The
                            3. Permanent: Permanent inlets are usually                "drowned" river valleys, fjords, and other               distribution of subsurface water depends on
                            oposite  the mouths of major rivers and                  deep basins. There is a net movement of                 local climate, topography, and the porosity
                            permit river water to flow into the sea.                 freshwater outward at the top layer and                 and permeability of the underlying soils and
                            Sedimentation and  deposition are minimal.                saltwater at the bottom layer, resulting in a          rocks. There are two main subtypes of
                            4. Temporory(intermittent):Temporary                           net outward transport of surface organisms        surface water.
                            inlets are formed by storms and frequently               and net inward transport of bottom                        a. Vodose water:   This is water in the soil
                            shift position, depending on tidal flow, the             organisms.                                              above the water table. Its volume with
                            depth of the sea and sound waters, the                                                                           respect to the soil, is subject to considerable
                            frequency of storms, and the amount of                     2.Non-stratisfied: Estuaries of this type are         fluctuation.
                            littoral transport.                                      found where water movement is sluggish and                b.Groundwater: This is water contained in
                            D.Bottom Composition:The bottom                          sufficient circulation to provide the basis for         the rocks below the water table, is usually of
                            composition of estuaries attests to the                   a high carrying capacity. This is common to
                            vigorous, rapid, and complex sedimentation               shallow embayments and bays lacking a                   more uniform volume than vadose water, and
                            processes characteristic of mast coastal                 good supply of freshwater from land                     generally follows the topographic relief of the
                            regions, with low relief. Sediments are                  drainage.                                               land, being high below hills and sloping into
                            derived through the hydrologic processes of              3. Lagoonal: An estuary of this type is                 valleys.
                            erosion, transport, and deposition carried on           characterized by low rates of water                     Group III-Chemical
                            by the sea and the stream.                              movement resulting from a lack of significant
                            I. Sand: Near estuary mouths, where the                  freshwater influx and a lack of strong tidal            A. Salinity: This reflects a complex mixture
                            predominating forces of the sea build spits or            exchange because of the typically narrow                of salts, the most abundant being sodium
                            other depositional features, the shoresand                inlet connecting the lagoon to the sea.                 chloride, and is a very critical factor in the
                            substrates of the estuary are sandy. The                 Circulation, whose major driving force is               distribution and maintenance of many
                            bottom sediments in this area are usually                 wind, is the major limiting factor in biological        estuarine organism. Based an salinity, there
                            coarse, with a graduation toward finer                   productivity within lagoons.                            are two basic estuarine types and eight
                            particles in the head of the estuary. In the             B.Tides: This is the most important                     different salinity zones (expressed in parts
                            head region and other zones of reduced flow,               ecological factor in an estuary, as it affects          per thousand--ppi).
                            fine silty sands are deposited. Sand                     water exchange and its vertical range                     1. Positive estuary: This is an estuary in
                            deposition occurs only in wider or deeper                determines the extent of tidal flats which               which the freshwater influx is sufficient to
                            regions where velocity is reduced.                       may be exposed and submerged with each                  maintain mixing, resulting in a pattern of
                            2. Mud: At the base level of a stream near               tidal cycle. Tidal action against the volume of         increasing salinity toward estuary mouth.
                            its mouth. the bottom is typically composed              riverwater discharged into an estuary results           It is charactarized by low oxygen
                            of loose muds, silt, and organic detritus as a           in a complex system whose properties vary               concentration in the deeper waters and
                            result of erosion and transport from the upper           according to estuary structure aa well as the           considerable organic content in bottom
                            stream reaches and organic decomposition,                magnitude of river flow and tidal range. Tides           sediments.
                            just inside the estuary entrance, the bottom             are usually described in terms of their cycle             2. Negative estuary: This is found in
                            contains considerable quantities of sand and             and their relative heights. In the United               particularly arid regions, where estuary
                            mud, which support a rich fauna. Mud flats,              States, tide height is reckoned on the basis of         evaporaton may exceed freshwater inflow,
                            commonly built up in estuarine basins, are               average low tide, which is referred to as               resulting in increased salinity in the upper
                            composed of loose, coarse, and fine mud and              dotum. The tides, although complex, falls into   	     part of the basin, especially if the estuary
                            sand, often dividing the original channel.               three main categories:                                  mouth is restricted so that tidal flow is
                             3.Rock: Rocks usually occur in areas                      1.Diurnal: This refers to a daily change in           inhibited. These are typically very salty
                            where the stream runs rapidly over a steep               water level that can be observed along the              (hyperhaline), moderately oxygenated at
                            gradient with its coarse materials being                 shoreline. There is one high tide and one low           depth, and possess bottom sediments that are
                            derived from the higher elevations where the             tide per day.                     			     poor in organic content.
    				stream slope is greater.  The larger fragments              2.Semidiurnal: This refers to a twice daily            3.Salinity iones (expressed in ppt):
    				are usually found in shallow areas near the              rise and fall in water that can be observed               a.Hyperhaline-greater than 40ppt.
    				stream mouth.                                            along the shoreline.							 b.Euhalina-40 ppt to 30 ppt
    				  4. Oyster shell: Throughout a major portion               3.Wind/Storm Tides: This refers to			       c.Mixohaline: 30 ppt to 0.5 ppt
    				of the world, the oyster reaf is one of the              fluctuations in water elevation to wind and   		 1.Mixoeuhaline-greater than 30 ppt but
    				most significant features of estuareies, usually         storm events, where influence of lunar tides			 less than the adjacent euhaline sea.
                       																				 2.Polyhaline-30 ppt to 18 ppt.
    				being found near the mouth of the estuary in             is less.    								 3.Mesohaline-18 ppt to 5 ppt.
    				a zone of moderate wave action, salt content,               C.Freshwater: According to nearly all the			 4.Oligohaline-5 ppt to 0.5 ppt.
    				and turbidity.  It is often a major factor in            definitions advanced, it is inherent that all		 d.Limnetic: Less than 0.5 ppt.
    				modifying estuarine current systems and                  estuaries need freshwater, which is drained			 B.pH Regime: This is indicative of the
    				sedimentation, and may occur as an                       from the land and measurable dilutes			     mineral richness of estuarine waters and fall
    				elongated island or peninsula oriented across            seawater to create a brackish condition.                into three main categories:
    				the main current, or may develop parallel to             Freshwater enters an estuary as runoff from  		  1.Acid: Waters with a pH of less than 5.5
    				the direction of the current.                            the land either from a surface and/or 				  2.Circumneutral: A condition where the pH
                                                                                     subsurface source.							  ranges from 5.5 20 7.4.
    				Group II-Hydrographic                                       1.Surface water: This is water flowing over		  3.Alkaline: Waters with a pH greater than
    				  A. Circulation: Circulation patterns are the      	   the ground in the form of streams. Local			  7.4
    				result of the combined influences of			   variation in runoff is dependent upon the
    				freshwater flow, tidal actions, wind and			   nature of the soil (peroxity and solubility),
    				oceanic forces, and serve many functions:			   degree of surface slope, vegetational type and
    				nutrient transport, plankton dispersal,			   development, local climatic conditions, and
    				ecsoystem flushing, salinity control, water		   volume and intensity of precipitation.
    				mixing and more.

    										272

                                                APPENDIX 3

                                       Research and Educational Forms
                                        for the Proposed Component

                                                              273

                                                             ca Department                                                             OFFICE OF
                                North Carolin 1                                               of Natural                  COASTAL MANAGEMENT
                                                                                                                                   David W. Owens
                                Resources 0'(Community Development                                                                         Director
                               James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor                        James A. Summers, Secretary                 Telephone 919 733-2293

                           North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary Program

                                                     Research Proposal

                           Date

                           Name of Principal Investigator

                           Agency Affiliation

                           Telephone No.

                           .Address

                           Are you requesting consideration for Federal funding?
                                  Yes           No

                           If yes, see Application Considerations, pg. 5 of this form.

                           Will any equipment be left on site for the duration of the investigation?
                                 Yes            No Please explain:

                           Has An on-site visit been conducted?                                Yes                    No

                           Will the investigation require the removal of plants or animals?
                                    Yes               No

                           Have all the necessary collection permits been obtained?
                           C )      Yes         ( ) No (See notice below)

                           DURATION OF THE STUDY:

                                  Starting Date

                                  Completion Date

                                                                                      275

                                                           P 0. Box 27687 R. N. C. 27611-7687
                                                       An Equal Opportunity Afflirmative Action Employer

                       Using the attached map, please indicate W. the areas within the sanctuary
                       to be used for the investigation. Give dimensions of study plot in a
                       sketch if necessary.

                       NOTICE: COLLECTION PERMITS ARE REQUIRED

                       Waterfowl                           U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
                                                           919/755-4786 (Raleigh)

                       Fish and Shellfish                  N. C. Division of Marine Fisheries
                                                           919/726-7021 (Morehead City)

                       Terrestrial Animals                 N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission
                                                           919/733-7896 (Raleigh)

                       Plants                              N* C. Office of Coastal Management
                                                           working with the N. C. Natural Heritage
                                                           Program 919/733-2293 (Raleigh)

                       PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR                             DATE

                       SANCTUARY COORDINATOR                              DATE

                                  APPROVED                             DENIED

                             APPROVED WITH SPECIAL CONDITIONS (Attached)

                       Proposal should be written according to the following Guidelines and
                       attached to this form. Proposals.should be submitted in 5 duplicate
                       copies to:

                                      John Taggart, Sanctuary C 'oordinator
                                      North Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuarv Svstem
                                      DNRCD - Coastal Management
                                      P. 0. Box 27687
                                      Raleigh, NC 27611

                                                             276

                 GUIDELINES FOR PREPARING RESEARCH PROPOSALS

                 Executive Summary

                 Attach on separate sheet.

                 Project Description

                      The main body of the proposal should be concise, but detailed. It
                 should include:

                      1.   DescriDtion of Current State of Knowledge.       Discuss      the
                 problem in light of significant previous work in the area.

                      2.   Project Objectives. State the objectives of the study.

                      3.   Project SignificanSe.   Discuss how the proposed effort will
                 enhance or contribute to improving the state of knowledge. Discuss any
                 relevant management issues and how the proposed effort will contribute to
                 sanctuary management decision-making, future sanctuary research, and/or
                 other works in progress.

                      4.   Methods.   Describe the tasks required to accomplish the
                 project's objectives.     Provide adequate description of field and
                 laboratory methods and procedures. Provide a map to study location(s).
                 Indicate habitat areas of particular concern. Indicate where laboratory
                 analyses  will be conducted, if applicable. Describe the rationale for
                 selecting the proposed methods and study locations over any alternatives.
                 Identify any environmental consequences of proposed approach. List and
                 describe  facilities and equipment to be used.     Document collaborative
                 arrangements and cost-sharing.

                      5.   Analysis of Results. Discuss how the results will be analyzed.
                 Reference'relevant statistical analyses.

                      6.   Deliverables.   Discuss anticipated final products.      Indicate
                 how results will be treated -- published in reference Journal, published
                 in the public press, incorporated into academic curriculum, submitted for
                 publication in SPD's Technical Report Series, etc. (Note: the SPD prints
                 and publishes a limited number of outstanding reports in NOAA's Technical
                 Report Series.)

