Ecology of maritime forests of the southern Atlantic Coast: a community profile

Abstract: Maritime forests dominated by broadleaved evergreen trees and shrubs occur in a discontinuous narrow band along the barrier islands and on the adjacent mainland from North Carolina to Florida. The flora and fauna of maritime forests typically consist of a distinctive subset of theregional biota that is particularly well adapted to survive the elevated salt content, limited availability of fresh water, soil erosion and dune migration, periodic seawater inundation, and wind damage associated with oceanic storms. Maritime forests cover the more stable portions of barrier islands and coastal dune ridges. They function as refugia for wildlife, provide storage capacity for groundwater, and help stabilize the soil. Recent recognition of the relatively greater physical stability of maritime forests compared to the beachfront has resulted in intensivied urban development within them. Maritime forests across the range have been increasingly impaired by clearing for roads and parking lots and fragmented by subdivision development. Further developments within maritime forests should minimize impairment of their critical biological and ecological functions. Maritime forest management should be directed toward reducing forest fragmentation and toward protecting their ecological integrity.