The preservation of the eastern coastal and barrier island protected areas continues to be an important priority for the National Park Service (NPS). These sandy beach coastal areas have a long history of visitor use, as they provide outstanding opportunities for recreation and nature appreciation. Combined with their proximity to the major population centers of the eastern United States, it is no surprise that visitation levels are high, representing an on-going management challenge. Moreover, these areas are unique and dynamic ecosystems, providing habitat to rare species.