                 Personnel

                      Describe the research team and the specific task assignments of team
                 members. Indicate the percentage of time, based on the offeror's regular
                 work week, that personnel are expected to devote to the proposed work.
                 Provide   resumes listing qualifications and details relating to
                 professional and technical personnel.       In an appendix, list each
                 investigator's publications during the past 5 years. Describe and explain
                 any portion of work expected to be subcontracted and identify probable
                 sources.

                                                           277

                              Submit evidence of ability to perform.      Such evidence shall be in
                         reference to similar efforts performed.

                         References

                              Cite only those used in the text of the proposal.

                         Budget

                              The applicant may request funds under any of the categories listed
                         below as long as the item is considered necessary to perform the research.
                         The applicant should provide justification of major items requested.

                              1.   Salaries and Wages.    Salaries and wages of the principal
                         investigator and other members of the project team constitute direct costs
                         in proportion to the effort devoted to the project. The number of full-
                         time person months or days and the rate of pay (hourly, monthly or annual)
                         should be indicated.     Salaries requested must be consistent with the
                         institution's regular practices. The submitted organization may request
                         that salary data remain proprietary information.

                              2.   Fringe Benefits.    Fringe benefits (i.e. social security,
                         insurance, retirement) may be treated as direct costs so long as this is
                         consistent with the institution's regular practices.

                              3.   Equipment. Itemize equipment to be purchased, leased or rented
                         by model number and manufactuere, where known. Describe purpose of use.
                         SPD defines equipment as an item of property that has an acquisition cost
                         of $300 or more and an expected service life of 2 years or more. Equipment
                         becomes the property of SPD at the termination of the contract. Where
                         possible and economically advantageous, equipment should be rented or
                         leased for the duration of the project.

                              4.   Travel. Describe the type and extent of travel and relation to
                         the proposed research. Travel expense should not exceed 40 percent of
                         total dir*ect costs. Funds may be requested for field work and subsistence
                         and for consultant's travel.

                              5.   Other Direct Costs.      The   budget    should   itemize     other
                         anticipated costs under the following categories:

                                   a.    Materials and Supplies.    The budget should indicate in
                                         general terms the types of expendable materials and
                                         supplies required with their estimated costs.

                                   b.    Research Vessel or'Aircraft Rental. Include unit cost and
                                         duration of use.

                                   C.    Laboratory Space Rental. Funds may be requested for use
                                         of laboratory space at research establishments away from
                                         the   grantee   institution    while   conducting     studies
                                         specifically related to. the proposed effort.

                                                                   278

                            d    Reference Books and Periodicals.     Funds may be requested
                                 for reference books and pericdicals only if they are
                                 specifically required for the research project.

                            e.   Publication and ReDroduction Cos"s.     This includes costs
                                 of preparing wiitten text and illustrations and publishing
                                 results.

                            f.   Consultant Services.      Consultant   services    should    be
                                 justified and     information furnished     on consultant's
                                 expertise, primary organizational affiliation, daily
                                 compensation rate and number of days of expected service.
                                 (Travel should be listed under travel in the budget).

                            g.   Computer Services.     The   cost   of   computer    services,
                                 including data analyses and storage, word processing for
                                 report preparation and computer-based retrieval of
                                 scientific and technical information, may be requested and
                                 must be justified.

                            h.   Subcontracts.    Subcontracts must be disclosed in the
                                 proposal for approval by SPD.

                       6.   Indirect Costs. Appropriate or established indirect cost rate;
                 e.g., fees.

                 Other Sources of Financial Support

                       List all current or pending research to whicil the principal
                 investigator or other key personnel have committed their time during the
                 period of the proposed work. regardless of the source of support.
                 Indicate the level of effort or percentage of time devoted to these
                 projects.

                       If the proposal submitted to  SPD is being submitted to other possible
                 sponsors*, list them and describe the extent of support sought, Disclosure
                 of this information will not jeopardize chances for SPD funding.

                 APPLICATION CONSIDERATIONS FOR FEDERAL FUNDING

                       To stimulate high quality research within designated national
                 estuarine    sanctuaries,     the   National    Oceanic    and     Atmospheric
                 Administration (NOAA), Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
                 (OCRM), Sanctuary Programs Divisioa (SPD), provide limited financial
                 support, on a  --competitive basis, for research in sanctuaries having an
                 approved final management plan. Research funds are intended to support
                 significant research projects that will lead to enhanced scientific
                 understanding of the sanctuary environment, improved coastal decision-
                 making, improved sanctuary management, or enhanced public appreciation
                 and understanding of the sanctuary ecosystem. Fmphasis will be placed on
                 projects that are also of benefit to other sanctuaries in the system.
                 Research needs are outlined in sanctuary management plans.

                          Proposals for research under the following categories will be
                     considered:

                          1.    Baseline Data and Establishment of a Monitoring Program (e.g.,
                     .studies related to gathering and interpreting baseline information on the
                     estuary; funds are available to establish a monitoring system       '' The long-
                     term support for a monitoring system must be carried out as part of
                     overall sanctuary implementation);

                          2.    Estuarine Ecology (e.g., studies of individual species'
                     relationships with their estuarine environment, studies of biological
                     community relationships, studies on factors and processes that govern the
                     biological productivity of the estuary.) ;

                          3.    Estuarine Processes     (e.g.,    studies   on    dynamic    physical
                     processes that influence and give the estuary its particular physical
                     characteristics,    including studies related to climate, patterns of
                     watershed drainage and freshwater drainage and freshwater inflow patterns
                     of water circulation within the estuary, and studies on oceanic or
                     terristrial factors that influence the condition of estuarine waters and
                     bottoms);

                          4.    Applied Research (e.g., studies designed to answer specific
                     management questions); and

                          5.    Socioeconomic Research (e.g., studies on patterns of land use,
                     sanctuary visitation, archaeological research).

                          Research opportunities are identified in final management plans for
                     national estuarine sanctuaries.       Research funds will be used to fill
                     obvious voids in available data, as well as to support creative or
                     innovative projects.

                          Proposals for research in national estuarine sanctuaries will be
                     screened *for completeness and evaluated in accordance with criteria
                     listed below:

                          �     Scientific merits;

                          �     Relevance or importance to sanctuary management or coastal
                                decision-making;

                          �     Research quality (i.e. , soundness of approach, environmental
                                consequences; experience related to methodologies) ; and

                          �     Importance to the National Estuarine Sanctuary Program.

                                              LOG Sl=

               .Plea  caeplete this fom after us3ng one of the ocnpcrjents - listed bel(:)w for
               educational or interpretive program. File the carpleted Originals with the
               Sa ttlAry. manager, office of Coastal management, NRm, P. 0. BCx 27687,
               Raleigh, NC 27611 on a seascnal basis. Keep a photo ccpy for your files.

               =TICNS: Call the Sanctuary Manager, 919/733-2293

               Check Cne:                    RACHEL CARSON SITE         ZEKEIS ISLAND SIIE

               NAME OF PROGRAM:

               ]MMIKIR NUMBER OF PAMCIPANTS:

               KZ LEVEL OF PARTICIPAWS:

               DATE OR PROGRAM:

               TIME. OF PFCGRAM:

               YOUR NAME, TI=:

               AFFILIATION:

               AM1MSS:

               PHONE NO.:

               ACCESS M SITE ACHIEVW BY:

               PLEASE GIVE BRIM EXPLANATION OF PROGRAM:

                                                  APPENDIX 4

                                            Site Selection Process

                                                              283

                     Appendix 4:    Selection of Masonboro Island as a proposed
    	                                 component to the North Carolina National
                                            Estuarine Sanctuary Svstem

                    The results of the 1980 estuarine sanctuary nomination process are
               summarized below and the numbered sites are indicated on the attached map. All
               of the letters from respondents to the nomination form (Attachment D) are
               included; some of the nominations (e.g. by OCM staff) were made by personnel           communication.

                    The twenty-eight sites nominated as potential estuarine sanctuaries in
               North Carolina encompass the best examples of the state's unusually diverse
               estuarine habitats. The estuaries delineated by the approximately 4,000 miles
               of  North   Carolina    estuarine   shoreline   (Dr. B.J.   Copeland.  personal
               communication of 21 February 1984. UNC Sea Grant) are naturally subdivided by:
               Dortions of two major biogeographic regions--Virginian. and Carolinian,
               salinities ranging from oligoholine to euhaline, various estuarine basin types
               and structures associated with both barrier island and mainland areas, and water
               level fluctuations determined by either semi-diurnal lunar tides or irregular
               wind-influenced tides. For these reasons it was essential that a multiple site
               system be developed to adequately represent the state's estuarine complexity.

                    Because most of the sites nominated are viable candidates for sanctuary
               status from a physical/biological standpoint, OMC sought to incorporate various
               practical considerations in the selection process.  Such additional site
               selection   criteria   include:    1.)   development pressure,     2.) estuarine
               research/educational interest, 3.) availabilitv of lands that would constitute
               a natural, yet manageable estuarine unit, 4.) local interest in estuarine
               preservation, 5.) accessibility, 6.) lack of on-site disturbance, and
               7.) compatibilitv of adjacent land uses.

                    After careful analysis OCM staff determined that the estuaries associated
               with the state's barrier islands deserved initial priority consideration
               because of the greater development pressure on the islands than the mainland.
               Several such estuarine areas that were available for acquisition were also known
               to be highly desirable sites for research by local universities or colleges.
               Similarly, public sentiment favored preservation of these sites for education
               and traditional hunting and fishing. By combining all of these factors with the
               physical/biological variations of the state's estuaries, 0MC selected four
               sites--Zeke's island, Carrot island-Bird Shoal (now called Rachel Carson),
               Currituck Banks, and Masonboro island.      Each of these selections represents a
               distinctly different estuarine typology or biogeographic region (see Table I)                                                                                     according to the revised regulations.

                    The first three sites recommended by OCM have been accepted by OCRM as
               components of the North Carolina National Estuarine Sancutary System.  Masonboro
               Island would complete barrier island estuary representation in the North
               Carolina system because the island encompasses an excellent example of a
               polvhaline to euhaline, embayment basin type with bar-bound structure in the
               Carolinian Region.  The Masonboro Island/estuary comples is undisturbed, used
               for research and education by local institutions , and has a high degree of local
               support for preservation.

                         Mansonboro Island is definitely the best choice relative to similar
                   estuarine sites that were nominated (see attached site evaluations of numbers
                   21, 22, 23, 24, 27 and 28.) The pristine and extensive non-drowned river mouth
                   estuary associated with Masonboro Island is only five miles from the University
                   of North Carolina at Wilmington, a school with a strong marine science faculty
                   that already utilizes the site for research and education.                 Support f or
                   preservation of the island has also been expressed by landowners, the New
                   Hanover County Commissioners, the town councils of adjacent Wrightsville Beach
                   and Carolina Beach, and numerous private citizens.            For these reasons, OCM
                   proposes that Masonboro Island be the next component included in the North
                   Carolina National Estuarine Sanctuary System.

                         The multiple site perspective of the system also needs representation by
                   outstanding examples of estuaries associated with the mainland.                As stated
                   above, OCM gave selective priority to estuaries within barrier island areas;
                   however, we look forward to solicting and assessing another round of
                   nominations to cover estuaries along the mainland after the establishment of
                   Masonboro Island as a component. Many prime examples of such estuaries (e.g.
                   Alligator River, Cedar Island, Northwest River, Goose Creek, Mouth of the
                   Roanoke River, etc.) are described in the attached site evaluations.

                                                       Nomination Summary

                   Site                                                       Nominator(s)

                   (1)   Bennetts Creek - Chowan River                        A. B. Coleman
                         (Gates Co.)

