IDENTIFICATION OF COMMON RESOURCE MANAGEMENT NEEDS AS A BASIS FOR BARRIER ISLAND RESEARCH PROGRAMS.

This paper demonstrates the need for a broad, centrally focussed barrier island research program by conducting a systematic analysis of the resource management needs of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal barrier island parks which are administered by the National Park Service. The research program derives its broad applicability from a focus on central issues which underlie the wide variety of resource management questions confronting park managers. Although the proposed management-oriented research program directly relates to National Park Service parks, it is also applicable to the large network of barrier island parks which are under the jurisdiction of other federal agencies, state and local government agencies or private conservation organizations.