Adjacent Land Use

The Santa Rosa unit of Gulf Islands National Seashore is surrounded by development

NPS/GULN

Changes in land use and increased development outside of park boundaries is a high-priority concern for the Gulf Coast Network and park management. These changes can lead to an increase in invasive species, alter air and water quality, and contribute to wildlife habitat fragmentation. It can also affect park views and soundscapes, and increase litter and debris inside the park boundaries.

For more information, see the Gulf Coast Inventory and Monitoring Network Adjacent Land use Project.

As a means of technical assistance to the park, Adjacent Land Use is monitored at:

• Big Thicket National Preserve (BITH)
• Jean Lafitte National Historical Park (JELA)
• Natchez Trace Parkway (NATR)
• Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park (PAAL)
• San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (SAAN)

Did you know?

Habitat fragmentation is when the preferred habitat of plant or animal wildlife is broken up into smaller pieces or reduced in total size. It can lead to one large habitat becoming several small "islands." Habitat fragmentation can contribute to smaller wildlife populations and a decrease in the variety of species that occupy the ecosystem.

The city and local river authority manage portions of the land adjacent to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The construction of a riverwalk increases access to several park units but can also affect the existing vegetation and water quality.

NPS/GULN

The Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is bordered by a town and several housing developments. As needed, the town pumps excess water into the canal adjacent to the preserve, which can add pollutants to the park's waterways.

Jane Carlson/NPS