                   (2)   Areneuse Creek - Pasquotank River                    A. B. Coleman
                         (Pasquotank Co.)

                   (3)   Bluff Point                                          Vincent Bellis
                         (Chowan Co.)

                   (4)   Sandy Point                                          Vincent Bellis
                         (Chowan Co.)

                   (5)   Black Walnut Creek                                  Vincent Bellis
                         (Chowan Co.)

                   (6)   Northwest River                                         A. B. Coleman
                         (Currituck Co.)

                   (7)   Currituck Sound                                     Charles Roe. Steve
                         (Currituck Co.)                                     Benton (OCM)

                   (8)   Mouth of the Roanoke River                         Vincent Bellis
                         (Bertie Co.)

                   (9)  Durant's island                                      Charles Roe. Vincent
                         (Dare Co.)                                          Bellis, Steve Benton (OCM)

                  (10) Alligator River                                      Tom Hatley, Preston
                        (Dare-Tyrrell Cos.)                                 Pate (OCM.)

                  (11)  Dare-Hyde Marshes                                   Charles Roe
                        (Dare-Hyde Cos.)

                  (12)  Otis Spit/Otis Bay                                  Vincent Bellis
                        (Dare Co.)

                  (13)  Broad Creek                                         Viacent Bellis, Steve
                        (Dare Co.)                                          Benton (0CM)

                  (114) Causeway Marshes                                    Vincent Bellis
                        (Dare Co.)

                  (15)  Marshes of Naas Head Woods                          Vincent Bellis
                        (Dare Co.)

                  (16)  Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge                Steve Frick, Steve
                        (Hyde Co.)                                          Benton' (QCY..)

                  (17)  Goose Creek State Park/Ragged Point                 Vincent Bellis
                        (Beaufort Co.)

                  (18)  Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge               Steve Frick,
                        (Carteret Co.)                                      Vincent Bellis

                  (19)  Newport River                                       Tom Hatley,
                        (Carteret Co.)-                                     E. T. lieinen

                  (20)  Carrot Islaad-Bird Shoal                            Charles Roe, Preston
                        (Carteret Co.)                                      Pate (0CM)

                  (21)  Bogue S ound                                        E. T. Heinen
                        (Carteret Co.)

                  (22)  Brown's Island                                      Joanne Powell
                        (Onslow Co.)

                  (23)  Sanddollar Island                                   Charles Hollis
                        (Pender Co."

                  (24)  Banks Channel-                                      "nae
                        (New Hanover Co.)

                  (25   Masonboro Island                                    C h a  s H cll i z;
                        (New Hanover Co.)                                             Ean,.@

                  (26)  Smith Island Cowlex                                 Robert 11oul- k"OC'!
                        (New Hanover-Brunswick Cos.)                        Roberz Stroud (0C%_!)

                                                                   287

               (27) Oak Island Marshes                              Robert Moul (OCM),

                   (Brunswick Co.)                                   Preston Pate (0cm)

               (28) Bird Island, Mad Inlet                           Robert Moul (OCM)
                     (Brunswick Co.)

                                                  Site Evaluations

               Site                                                  Discussioa

               1.    Beanetts Creek
                     (E-CPE/Vir)1                     This site primarily consists of a blackwater
                                                     stream lined with swamp forest. Freshwater
                                                     marsh communities are present where the
                                                     stream empties into the Chowan River.

               2.    Areneuse Creek
                     (E-CPE/Vir)                     Areneuse Creek exhibits natural features
                                                     very similar to those of Bennetts Creek
                                                     except that this stream flows into the
                                                     Pasquotank River.
               3.    Bluff Point
                     (E-CPE/Vir)                     This site consists of a swamp forest
                                                     associated with Albemarle Sound.
               4.    Sandy Point
                     (E-CPE/Vir)                     similar to 3

               5.    Black Walnut Point
                     (E-CPE/Vir)                     similar to 3
               6.    Northwest River
                     (E-CPE/Vir)2                     A freshwater to oligohaline river that flows
                                                     into Currituck Sound.

               7.    Currituck Sound
                     (E-CPE/Vir)                   The Currituck Banks component is a portion
                                                     of this area.

               8.    Mouth of the Roanoke River
                     (E-CPE/Vir)2                    This estuary is characterized by silt-laden
                                                    piedmont brownwaters mixed with organical
                                                    ly-stained blackwaters drained from coastal
                                                     lowlands.

    1 typologic/Biogeographic Classification:
    	E = Embayment			-CPE = Coastal Plains Estuary
    	TR = Tidal River			-BBE = Bar Bound Estuary
    	L = Lagoon				/Vir = Virginian Region
    						/Car = Carolinian Region

    2 Although this is a river system, lunar tidal influence is almost non-existent
    in sound waters north and west of Manteo. WAter level fluctuations in these
    estuaries are primarily determined by prevailing winds. For this reason, the
    ambayment category is used instead of tidal river.

    									288

            9.     Durant's Island
                   (E-CPE-Vir)                                A large island covered with swamp
                                                              forest and brackish marsh, Durant's
                                                              Island is situated where the Alligator
                                                              River flows into Albemarle Sound.

            10. Alligator River
                   (E-CPE/Vir)2                                A verv large oligohaliae river system
                                                              primarily       draining      surrounding
                                                              pocosin, swamp forest, and marsh areas
                                                              with limited input from the Pungo River
                                                              via the AIWW.

            11.    Dare-Hyde Marshes
                   (E-CPE/Vir)                                These brackish marshes (black
                                                              needlerush and giant cordgrass) border
                                                              Pamlico Sound alongthe southeastern
                                                              shore of Dare County and northeastern
                                                              shore of Hyde County.

            12.    Otis Spit/Otis Bay
                   (E-BBE/Vir)                                All of these sites represent portions of low
            13.    Broad Creek                                salinity embayments with bar-bound estuarine
                   (E-BBE/Vir)                                structure like Currituck Banks. Most of the
            14.    Causeway Marshes                           areas are covered by black needlerush marshes
                   (E-BBE/Vir)                                while associated submerged communities
            15.    Marshes of Naas Head Woods                 are quite similar to those found at the
                   (E-BBE/Vir)                                Currituck Banks component.

            16.    Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge
                   (E-CPE/Vir)
                                                              A large brackish marsh-low salinity
                                                              estuarine system owned and managed by
                                                              the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

            17.    Goose Creek State Park/Ragged Point
                   (E-CPE/Vir)                                A diverse brackish marsh system located
                                                              along the northern shoreline of the
                                                              Pamlico River.
            18.    Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge
                   (E-CPE/Car)                                Extensive brackish (blach needlerush)
                                                              marsh-dominated wildlife refuge along
                                                              Core and Pamlico Sounds.

     	  19.    Newport River
    		   (TR-CPE/Car)					    A tidal river estuary terminating in
    									    the morhead City-beaurors area. The
    									    Rachel Carson component encompasses a
    									    portion of this estuary.

    	  20.    Carrot Island-Bird Shoal
    		   (TR-CPE/Car)					    These islands are included in the
    								          Rachel Carson component.

                             21. Bogue Sound
                                       (E-BBE/Car)                                                            This large sound. area is bounded by
                                                                                                              Bogue Banks, a developed barrier
                                                                                                              island.            Masonboro Island is an
                                                                                                              undeveloped barrier island with an
                                                                                                              embayment basin type that covers a
                                                                                                              higher proportion of estuary to land
                                                                                                              than found on Bogue Banks

                             22.       Brown's Island
                                       (E-BBE/Car)                                                            This undeveloped barrier island is used
                                                                                                              as a bombing range by the U.S. Marine
                                                                                                              Corps, Camp LeJeune. The site has less
                                                                                                              estuarine area than Masonboro Island.

                             23. Sanddollar Island
                                       (E-BBE/Car)                                                            Sanddollar Island is an undeveloped
                                                                                                              barrier island with far less estuarine
                                                                                                              area than Masonboro island. The site
                                                                                                              has no eel grass beds as those. found in
                                                                                                              the Masonboro estuary

                             24. Banks Channel
                                       (E-BBE/Car)                                                            This site is very similar to Masonboro
                                                                                                              estuary in terms of chemical, physical,
                                                                                                              and biologic attributes. However,
                                                                                                              there is extensive development (Town of
                                                                                                              Wrightsville Beach) on the barrier
                                                                                                              island associated with Banks Channel.

                             25. Masonboro Island
                                       (E-BBE/Car)                                                            proposed component

                             26.       Smith Island Complex
                                       (L & TR-BBE&CPE/Car)                                                   The Zeke's island component represents
                                                                                                              the northern portion of this extensive
                                                                                                              barrier islad-tidal river estuarine
                                                                                                              complex.

                             27.       Oak island Marshes
                                       (E-BBE/Car)
                                                                                                              Oak Island includes a salt marsh
                                                                                                              complex on the sound side of a barrier
                                                                                                              island characterized by intensive
                                                                                                              localized development. The marshes amd
                                                                                                              estuary of Masonboro Island are more
                                                                                                              extensive and have better water
                                                                                                              quality.

                             28.       Bird Island/Mad Inlet
                                       (E-BBE/Car)                                                            A small undeveloped barrier island with
                                                                                                              less estuarine area and lower habitat
    																	    diversity (e.g. no eel grass beds than
    																	    Masonboro Island.

                           MAP OF SITES NOMINATED AS ESTUARINE SANCTUARIES IN NORTH CAROLINA

                                                                                                                    6-

               1. Bennetts Creek                                                                                                  7
               2. Areneuse Creek
               3. Bluff Point
               4. Sandy Point
               5. Black Walnut Creek
               6. Northwest River                                                                   3                  a UN
               7. Currituck Sound                                                                 8     5   gV AS 1'                  14
               8. Mouth of the Roanoke River                                                           A
               9. Durant's Island
               10. Alligator River                                                                                                   13
               11. Dare-Hyde Marshes
               12. Otis Spit/Otis Bay
               13. Broad Creek
               14. Causeway Marshes
               )5. Marshes of Nags Head Woods                                                                                        0
               16. Swanquater National Wildlife Refuge                                                                             4
               17. Goose Creek State Park
               18. Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge
               19. Newport River -Bird Shoal
               20. Carrot Island
               21. Bogue Sound
               22. Brown's Island
               23. Sanddollar Island
               24. Bank's Channel
               25. Masonbor-o Island
               26. Smith Island Complex
               27. Qak Island Marshes
               28. Bird Island-Mad Inlet                                                         19

                                                                                      22

                                    LKO
                              0-fto.                                   K23
                                                                    Z4                         0

                                                                    25
                                                                                                                                           100
                                                                                               22         4LO        6 LO                  -
                                                28      17        26                                   SCALE I N MILES              =71

                                                APPENDIX 5

                                    Salinity and Flow Patterns in the
                                          Masonboro Island Area

                                                         04>973

                                                ALLAS OF NORTH CAROLINA

                                     ESTUARINE AND SOUND WATERS, 191-2

                                                    by

                                  Frank J. Schwartz and A. F. Chestnut
                                      Institute of Marine Sciences
                                      University of North Carolina

                      This work was partially sponsored by Office of Sea Grant,
                      NOAA, U.S.'Dept. of Commerce, under Grant No. 04-3-158-40,
                      and the State of North Carolina, Department of Administration.
                      The U.S. Government is authorized to produce and distribute
                      reprints for governmental purposes notwithstanding any
                      copyright that may appear hereon.

