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| Biosphere Reserve Information | ||||
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VIRGINIA COAST |
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| General Description |
The Virginia Coast Biosphere Reserve on the Atlantic Ocean is composed of barrier islands with adjacent estuaries and marshlands. For centuries, people have used the islands and marshes for pastureland, waterfowl hunting and marketing as well as for resort and house development. They constitute a valuable economic resource and local people depend on the clean waters for fish and shellfish. The main aim of the biosphere reserve is to protect natural systems while enhancing the quality of life for the local community. The Virginia Coast Reserve project aims at protecting a rural way of life and sustainable development to the benefit of all community members, and includes individuals, farmers, business people, federal, state and local governments, colleges and universities, and community groups. Various outreach programs are offered, designed specifically for students and local community groups. Among the main research and management issues in the area are the migration of the barrier islands and marshland dynamics due to the rising sea level, influencing habitat studies and conservation approaches. |
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| Major ecosystem type | Temperate broadleaf forest | |||
| Major habitats & land cover types | ||||
| Location | 37°05' to 37°34'N; 75°37' to 75°56'W | |||
| Area (hectares) | ||||
| Total | 13,511 | |||
| Core area(s) | ||||
| Buffer zone(s) | ||||
| Transition area(s) when given | ||||
| Altitude (metres above sea level) | 0 to +10 | |||
| Year designated | 1979 | |||
| Administrative authorities | Virginia Coast Reserve The Nature Conservancy | |||
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| Brief description |
Biogeochemical cycles Effects of sea level rise Geo-morphological research Ecological succession Ecosystem modelling |
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| Specific variables... | ||||
| Abiotic | Geomorphology, hydrology. | |||
| Biodiversity | Modelling, phytosociology/succession. | |||
| Socio-economic | n.a. | |||
| Integrated monitoring | Biogeochemistry, impact and risk studies/environmental impact. | |||
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| Contact address |
Steve Parker The Nature Conservancy 11332 Brownsville Road 23413 Nassawadox, Virginia United States of America |
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| Telephone | (1-757) 442-3049 | |||
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| Last updated: 10/31/2007 |
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