Threats: 



Category 



Description of threat 



3 



Development of area as resort/residential com- 





plex; construction of houses on already sub- 





divided lots. 







Management recommendations i 



(1) The Natural Area should remain totally in its nat\iral state. 

 As Parnell and Adams (1971)* noted, it is extremely importsmt 

 that the maritime forest understory NOT be cleared, as it is 

 the "thicket" structure of the forest that mitigates against 

 excessive windthrow of canopy trees during severe storms. 



(2) If the population of the island increases to projected levels, 

 some type of access restriction to the site may prove neces- 

 sary in order to protect the Natural Area site integrity. 



Parnell, J, 

 capability study, 



V/ilmington. 



'« and De A, Adams. 1971. Smith Island: a resource 

 Interim report, N. C, Sea Grant Publication, 