                 SEA GRANT PUBLICATION UNC-SG-73-12                           JUNE  19 7 3

                 Sea Grant Program, School of Public Health, Universitl of North Carolina
                                    Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514

                              Station                                                 Latitude       Longitude

                         48.  Barden Inlet                                            340 37' N      760 33' W

                         49.  Beaufort Inlet                                          340 40' N      760 401 W

                      50-61.  Newport River 12 stations                               340 451  N     760 421 w

                         62.  Newport River Staricli 15                               340 45'  N     760 461 w

                         63.  Bogue Inlet-Emerald Isle   Bridge                       340 41'  N     770 03' W

                         64.  White Oak River East                                    340 40'  N     770 05' W

                         65.  White Oak River Bridge                                  340 41'  N     770 07' W

                         65a. White Oak River                                         340 43'  N     770 07' W
                         66.  Queens Creek                                            340 40'  N     77 009, W

                         67.  Saunders Creek #55                                      340 38'  N     770 11' W

                         68.  New River Inlet #74                                     340 33'  N     770 22' W

                         68a. New River Inlet Dredge Station                          340 301  N     770 25' W

                         69.  Old Topsail Sound #86                                   340 20'  N     770 41' W

                         69a. Old Topsail Sound Dredge Station                        340 21'  N     770 39' W

                         601b. Old Topsail Sound Dredge Station                       340 22'  N     770 37' W

                         70.  Howard Channel-New Topsail Inlet                        340 18'  N     770 44' W

                         70a. Howard Channel-New Topsail Inlet    Dredge Station      340 19'  N     770 44' W

                         71.  Green Channel                                           340 16'  N     770 44' W

                         72.  Pages Creek                                             340 19'  N     770 43' W

                         73.  Mason Inlet-Howe Point                                  340 15'  N     770 45' W

                         74.  Masonboro Inlet                                         340 11'  N     770 .419'W

                         75.  Carolina Beach                                          340 05'  N     770 53' W

                         76.  Cape Fear #174                                          340 01'  N.    770 57' W

                         77.  Cape Fear #18                                           330 56'  N     770 59' W

                         78.  Elizabeth River #11                                     330 55'  N     780 05' W

                         79.  Lockwoods Folly                                         330 55'  N     780 15' W

                         79a. Lockwoods Folly  East Dredge Station                    330 55'  N     780 131 W

                                                             S8

                                                               296

                     Table 74. Masonboro Inlet.

                                        (Temperatures are OC and salinicies are p.p.t.)

                                           Temperature                                 Salinity

                    No.       I-lax.     Min.       No.                  Hax.       Min.       No.

                                                               Surface

                                                    ND         ND                              ND        ND

                     F                                1        9.0                               1      33.0

                     14                               1      14.0                                1      36.0

                     A                                1      18.0                                1      35.0

                                                      1      21.0                                1      35.2

                                                      1      24.3                                1      33.4

                                                      1      25.0                                1      35.0

                     A                                1      29.5                                1      36.2

                     S                                1      25.5                                1      36.7

                     0                                1      20.5                                1      35.1

                     N                                1      18.6
                                                                                                        35.0

                     D                                1      14.5                                       21.9

                                                               Bottom

                                                    ND         ND                              ND        ND

                     F                                1        9.0                               1      33.0

                     M                                1      14.0                                1      35.0

                     A                                1      17.5

                     11                               1      20.5                                       34.7

                                                      1      24.0
                                                                                                        32.8

                                                      1      25.0                                       35.0

                     A                                1      28.0                                1      36.7

                     S                              ND         ND                              N D       N D

                     0                                1      20. 0                               1      34.5

                     N                                1      19.0                                1      35.0

                     0                              ND         N. T)                           ND        ND

                           Table 75. Carolina Beach.

                                                    (Temperatures are OC and salinities are p.p.t.)
                                                       Temperature                                              Salinity

                         IAC.         I-lax.         I-lin.         No.                      I-Lax.         Min.          No.

                                                                                 Surface

                                                                   ND            ND                                       ND           ND

                           F                                         1           9.0                                         1        31.9

                           M                                         1         15.5                                          1        26.0

                                                                     1         17.6                                          1        30.0

                                                                     1         20.5                                          1        15.4

                                                                     1         24.6                                          1        19.0

                                                                     1         25.0                                                   19.2

                           A                                         1         29.5                                          1        36.2

                           S                                         i         25.0                                          1        25.8

                           0                                         1         20.5                                          1        33.9

                           N                                         1         18.2                                          1        23.0

                           D                                         1         12.0                                          1         4.4

                                                                                 Bottom

                                                                   ND            ND                                       ND           ND

                           F                                         1           9.0                                         1        33.0

                           1.1                                       1         15.0                                          1        30.0

                           A                                         1         17.0                                          i        31.5

                                                                     1         20.0                                          1        17.6

                                                                     1         26.5                                          1        20.8

                                                                     1         25.0                                                   22.0

                           A                                         1         28.0                                          1        36.2

                           S                                       ND            ND                                       ND           ND

                           0                                         1         20.5                                          1        j3.9

                           N                                         1         18.5                                          1        25.0

                           D                                       ND            ND                                       ND           ND

                                                                                        78
                                                                                            298

                                                                                                                CAROLINA BEACH INLET PROJECT
                                                                                            TOTAL DISCHARGE IN PROJECT AREA IN ACRE FEET
                                                                                                                              )3 NOV. 1974

                                                                                                         k                                                A

                                                                                  170                               467                                         744
                                                      3678+5454              3926+4091                          244+-711
                                                                                                                 -                                         4421+SI65
                                                                                  4                                 5
                                                                                                                                                                 6
                                                    MYRirff                       GfO VE SOUND                                    MASONBORO sOUA(,0
                                    CAROLINA BEACH                                                      MASONBORO BEACH

                                                                                                           ArLANTIC OCEAN

                                                                                                                                                                                      X

                                                                      LEGEND
                                                                                                                              -JL
                                                                                                                                                                7
                                                                                                                                                             ,44

                                                              r

                                                                                                                                                                                 S

                                                     711 INDICATES DIRECTION OF DISCHARGE (AC. FT)

                                                 467      INDICATES NET DISCHARGE QUANTITY (AC.        FT                                                       SoUrce:        U.S. Army C,
                                                 244 -4   INDICATES DIRECTION OF DISCHARGE (AC. FT.)                                                                   carolina Beach In
                                                                                                                                                                       on improved Navig
                                                   5      RANGE NUMBER                                                                                                 Wilmingtoni N.C.

                                               APPENDIX 6

                               Vascular Plant Species of Masonboro Island

                                                       1301

                         Appendix 6:     Vascular Plant SDecies of Masonboro Island

                       SCIENTIFIC NAME                                         COMMON NAME

                       PTERIDACEAE

                            Pteridium aquil        (L.) Kuhn                   Bracken fern

                       ASPLENIACEAE

                            Aspleniu platvneuron (L.) Oakes                    Ebony spleenwort

                       PINACEAE

                            Pinus taeda L.                                     Loblolly pine

                       CUPRESSACEAE .

                            Juniperus virginian L.                             Red cedar

                       TYPHACEAE

                            T7ph latifolia L.                                  Common cattail
                            Typha domingensis Persoon                          Cattail

                       ZOSTERAGEAE

                            Zostera ma ina L.                                  Eel grass

                       JUNCAGINACEAE

                            Triglochin striata R. & P.                         Arrow grass

                       POACEAE

                            Ammophil breviligulata Fernald                     American beachgrass
                            Andropogon scovarius Michau                        Little bluestem,
                            Andropogon virginicus L.                           Broom sedge
                            Cenchrus tribuloides L.                            Sandspur
                            Chloris petraea Swartz                             Finger grass
                            Distichlis spicat (L.)     Greene                  Salt grass
                            Elymus virginicu. L.                               Wild rye grass
                            Eragrostis ellottii Watson                         Love grass
                            Festuca bctoflora Walter                           Fescue
                            Welica mutica Walter                               Melic grass
                            Muhlenbergia cap-illaris (Lam.)    Trinius         Purple muhly
                            Panicum. amarum Ell.                               Panic grass
                            Fa-nicum virgatum L.                               Panic.grass
                            Panic    spp.                                      Panic grass
                            Phragmites communis    Trinius                     Reed
                            Setaria geniculat (Lam.) Beauvois                  Foxtail grass
                            Spartin alterniflora Loisel                        smooth cordgrass
                            Spartin patin (Aiton) Muhl                         Saltmeadow cordgrass
                            Triplasi purpurea (Walter) Chapman                 Sand grass
                            Uuiol Paniculat L.                                 Sea oats

                                                                303

                            CYPERACEAE

                                  Cladium lamaicense Crantz                           Saw grass
                                  CyReru,� Polystachvos var.    texensis (Torrey)
                                    Fernald                                           Sedge
                                  Cyperus retrorsus Chapman                           Sedge
                                  Cyperup strijqosu@ L.                               Sedge
                                  Dichromena, colorata (L.)    Hit                    Whitetop sedge
                                  Eleocharis flacescens (Poiret) Urban                Spikerush
                                  Eleocharis parvula (R. & S.) Link                   Spikerush
                                  Fimbristyli spadice (L.) Vahl                       Fimbristylis
                                  Scirpus americanus Persoon                          Bulrush
                                  Scirpu; robustus Pursh                              Bulrush

                            COMMELINACEAE

                                  Commelina diffusa Burman                            Dayflower
                                  Commelina erecta L.                                 Dayflower

                            JUNCACRAE

                                  Juncus meRacephalus M.A. Curtis                     Rush
                                  Juncus  roemerianus Scheele                         Black needlerush
                                  Imr.u-S sp.                                         Rush

                            LILLIACEAE

                                  Smilax  auriculata Walter                           Catbrier
                                  Smilax  bona-noT-L.                                 Catbrier
                                  Yucca filamentosa L.                                Beargrass
                                  Yucca 9-1oriosa L.                                  Spanish bayonet

                            BROMELIAECEAE

                                  Tillandsia usneoides L.                             Spanish moss

                            ORCHIDACEAE

                                  Spiranthes sp.                                      Ladies' tresses

                            MYRICACFAE

                                  Myrica cerifera L.                                  Wax myrtle

                            ULMACEAE

                                  Celtis laevigat Willd.                              Hackberry

                            FAGAGEAE

                                  Quercus Virginiana Miller                           Live oak

                            POLYGONACF-Ar

                                  PolZitonum glac     Nuttall                         Knotweed
                                  Rumex hasta.tulu Baldwin     ex Ell.                Dock

                                                                 304

                         CHENOPODIACEAE

                              Atriplex arenaria Nuttall                       Seabeach orach
                              Chenopodium ambrosioides L.                     Mexican tea
                              Salicoring bigelovi Torrey                      Glasswort
                              Salicorina virginic L.                          Glasswort
                              Suaed linear-i (Ell.) Moq.                      Suaeda

                         AMARANTHACKAE

                              Amaranthus pumilus Raf.                         Amaranth
                              Iresine rhizomatosa Standley                    Iresine

                         PHYTOLACCACEAE

                              Phytola:cca americana L.                        Pokeweed

                         AIZOACEAE

                              Mollugo verticillata L.                         Carpetweed
                              Sesuvi!T portulacastrum   L.                    Sea purslane

                         PORTULACACEAE

                              Portulaca pilosa L.                             Portulaca

                         CARYOPHYLLACEAE

                              Arenaria serpyllifolia L.                       Sandwart
                              Paronychia ripari Chapman                       Paronychia
                              Silene antirrhina L.                            Sleepy catchfly
                              Silene virginic L.                              Fire pink
                              Stipulicida setacea Michaux                     Stipulcida

                         LAURACEAE

                              Persea borbonia (L.) Sprengel                   Red bay

                         BRASSICACEAE

                              Cakile harperi Small                            Sea rocket
                              Descurainia pinnata (Walter) Britton            Tansy mustard
                              Lepidium virginic7m L.                          Peppergrass

                         ROSACEAE

                              Rubus hispidu L                                 Dewberry
                              Prunus caroliniana Aiton                        Carolina laurel cherry
                              Prunus serotia Ehrhart                          Black cherry

                         FABACEAE

                              Galactia macreei M. A. Curtis                   Galactia
                              Strophostyle helvola (L.) Ell                   Beachpea

                                                          305

                            RUTACEAE

                                 Zanthoxylu clava-herculis L.                    Hercules' club

                            EUPHORBIACEAE

                                 Acalypha sp.                                    Three seeded mercury
                                 Croton punctatus Jacquin                        Silver leaf croton
                                 Euphorbi polygonifolia L.                       Dune spurge
                                 Euphorbi ammannio-ides HBK                      Dune spurge

                            ANACARDIACEAE

                                 Rhus copallina L.                               Winged sumac
                                 Rhus radicans L.                                Poison ivy

                            AQUIFOLIACEAE .

