receding through wind and wave erosion. Although barrier islands may seem 

 unstable for purposes of development, they are extremely stable ecologically 

 because of their dynamic nature (LaRoe 1980). When left in its natural state, 

 the coastal environment is not at all fragile, but is a resilient system able 

 to withstand constant change. 



When residential, commercial, and other such development is imposed on a 

 barrier island, attempts are made to create a stable environment. Although 

 the islands withstand stress from natural processes, they are much less able 

 to absorb manmade stress. "In the long run, however, these systems will seek 

 a new equilibrium which is usually accompanied by great expense to man in the 

 form of property damage and possibly loss of life" (Apalachee Regional Plan- 

 ning Council 1980). 



For development to take place in such a dynamic ecosystem, it is neces- 

 sary to understand the form and function of the entire coastal system. In 

 simple terms, the most rational action from an ecological perspective is to 

 halt development on barrier islands, for their very nature is unsuitable for 

 man's long-run objectives. The desire for residential, commercial, and recre- 

 ational activity along the coast, however, make barrier islands a prime choice 

 for development. 



St. George Island, off the mouth of the Apalachicola River, is a classic 

 barrier island. It has high aesthetic and recreational values, including its 

 dunes, white sand beaches, and beautiful waters along its 30-mi length. 

 Because of its size, location, and unique ecological features, the island is 

 an important part of the Apalachicola Bay system. 



Several actions have had and will continue to have profound effect on St. 

 George Island. The first major action was to cut a channel (Sike's Cut) 

 across the island to reduce travel time for shrimp boats in and out of the 

 Bay. This action by the Corps of Engineers in 1954 increased the salinity in 

 the bay, thereby reducing oyster productivity. The second action of conse- 

 quence was the construction of a causeway connecting the island to the main- 

 land, thereby opening the island to more intensive development and use. In 

 1977, Leisure Properties, Inc., which owns approximately 1,215 ha (3,000 

 acres) on the island, filed a DRI application for development approval to sub- 

 divide and develop the property for approximately 600 homesites. The firm 

 constructed 7 mi of road and installed 15 mi of water lines and underground 

 utilities. Over 2.5 million dollars worth of 5-acre lots were sold in 1976, 

 and a 300,000 gal water supply reservoir was constructed. Since 1978, over 

 500 one-acre lots have been for sale. 



In an attempt to partially counteract development on the island, the 

 State acquired 930 ha (2,299 acres) under the Environmentally Endangered Land 

 program for use as a State Preserve. Limited roads and recreation facilities 

 have been built, but the main focus is to preserve the barrier island beach 

 and dune system in its natural state. 



BEACH EROSION 



Northwest Florida's beaches are one of its most important economic 

 resources. The beautiful sandy beaches attract many tourists and provide 



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