The Impact of Vehicles on Dune and Grassland Vegetation on a South-Eastern North Carolina Barrier Beach

Abstract

SUMMARY (1) Two barrier beaches in southeastern North Carolina were compared with respect to vegetation patterns and soil compaction. One had been widely used by off-road vehicles and the other had not. (2) The vegetation cover and the number of species present on both dunes and grassland were fewer on the area that had been subjected to vehicular traffic. It is suggested that the reduction in vegetation cover may increase the intensity of oceanic overwash at this site. (3) The soil was more compact where vehicular traffic had been most intense. It is suggested that this compaction may increase the area of salt flats in the