                                 Ilex vomitoria Aiton                            Yaupon

                            VITACEAE

                                 Ampelopsi arborea (L.) Koehne                   Peppervine
                                 Parthenocissus qu  .nquefolia (L.) Planchon     Virginia creeper

                            MALVACEAE

                                 Kosteletskya virginica (L) Presl                Marsh mallow

                            HYPERICACEAE

                                 Hyperic    gentianoides (L.) BSP                Pineweed

                            TAMARICACEAE,

                                 Tamarix gallica L.                              Tamarisk

                            PASSIFLORACEAE

                                 Passiflora lutea L.                             Passion flower

                            CACTACEAE

                                 Opunti drummondii Graham                        Cactus
                                 Opunti compressa (Salisbury) Macbride           Cactus

                            'LYTHRACEAE

                                ILyth     lineare L.                             Loosestrife

                            ONAGRACEAE

                                 Gaur anizustifolia Michaux                      Gaura
                                 Oenothera humifusa Nuttall.                     Evening primrose

                        APIACEAE

                             Hydrocotvle bonariensis Lam.                      Pennywort
                             Pt'limnium capillaceum (Michaux) Raf              Ptilmnium
                                L-L

                        PLUMBAGINACEAE

                             Lim6nium nasb4--4 Small                           Sea lavender
                        SAPOTACEAE

                             Bumelia lycioide (L.) Persoon                     Buckthorn
                             Bumelia tenax (L.) Willd.                         Bumelia

                        PRIMULACLAE

                             Samolu parviflorus Raf.                           Water pimpernel

                        OLEACEAE

                             Osmanthus americana (L.) Gray                     Wild olive

                        GENTIANACEAE

                             Sabatia stellaris Pursh.                          Sabatia

                        ASCLEPIADACEAE

                             Cynanchum  palustr (Pursh) Heller                 Cynanchum.

                        CONVOLVULACEAE

                             Calystegia sepiu (L.) R. Brown                    Hedge bindweed
                             Ipomae sagittat Cav.                              Morning glory
                             Cuscuta sp.                                       Dodder

                        VERBENACEAE

                             CallicarP4 americana L.                           French mulberry
                             Lippi nodiflora (L.) Michaux
                             Verbena scabra                                    Verbena

                        LAMICEAE

                             Monard punctat L.                                 Monarda
                             Teucrium canadense L.                             Teucrium
                             Trichostema dichotomum L.                         Blue curls

                        SCHROPHULARIACEAE

                             Axalinis maritima (Raf.) Raf                      Gerardia

                        SOLANACE&E

                             Physali viscosa ssp. maritima                     Ground cherry
                                (M. A. Curtis) Waterfall
                             Solanum Aracil. Link                              Nightshade

                                                            307

                        RUBIACEAE

                              Diodia teres Walter                             Diodia
                              Galium hispidul    Michaux                      Bedstraw
                              Galium tinctorium. L.                           Bedstraw

                        CAPRIFOLIACEAE

                              Lonicera sempervirens L.                        %,oral honeysuckle

                        CURCURBITACEAE

                              Melothria Rendul L.                             Creeping cucumber

                        CAMPANULACEAE

                              Specularia perfoliat (L.) A. DC                 Venus' looking glass

                        ASTERACEAE

                              Aster pilosus Willd.                            Frost aster
                              Aster tenuifolius L.                            Marsh aster
                              Baccharis angustifolia Michaux                  False willow
                              Baccharis halimifolia L.                        Silverling
                              Bidens sp. L.                                   Beggars ticks
                              Borrichia frutescens (L.) DC                    Sea ox-eye
                              Carduus spinosissimus Walter                    Yellow thistle
                              Eupatorium capillifolium (Lam.) Small           Dog fennel
                              Gaillardia Pulchella Foug.                      Gaillardia
                              Heterotheca subaxTi-laris (Lam.)
                                Britton & Rusby                               Camphorweed
                              Iva frutescens L.                               Marsh elder
                              Iva imbricata Walter                            Sea elder
                              Okania scandens (L.) Willd.                     Climbing hempweed
                              ,Sonchus aspe (L.) Hill                         Spiny-leaved sow
                                                                              thistle
                              Solidago sempervirens L.                        Seaside goldenrod

                              Source: Hoiser, P.E. and W.J. Cleary, 1977.

                                                              MOPS

                                            APPENDIX 7

                                Vertebrate Fauna of Masonboro Island

                                                    309

                       Appendix 7.     Vertebrate Fauna of the Masonboro Island Area

                       BIRDS

                       Common                      Scientific                       Status    Primary
                       Name                          Name                                     Habitat

                       Common Loon                 (Gavia immer)                    WR
                       Red-throated Loon           (Gavia. stellata)                WR
                       Horned Grebe                (Colymbus auritus)               WR             4
                       Eared Grebe                 (Colymbus nigricollis
                                                    californicus)                   T              4
                       Pied-billed   Grebe         (Podilymbus podiceps)            TATR           4

                       Brown Pelican               (Pelecanus occidentalis)         PR
                       Northern Gannet             (Morus bassanus)                 UT,
                       Double-cr. Cormorant        (Phalacrocorax auritus)          WR             4
                       American Bittern            (Botaurus lentiginosus)          WR             3
                       Least Bittern               (Ixobrychus exilis)              SR.            3

                       Great Blue Heron            (Ardea herodlas)                 WR.            3
                       Green-backed Heron          (Butarides virescens)            SR             3
                       Little Blue Heron           (Florida caerulea)               SR             3
                       Great Egret                 (Casmerodius albus egretta)      SR             3
                       Snowy Egret                 (LeucoRhoyx thula)               SR.            3

                       Tricolored Heron            (Hydranassa tricolor
                                                    ruficallis)                     PR             3
                       Black-cr. Night Heron       (Nlcticorax nycticorax
                                                    hoactli)                        SR.            3
                       Yellow-cr. Night Heron      (Nyctanassa violacea)            SR.            3
                       Glossy This                 (Plegadis falcinellus)           SR             3
                       White This                  (Gaura alba)                     PR             3

                       Mallard                     (Anas platXrhynchos)             WR             4
                       Black Duck                  (Anas rubripes                   WR             4
                       Gadvall                     (Anas strepera)                  WR             4
                       Northern Pintail            (Anas acuta tzitzihoa)           WR             4
                       Green-winged Teal           (Anas carolinensis)              WR             4

                       Blue-winged Teal            (Anas discors)                   T              4
                       American Wigeon             (Mareca. americana)              WR             4
                       Wood Duck                   (Aix sponsa)                     PR             4
                       Northern Shovelor           (Spatula clypeata)               WR             4
                       Canvasback                  (Athya valisineria)              WR             4
                       Scaup sp.                   (Aythya sp.)                     WR             I

                       Common Goldeneye            (Glauciouetta clangula
                                                    americana)                      WR             4
                       Bufflehead                  (Glaucionetta albeola)           WR             4
                       Oldsquaw                    (Clangula hyemalis               WR             1
                       Surf Scoter                 (Melanitta perspicillata)        WR             1
                       Black Scoter                (Oidemia higra americana)        WR             I

                                                             311

                         Common                      Scientific                       Status    Primary
                          Name                        Name                                      Habitat

                         White-winged Scoter         (1.4elanitta fusca deylandi      VII,          I
                         Ruddy Duck                  (Erismatura jamaicensis
                                                      rubida)                         WR            4
                         Hooded Merganser            (Lophodytes cucullatus)          WR            4
                         Red-br. Merganser           (Mergus serrator)                WR            4

                         Turkey Vulture              (Cathartes aura)                 PR            0
                         Sharp-sh. Hawk              (Accipter striatus velox)        T             6
                         Cooper's Hawk               (Accipter cooperii)              T             6
                         Red-tailed Hawk             (Buteo jamaicensis)              PR            6
                         Northern Harrier            (Circus Cyansus hudsonicus)      WR            3

                         Osprey                      (Pandion haliaetus)              SR            4
                         Peregrine Falcon            (Falco peregrinus)               T             I
                         Pigeon Hawk                 (Falco columbarius)              T             I
                         American Kestrel            (Falco sparverius)               WR            6
                         Clapper Rail                (Rallus longirostris)            PR            3

                         King Rail                   (Rallus eleganus                 WR            3
                         Sora                        (Porzana carolina)               T             3
                         Virginia Rail               (Rallus limicola)                T             3
                         American Coot               (Fulica americana)               T             4
                         American Oystercatcher      (Haematopus palliatus)           PR            1

                         Wilson's Plover             (Charadrius wilsonia)            SR            1
                         Semipalmated Plover         (Charadrius hiaticula
                                                      semipalmatus)                   T             I
                         Piping Plover               (Choradrius-taelodus)            T             I
                         Black-bellied Plover        (Squatarola squatarola)          WR
                         Ruddy Turnstone             (Arenaria interpres
                                                      morinella)                      WR

                         Long-billed Curlew          (Numenius americanus)            T             I
                         Whimbrel                    (Numenius phoeopus)              T             3
                         Spotted Sandpiper           (Actitis macularia)              T             3
                         Willet                      (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus)    PR            I
                         Greater Yellowlegs          (Totanus melanoleucus)           T

                         Lesser Yellowlegs           (Totanus flavipes)               T
                         Red knot                    (Calidris canutus rufus')        T             I
                         Least Sandpiper             (Erolia minutilla)               WR            5
                         Dunlin                      (Erolia alpina                   WR            1
                         Purple Sandpiper.           (Erolia maritima)                WR            5

                         Short-billed Dowitcher      (Limnodromus griseus)            WR            3.
                         Semipalmated Sandpiper      (Ereunetes pusillus)             T             I
                         Western Sandpiper           (Ereunetes mauril)               T             I
                         Marbled Godwit              (Limosa fedoa)                   WR            3
                         Sanderling                  (Crocethia alba)                 WR            I

