Comparison of State and County Management of Public Access Impacts to Intertidal Zone Biodiversity: A Case Study of Rocky Shore Ecosystems in Island County, Washington

Abstract:  State legislation requires all agencies to address issues of accessibility while maintaining the overall health of intertidal ecosystems.  Within a range of public access levels and related intensities of use, intertidal biodiversity will be measured and compared between a sample of county and state managed shorelines.  The management procedures and practices of each agency will also be assessed, quantified, and compared to biodiversity levels at their respective shorelines.  Analysis will determine potential effects of accessibility and use levels on biodiversity and whether the management practices and procedures of these agencies are congruent with the environmental conditions at these locations.