                         Great Black-backed Gull     (Larus marinus)                  WR            i
                         Herring Gull                (Larus orgentatus)               WR            I
                         Ring-billed Gull            (Larus delawarensis)             WR            I
                         Laughing Gull               (Larus atricilla)                SR            1

                                                             312

                        Common                     Scient-ific                      st-;-t-,Is Primary
                        Name                         Name                                      Habitat

                        Bonapart's Gull            (Larus  philadelphia)            T              4

                        Gull-billed Tern           (Larus  delawarensis)            SR             I
                        Forster's Tern             (Sterna forsteri)                WR             I
                        Common Tern                (Sterna  hirundo)                TF,
                        Least Tern                 (Sterna   albifrons)             SR
                        Royal Tern                 (Thalasseus maximus)             PR             1

                        Sandwich Tern              (Thalasseus sandvicensis)        SR             i
                        Caspian Tern               (Hydrogrogyne caspia)            TAIR           I
                        Black Tern                 (Chlidozias nigra
                                                     surinamensis)                  T              I
                        Black Skimmer              (Ryncho2s niger)                 PR             1
                        Dovekie                    (Plautus alle)                   T              1

                        Common Murre               (Uria aalge)                     T              I
                        Mourning Dove              (Zenaidura macroura)             PR             6
                        Ground Dove                (Columbigallina passerina)       PR             2
                        Yellow-billed  Cuckoo      (Coccyzus americanus)            SR             6
                        Common Nighthawk           (Chordeiles minor)               SR             6

                        Chimney Swift              (Chaetura pelagica)              SR             0
                        Ruby-th. Hummingbird       (Archilochus colubris)           SR             6
                        Belted Kingfisher          (Megaceryle alcyon)              W`R            4

                        Common Flicker             (Colaptes auratus)               PR             6
                        Eastern Kingbird           (Tyrannus tyrannus)              SR             6
                        Horned Lark                (Eremaphila alpestiis)           T              2.
                        Tree Swallow               (Iridopro*cne bicolor)           WR             -
                        Rough-winged  Swallow      (Stelgidoptervx ru,ficollis)     T              7

                        Bank Swallow               (Riparia riparia)                T              7
                        Barn Swallow               (Hirundo rustica)                SR             7
                        Purple Martin              (Progne subis)                   SR             7
                        Fish Crow                  (Corvus opsifragus)              PR             U
                        Blue Jay                   (Cyanocitta-cristata)            T '            6

                        House Wren                 (Troglodytes aedon)              WIR            6
                        Carolina Wren              (Thryothorus ludovicianus"'      PR             6
                        Marsh Wren                 (Telmatodytes palustris)         SR             3
                        Sedge Wren                 (Cistothorns platensis)          WR             3
                        Mockingbird                (Mimum 2olyglottos)              PR             6

                        Catbird                    (Dumetella carolinensis)         WR             6
                        Brown Thrasher             (Toxostoma. rufum)               PR             6
                        American Robin             (Turdus migratorius)             WR             6
                        Hermit Thrust              (Hylociela gutta faxoni)         T              6
                        Ruby-crowned kinglet       (Regulus calendula)              WR             6

                        Blue-gray Gnatcatcher      (Polioptila caerulea)            SR             6
                        Cedar Waxwing              (Bombycilla cedrorum)            T              6
                        Water Pipit                (Anthus spinaletta rubescens)    T              2
                        Starling                   (Sturnus vulgaris)               InR            6
                        White-eyed Vireo           (Vireo ariscus)                  PR

                                                              313

                         Zommon                        Scientific                           Status   Primary
                         Name                           Name                                         Habitat

                         Red-eyed Vireo                (Vireo olivaceus)                    TR            6
                         Black-and-White Warbler       QA_niotilta varia)                   T             6
                         Orange-crowued Warbler        (VermiVora celata)                   WR            6

                         Parula Warbler                (Parula american  a)                 SP,           6
                         Yellow Warbler                (Dendro-A.ca petechia)               T             6
                         Magnolia Warbler              (Dendroica  magnolia)                T             Cape
                         May Warbler                   (Dendroica  tigrina)                 T             6
                         Black-throated Blue
                           Warbler                     (Dendroica  caerulescens)            T             6

                         Yellow-rumped Warbler         (Dendroica  cororata)                WR            6
                         Blackburnian Warbler          (Dendroica  fusca)                   T             6
                         Chestnut-sided Warbler        (Dendroica  pensylvanica)            T             6
                         Pine Warbler                  (Dendroica  pinus)                   SR            6
                         Prairie Warbler               (Dendroica  discolor)                SR            6

                         Palm Warbler                  (Dendroica  palmarum)                T,            2
                         Bay-breasted Warbler          (Dendroica  cast-anea)               T             6
                         Blackpoll Warbler             (Dendroica  striata)                 T             6
                         Ovenbird                      (Selurus aurocapillus)               T             6
                         Northern Waterthrush          CS-eiurus noveboracensis)            T             6

                         Yellowthroat                  (Geothlypis trichas)                 PR            6
                         American Redstart             (Setophaga ruticilla)                T             6
                         Eastern Meadowlark            (Sturnella magna)                    PR            2
                         Orchard Oriole                (Icterus spurius)                    SR            6
                         Bobolink                      (Dolichonyx oryzivorus)              T             2

                         Red-winged Blackbird          (Agelaius phaeniceus)                PR            3
                         Boat-tailed Grackle           (Cassidix mexicanus)                 PR            U
                         Common Grackle                (Quiscalus versicolor)               PR            6
                         Brown-headed Cowbird          (Molothrus ater)                     WR            2
                         Northern Cardinal             (Richmondena cardinalis)             PR            6

                         American Goldfinch            (Spius tristis)                      T             2
                         Pine Siskin                   (Spinus pinus)                       T             2
                         Blue Grosbeak                 (Guiraca caerulea)                   T             6
                         Indigo Bunting                (Passerina cyanea)                   SR            6
                         Painted Bunting               (Passerina ciris)                    SR            6

                         Rufous-sided Towhee           (Pipilio erythrophthalamus)          PR            6
                         Savannah (Ipswich)
                           Sparrow                     (Passerculus prince2s
                                                          sandwichensis)                    WR            2
                         Sharp-tailed Sparrow          (Ammospiza candacuta)                WR            3
                         Seaside Sparrow               (Ammospiza maritima)                 Pp,
                         Field Sparrow                 (Spizella pusilla)                   WR            6

                         White-throated Sparrow        (Zonotrichia albicollis)             WR            6
                         Svamp Sparrow                 (Melospiza georgiana)                WR            6
                         Song Sparrow                  (Melospiza melodia)                  WR            6
                         Snow Bunting                  (Plectrophenax nivalis)              T             2

                                                                     314

                    Common                     Scientific                     Status     Primary
                     Name                        Name                                    Habitat

                    YJ14M A L S

                    Virginia Opossum           (Didelphus)                    PR            6
                    Short-tailed Shrew         (Blarina brevicauda)           PR            6
                    Least Shrew                ('Cryptotis parva)             PR            6
                    Eastern Mole               (Scalopus aquaticus)           PR            2
                    Red Bat                    CLasiurus borealis)            SR            3

                    Seminole Bat               (Lasiurus seminolus)           SR            3
                    Eastern Cottontail.        (Sylvilagus floridanus)        PR            2
                    Marsh Rabbit               (Sylvilagus palustris)         PR            6
                    Marsh Rice Rat             (Oryzomys palustris)           PR            3
                    Cotton Mouse               (Teromyscus gossypinus)        PR            2

                    Hispid Cotton  Rat         (Sigmodon hispidus)            PR            6
                    House Mouse                (Mus musculus)                 PR            2
                    Gray Fox                   (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)     PR            2
                    Mink                       (Mustela vison)                PR            4
                    River Otter                (Lutra candensis)              PR            4

                    REPTILES

                    Diamondbacked Terrapin     (Malacl2Ms terrapin)           PR            4
                    Atlantic Loggerhead
                      Turtle                   (Caretta caretta)              SR            I
                    Green Anole                (Anolis Carolinensis)          PR            6
                    Six-lined Racerunner       (Enemidophorus sexlineatus)    PR            2
                    Eastern Glass Lizard       (Ophisaurus ventralis)         PR            2

                    Black Racer                (Coluber constrictor)          PR            2
                    Coachwhip                  (R@sticophis flagellum)        PR            2
                    Rough Green  Snake         (Opheadrys aestivus)           PR            6
                    Corn Snake                 (Elaphe ettata)                PR            6
                    Yellow Rat Snake           (Elaphe obsoleta)              PR            6

                    AMPHIBIANS

                    Southern Toad              (Bufo terrestris)              PR            6
                    Green treefrog             (Hyla cinerea)                 PR            6
                    Squirrel Treefrog          (Hyla squirella)               PR            6

                    Source:    Dr. James R. Parnell. 1984. UNC-W.

                    Status:    Refers to the time of year that the species usually is
                               present. There may be exceptions.

                               PR-Permanent Resident
                               SR-Summer Resident
                               WR--Winter Resident
                               T-Transient

                                                          31.5

                         Common                     Scientific                       Status     Primary
                          Name                        Name                                      Habitat

                         Primary Habitat:      Refers to the habitat in which most individuals were
                                    found. Smaller numbers may occur in other habitats.

                                    1--Beach, sand flats and inshore ocean (viewed from beach)
                                    L-Dunes and grassy upland areas usually dominated by Sea Oats
                                    3--Salt marshes, both regularly and irregularly flooded
                                    4--Tidal creeks, bays and the adjacent Atlantic Intracoastal
                                          Waterway
                                    5--Rock jetty, at the north end of Masonboro Island
                                    6--Maritime thickets and forests of Masonboro Island and the
                                          adjacent dredged material islands
                                    7--Birds usuall-,7 seen overhead and not directly associated
                                          with a particular habitat
                                    U--So ubiquitos that a determination of a primary habitat was
                                          not possible

                                    Animal Names--Only common names,have been used. They are
                                          taken from the following publications, all of which
                                          provide scientific names.

                               Birds:     AOU. 1983. Checklist of North American Birds. sixth ed.
                                          American Ornithologists Union, Baltimore, Md.

                               Mammals:   Smith, ER, JB Funderburg, Jr. and TL Quay. 1960. A
                                          Checklist of North Carolina Mammals. North Carolina
                                          Wildlife Resources Commission, Raleigh.

                               Reptiles and Amphibians: Depoe, CE, JB Funderburg, Jr. and TL
                                          Quay. 1961. The Reptiles and Amphibians of North
                                          Carolina. The Jour. Elisha Mitchell Sci. Society
                                          77:125-136.

                                                                  316

                                   North Carofina
                                      /Vi
            i           V          Resources Commission

                                   Archdale Building, 512 N. Salisbur@, Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 2761 1, 919-733-3391

                                                                                    June 20, 1984

                      Mr. John Taggert
                      Esturine Sanctuary Coordinator
                      Office of Coastal Management
                      512 N. Salisbury Street
                      Raleigh, North Carolina 27611

                      Dear John:

                              On June 16 and 17, members of the Masonboro Society, Cape Fear                                          Chapter of
                      the Sierra Club, UNC-W graduate students and I conducted a survey of                                            Masonboro
                      Island for Loggerhead Sea Turtle nests and colonial testing waterbirds.

                              We found a total of 5 turtle nests in the 6 mile central section of beach
                      front. This indicates that Mason Boro is a more important nesting beach than
                      previously thought. If one were to assume that the nests we saw represented
                      all of the nests laid during the previous week (wind and rain will quickly
                      remove all traces of a nest) and that there are 7 weeks of nesting, a
                      conservative estimate would be 35 nests for the 1984 season. This translates
                      to more than 4,550 eggs.

                              The fact that there is no development of any kind on the island makes it
                      especially attractive for turtle nesting and successful fledging of the turtles
                      to the ocean. Many of the beaches in North Carolina have house and street lights
                      near by.. Adult turtles will avoid lights but a more serious problem is that the
                      hatchling turtles will orient towards these lights instead of making their way to
                      the sea.

                              In addition to the turtles we found three tern colonies. Two of the colonies
                      contained 40-50 pairs of Least Terns and are located on the beach in the central
                      portion of the island. The largest-and most significant colony is on the northern
                      end. This colony contains approximately 40 pairs of Common Terns, 150 pairs of
                      Least Terns and 75 pairs of Black Skimmers. Wilson's Plovers were found nesting
                      in association with these colonies as well.

                              All of these species are currently listed as "Special Concern" in North
                      Carolina. Data gathered by Dr. James Parnell, UNC-W, from 1975 to the present
                      indicate that Common Terns, Least Terns and Black Skimmers have all been
                      declining in the State. This northern colony on Masonhoro has special significance
                      because it is one of the few large colonies in the southern half of the State using.

           J. Robe" Gordon, Laurinburg                           W. Vernon Bevill, Raleigh                            M. Woodrow Price. 01oucester
           Chairman                                              Executive Director                                   Vice-Chairman

           Richard W Adams. M.D., Statesville                    Joe Carpenter. Jr., Favetteville                     Dan Robinson, Cuilowhee
           David L. Allsbrook, Scotland Neck                     Polie Q. Cloningm Jr., Dallas                        Donald Allen Thompson. Mount Gilead
           Cv W. Brame, Jr., North Wilkesboro                    Dr. John C. Hamrick. Jr., Shelbv                     lerrv W. Wright, _iarvisburiz
           Eddie C. BridRes. Greensboro                          Henrv (Buck) Kitchin. Rockineham
                                                                                             317

                                                                                         ?an -2

                  a natural beach for nesting. In recent years there has been a decline in'the
                  total number of colonial bird colonies in North Carolina and a shift from
                  natural sites to dredge soil islands.

                       I feel that the acquisition of Masonboro Island as a sanctuary for
                  marine "Life is extremely important. The Nongame and Endangered Wildlife
                  Program enthusiastically endorses your efforts.

                                                    ",,--@Sincerely,

                                                          linda J. Welton
                                                          dangered Species Project Leader

                  MJW/am.

                  cc: W. Vernory Bevill
                       Hal Atkinson

                          FISHES

                          Common Name                                     Scientific Nage

                          @Smooth dogfish                                 Mustelus canis-
                          Southern stingtay                               Dasyatis americana
                          Atlantic stingray                               Dasyatis sabina.
                          Ladyfish                                        Elops, saurus
                          Conger eel                                      Conger oceanicus

                          Blueback herring                                Alosa aestivalis
                          Hickory shad                                    X-losa ;;@diocris
                          American shad                                   Xlosa sapidissima
                          Atlantic menhaden                               Brevoortia tyrannus
                          Atlantic thread herring                         Opisthonema, oglinum

                          Striped anchovy                                 Anchoa hepsetus
                          Bay anchovy                                     Anchoa 31-t-c-h-1-11i
                          Inshore lizardfish                              Synodus, foetens
                          Oyster toadfish                                 Opsanus tau
                          Skilletfish                                     Gobiesox strumosus

                          Carolina hake                                   Urozhzcis earlli
                          Crested cusk-eel                                Ophidion weTs-hi"-
                          Halfbeak                                        Hyporhamphus unifusciatus
                          Atlantic needlefish                             Strongylura marina
                          Sheepshead                                      Cyprinodon variegZtus

                          Mummichog                                       Fundulus 1@eteroclftus
                          Striped killifish                               Fundulus majalis
                          Rough silverside                                Hembras martinica
                          Atlantic silverside                             ge-ni"d-i"a- -m-e-n'17=a
                          Chain pipefish                                  Syngnathus louisianae

                          Snook                                           Centropomus undecimalis
                          Rock sea bass                                   Centroprist s philadelFhica
                          Black sea bass                                  Centropristis striata
                          Sand perch                                      Diplectrum formosum
                          Gag                                             Mycteroperca micr;-lepis

                          Bluefish                                        Pomatomus saltatrix
                          Cobia                                           Rachycentron canadum,
                          Yellow jack                                     Caranx bartholomael
                          Blue runner                                     Caranx crysos
                          Crevalle jack                                   Caranx hippos

                          Scad                                            Decapter-us' s
                          Lookdown                                        Selene vomer
                          Greater amberjack                               3eriM @dumerili
                          Florida pompano                                 Trachinotus carolinus
                          Permit                                          Trachinotus falcatus-

                          Mutton snapper                                  Lutianus analis
                          Gray snapper                                    Lutianus griseus
                          Lane snapper                                    Lut1panus synagris
                          Spotfin mojarra                                 Eucinostomus argenteus
                          Silver jenny                                    Eucinostomus gula

                    Tomtate                                          Haemulon. aurolineatum
                    Pigfish                                          Urthopristis chrysopt  .era
                    Sheepshead                                       Archosargus probatocephalus
                    Whitebone porgy                                  Calamus leucosteus
                    Spottail pinfish                                 31-p-lodus holbrooki

                    Pinfish                                          Lagodon rhomboides
                    Scup                                             �tenotomus chrysops
                    Silver perch                                     Bairdiella chrysura
                    Spotted seatrout                                 Cynoscinn nebulosus
                    Weak fish                                        -Moscion rega-lis

                    Cubbyu.                                          Equetus umbrosus
                    Spot                                             Leiostomus xanthurus
                    Southern kingfish                                Menticirrh-us americanus
                    Northern kingfish                                Menticirrus saxatilis
                    Atlantic croaker                                 Micropogonlas undulatus

                    Black drum                                       Po   ias cromis
                    Red drum                                         Sciaenops ocellata
                    Bermuda chub                                     Kyphosus sectatrix
                    Atlantic spadefish                               Zh-a-e-F-od"Irpterus faber
                    Spotfin butterflyfish                            Chaetodon,ocellatus

                    Banded butterflyfish                             Chaetodon striatus
                    Sergeant major                                   Abudefduf saxati-li"s
                    Dusky damselfish                                 Pomac6utrus fuscus
                    Cocoa damselfish                                 Pomacentrus -v-a-r"T-aTiliS
                    Slippery dick                                    Halichoer7s bivittatus.

                    Tautog                                           Tautoga onitis
                    Striped mullet                                   Mugil cephalus
                    White mullet                                     TV-911-1- Zurema
                    Great barracuda                                  SRhyraena barracuda
                    Striped blenny                                   Chasmodes bosguianus

                    Crested blenny                                   Hypleurochilu      minatus
                    Feather blenny                                   Rypsoblennius hentzi
                    Seaweed blenny                                   Parablennius marmoreus
                    Fat sleeper                                      Dormitato;7-maculatus
                    Lyre goby                                        Evorthodus

                    Sharptail goby                                   Gobionellus hastatus
                    Naked goby                                       Gobiosoma, bosci
                    Doctorfish                                       Acanthurus chirurgus
                    King mackerel                                    Scomberomorus cavalla
                    Spanish mackerel                                 Scomberomorus maculatus'

                    Harvestfish                                      Peprilus alepidotus
                    Butterfish                                       Te-p-r-i-lus triacanthzTs
                    Spotted scorpionfish                             Scorpaena plumieri
                    Northern searobin                                'Prionotus  -c-a-ro-I'Mnus
                    Striped searobin                                 Prionotus  evolans

                                                              320

                Leopard searobin                             Prionotus scitulus
                Bighead searobin                             Prionotus tribulus
                Bay whiff                                    Citharichthys spilopterus
                Fringed flounder                             Etropus crossoM '
                Gulf flounder                                Paralichthys al7igutta

                Summ r flounder                              Paralichthys dentatus
                Southern flounder                            Paralichthys leth)stigma
                Windowpane                                   Scophthalmus aquosus
                Hogchocker                                   Trinectes maculatus
                Blackcheek tonguefish                        Symp urus plagiusa

                Planehead filefish                           Monacanthus hispidus
                Northern puffer                              Sphoeroides maculatus
                Striped burrfish                             Chilomycterus schoepfi

                Source: Mr. Richard Carpenter and Mr. Fred   Rohde, 1984., N.C. Division of
                Marine Fisheries, Wrightsville Beach, N. C. and Dr. David Lindquist, Depart-
                ment of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, North
                Carolina.

     41

                                                    APPENDIX 8

                                             Macroinvertebrates of the
                                               M,asonboro Island Area

                                                             0 3 r> ,@l
                                                               OW1043

                     Appendix 1. Macroinvertebrates oJ" the 1111asonboro Island Area

           Phylum Porifera                                  Ado C 11 u-b i f a- --a
           3orin- s-:)onge                                  Cliona ce'lata
           Pu=le sponge                                     Hal -'clc--qa Dermollis
           Sun sponge                                       Hymeniacidon helioDhila
                                                            Leucetta floridana
           Garl;-ic snonge                                  Lissodendor      isodictya',J-s
           Red beard sponge                                 Microciona Drolifera
           Vase sponges                                     Scy-oh sp.

           Phylum Cnidaria.
           Class Hydrozoa
                                                            Cammanularia int-ejzra
                                                            Eudendri,i,m ramosum
           Sn'ail fur                                       Hydractini echinata
                                                            Lovenella gracilis
                                                            Obel-ia bicus-Didata
                                                            Obelia dichotoma
                                                            .Pennaria tiarell
                                                            Sertularia sp.
                                                            Tubularia

           Class Sc"hozo
           Moon jelly                                       Aurelia aurita
           Mushroom cap                                     Rhoi)ilema verr-illi
           Cabbage head     or cannon ball                  Stomblophus.- .meleaRri-s
           Class Anthozo
                                                            Aiptasi eruptaurantia
                                                            Aiptasi pallida
           Northern coral                                   Astrangia astreiformis
                                                            Bunodo-soma cavernat-a
                                                            Calliactis tricolor
                                                            Ceriantheo-psi americanus
                                                            Diadumene leucolena
                                                            Haloclava producta
           Sea whi7o                                        Leptogorgi virgulata
                                                            Pa;Cg-Qthus raoiformis
           Eyed coral                                       Oculin arbuscula
                                                            Unidentified burrowing anemone
           Phylum Ctenovhora
           Beroe's comb jelly.                              @5e-oe
           Leidy's comb Jelly                               Nllnemio-osis leiddyi,
           ..Sea gooseberry                                 Pleurobrac'--@.i=
           Phylum 7emer@ea or      Rhvr-chocoe1a
           milky ribbon worm                                Ce"ebrat-,ilu lacteu,
                                                            7,i n-u acci ali
                                                            -T i c rnr e

                                                             325

           Phylum Entonracta.
                                                    Loxosomelia s-o.

           Phylum Brvozoa

           Spiral bryozoa                              Amathia convoluta
           Dirty bryozoa                               Anzuinella palmat
           ,@@eeping bryo--oa                          Bowerbankia gracilis
                                                       Bugul avicul=a@
                                                       Bugui neritina
           Lacy Crusts                                 Membran        tenui
           Red crusts                                  Sn@ii7npo-ella cornuta
                                                       Zcobotr-7on verticillatum

           Phylum Phoronida

                                                       Phoronis architecta

           Phylum Brachiopoda
                                                       Glottidia audebarti

           Phylum Annelida,
           Mass Polychaeta

                                                       Americonu-phi maEn
           Ornate worm                                 Amphitrite ornata
                                                       Anaistrosylli bassi
                                                       Ancistrosyllis commensalis
                                                       Ancistrosyllis jonesi
           Opal worm                                   Arabella iricolor
           Lug worm                                    Arenicola cristatua
                                                       Aricidea. fragili
                                                       Armandia agili
           Bamboo worm                                 AxiotheMa mucosa
                                                       Brania clavata
                                                       Ceratonere-is irritab-ilis
           Parchment tube worm                         Chaetonterus varioDedatus
                                                       cirr-iforMla grand,[.s
           Ice cream cone worm                         Cisteni_de,s_ gouldii
           Bamboo worm                                 Clymenella. torcuata
                                                       Dasybranchus lumbricoides
           Plume worm                                  DioDatra cumrea
           Thread worms                                Drilonereis snE.
                                                       -E-"Ueone het-eroroda
                                                       E'u,n i c e--ubra
                                                       Exogon  7as-oar
                                                       Givcer americana
                                                       Glycer d-ib--anc'---':-;.-,:-@.
                                                       Glycer   robus-Ua
                                                                littorea
                                                       HaDloscolonlos
                                                       Harmothoe aculea-.@,
                                                       Hydroides dian-@',aus
                                                       Le-oidamerria c.--mimilensa! iz
                                                       Le,oidas-ulqenia
                                                       Leniidonotus sublevis
                                                       Legi dcno= va=iabilfz
                                                               7,edusa

                                                    326

                     Class Polvchaeta
                                                                                   Lumbrinereis impatiens
                                                                                   Lvs-illa aTo-a
                                                                                   Magelona: spp
                                                                                   Malmgrenia lunulata
                                                                                   Mar-ohys sanguinea
                                                                                   Melinna maculata
                                                                                   Masochaetopterus taZlori
                                                                                   Ne-ohtv Dicta
                                                                                   Nereiphylla fragilis
                                                                                   Nereis pelagica
                                                                                   Nereis succinea
                                                                                   Notomastus lobat-a
                                                                                   OnuDhis m-icroceDhala
                                                                                   Onuphis nebulosa
                                                                                   Orbinia drnata
                                                                                   Owenia fusiformis
                                                                                   Parahesion luteol
                                                                                   Phyllodoce araneae
                                                                                   Podarke obscura
                                                                                   Polycirrus eximius
                                                                                   polydora ligna
                                                                                   Polyodontes lupina
                                                                                   Pseudeurythoe ambigu
                                                                                   Sabella crassicornis
                                                                                   Sabella micropthalma
                                                                                   Sabellaria vulgari
                                                                                   Scolepolepi souamata
                                                                                   Scoloplos fragili
                                                                                   Scoloplo rubra
                                                                                   Sebaco elongatus
                                                                                   SDiochaetoDterus
                                                                                   SpioDhanes bomby
                                                                                   Sthenelais boa

                     Phylum Echiura
                                                                                   T,@ialassema mellita
                                                                                   Thalassema hartmani

                     PhyllIM Sipuncula
                                                                                     SiDunculus nudus

                     Phylum Mollusca
                     Class Poly-placophora
                     Atiazi-tic                                                    --,'nae-lo'cleura

                     Class GastroDcda
                     Greedy dove she!-!                                            a-nacafs ivar
                     Sea hare
                                                                                       -ysi.a
                     Ragged sea ha-re                                              -3ursat-e Ila
                     Channeled whel"c                                              3usvcon canal--:!,-- 1-
                     Knobbed whelk                                                 3usvcor. carica
                     Lightning wheLk                                               T3ucsvco,.n con,!:rar-4u-:;
                     Florida cer-it.h                                              C a r:@ tl-@ i. -,- f:, 1. or
                     Spiny sl-ioDer s.n.ell,                                            -o -i du a  P-cu-.'e.a@.-

                                                                                   Crei)idu-,a      'o an
                                                                                   -m@endrodo-ris

                                                                                     327

                     Phylum ArthroDoda
                     Class Cirri-oedia
                                                                                   ZaLa-nus amnhitrite
                                                                                   3alanu eburneus
                                                                                   Bala-gu galeatus
                                                                                   Chthamalus         frao-ilis
                                                                                   Chelonib-]*        Datula
                                                                                   Octolasmis         mulleri

                     Class Malacostraca
                     Big clawed snapping shrimp                                    AlDhaeus heterochelis
                     Green snapping shrimp                                         Al'ohae-
                                                                                            us normanni
                     Speckled crab                                                 Araneus criFrarlus
                                                                                   Cal        a@-sa major
                                                                                   Callianassa atiantica
                     Blue crab                                                     Callinectes saDidus
                                                                                   LaIlLnectes H7-77-is-
                                                                                   Cancer borealis
                                                                                   Clibanarius vittatus
                                                                                   Cyathur bur!5=i@
                                                                                   Dissodactylus mellit-ae
                     Mole crab                                                     Enerita talDoida
                                                                                   ='wuceramus praelongus
                                                                                   Hip ol-Tte Pleuracantha
                                                                                   Hij)polyte zo-steric-o-Ea--
                                                                                   LeptalDheus forceDs
                     Spider crab                                                   Libinia emarainata
                                                                                   Libinia dubia
                                                                                   Megalobrachium soriatum
                     Stone crab                                                    Menippe mercenaria
                                                                                   NeoDontonides beaufortensis
                     Lady crab                                                     Ovalipe gcellatug
                                                                                   Ovalij2e gua UlDensis
                                                                                   Pagu-rus annuliDes
                                                                                    agurus longicarmus
                     Flat clawed hermit crab                                        agurus polli,caris
                                                                                   Palaeomonetes DuSio
                                                                                   Palaeomonetes vulgari
                                                                                   PanoDeus herbstil
                                                                                   Pella--mutica
                                                                                   Penaeus aztecus
                                                                                   7e-naeus Tu-orarum
                     -'air                                                         Penaeus setiferus
                           y crab                                                  Pilumnus say-i
                                                                                   FI-En -Ixa - c 7.Ta-e -6 o -o t, aaz-- a
                                                                                   Pinni---a cr-4s+.a-!.a
                                                                                   Pinnixa 1,.-Lnz.-
                                                                                     ....ixa savan

                     Oyster crao                                                   P inno there s oszre1---
                                                                                   Pol,ronvx 71i--@rocrle@i=as
                                                                                   Por--ellana saLana
                                                                                   Porcej-.Ia.,ia
                     Mantis shr-imp                                                Sjuilla-emnu-sa
                                                                                   -5-                  --- en.
                                                                                      zeu.ma caro.7-
                     Fiddler crab                                                  -,:ca- -JUZ-4 -1 azcr
                     Mud lobster                                                       --bia affin--s

                                                                             328.

              Class Meros-!.-'oma-"ta
              horseahoe crab                            Limulus polyphemus
              Class Pycnogonida
                                                         AnoDlodactylu lentus
                                                                        4
                                                         Tanystylum arb.cullare

              Phylum Echinadermata
              Class Asteroidea

                                                        Asterias forbesi
                                                        Linckia sD.
              Class 0-phiuroidea
                                                        -Micropholis.gracillima
                                                        MicroDholis atra
                                                        OphioDhragmus wurdemar-i
                                                        Ophiothrix angulata
              Class Echinoidea
              Purple sea urchin                         Arbacia punctulata
              White urchin                              Lytechinus variegatus
              Sand dollar                               Meiiita ouinguie -perforata
              Heart urchin                              Moira atroDos
              Class Holothuroidea

                                                        Le-ptosyna-ota tenuis
              Hairy cucumber,                           Sclerodactvla briareus
                                                        Thyonella sp.

              Phylum Hemichordata
              Acorn worm                                Balanoglossus auranticus
                                                        Saccoglossus kowalewskii

              Phylum Chordata
              Sub-Phylum Urochordata
                                                         A-pl-idium constellatum
                                                         Aplidium 'oeiiucidum
                                                         Es-c-ldia interru-ota
                                                         Dider.,nu,-n:-Tu'+,arIum
                                                         Dista-oiia ber-nudensis
                                                         -cteinasc.idia turbina---a
                                                         :,-@ud-istoma he-Dat--"CIUM
                                                         I'*'IIoLzula ianliattens-is
                                                             -ohora v! r4,-4 4,z
                                                         Pero
                                                         svm-plegm S-00
                                                         St@rei -oliicat-a
                                                         -"ri didemr-u- s-c.

              Sub-Dh
                    .v 1 um -'emhalachorda-r-a
              amphioxus                                  B r a n c IJo so m a

                                                    32N

               Thick lipped oyster d-rill                           Eupleura.caudata
               Banded tulip                                         Fasciolaria hunteria
               Salt marsh periwinkle                                Littorina irrorata
                                                                    MelamDus bidentatus
                                                                    Miti=ea !Tra-ta
               Mud snail                                            Ifa-ssarius obsoletus
                                                                    Nassarius vibe
                                                                    Natica pusilla
                                                                    Neosimni a uniDlicata
                                                                    Odostomia impressa
               Horse conch                                          Pleuro-=ooc,-g 5liantea
                                                                    PoJ-)rce-ra blimm].
                                                                    Polini
               Moon snail                                                     s !!@Iic@ata
               Common auger                                         Terebra,dislocata
               Pyster drill                                         Uros7l-pinx cinerea

               Class Bivalvia
               Bay scallop                                          AeouiDecten irradians
                                                                    An@MFa brasi-riana
               Jingle shell                                         Anomia slm-Dlex
                                                                    Itrina rigida
                                                                    Ttrina ser a
               Scorched mussel                                      aaacFlaontes exustus
               Cross barred venus                                   Q.Lone cancellata
               Common oyster                                        crassosirea 71rRinica
               Angel wing                                           CyrtoIL-ileura costata
               Grqat heart cockle                                   Dinocardium robustum
               Cross hatched lucine                                 Divaricella uadri                variabilis
               Disk clam                                            :2 @inia discus
                                                                    Entovalva spp..          Erisis directus
                                                                    Lepto sp.
               Swimming clam                                        Lima nellucida
               Date clam                                            Lithophaga bisulcata
               Sunray venus,                                        Macrocallista nimbosa
               Hard clam                                            Mercenaria mercenaria
               Ribbed mussel                                        Geuken-s-"I-a demissa
                                                                    Montacuta percompressa
                                                                    RvselIa spe
                                                                    Paramya subovata,
               Pearl wing oyster                                    Fteria co.Lym-bus
               Veiled awnina- clam                                  S-o Temva--ve- =um
               Green razor      0                                   7-0 =e,
                                cla,m                                    .1 virid-is
               Surf clam                                            S-Dism Ula solidissima
               Stou"11- razor clam                                  Tazel s p1ebius
                                                                    TellLn--a 'alternata
               China cockle                                         Trachycardiur.

               Class Scamho-n-ada

                                                                    Ajentai-ium sz.
               Class CenhaloDoda
               Brief squid                                          Lolliguncula brev@..s

               SOURCE: Dr. Anne McCrary. 1984. Department           of Biology, UNC-W. Wilmington, N.C.

                                                                    330

                                         3  6 00 006181