Ida Shifts Pea Island a Bit
November 24, 2009
Aerial view of Pea Island Headquarters site taken on November 19, 2009 showing ocean encroachment to facilities. The residence is located further to the west on higher ground and is not shown in this picture. Photo credit: FWS, Dennis Stewart.
Pea Island is one of those gem of a places I’ve stumbled upon with my camera in tote so I was surprised when I saw the above photo. Ida rolled through here about two weeks ago and the pounding the coast took here in North Carolina was massive.
As is evident after any major storm, the profile of Pea Island has shifted. But, the refuge still looks and acts exactly like what it is – a simple, overwash-dominated barrier island. Refuge Biologist Dennis Stewart explained, “On this refuge, storms redistribute the sand. If the sand were left where the storms deposited it, the island would continue to migrate to the southwest, and the elevation would build as a result of the overwash. These barrier islands have been doing this for thousands of years.”
During this storm, NC 12 was overwashed in a number of places. Sections of dunes were flattened in a few areas and severely eroded along most of the refuge length. “We understand the responsibility of the NC Department of Transportation to provide a transportation corridor, and we have worked with them judiciously to allow them to repair NC 12 within their right-of-way as quickly as possible,” added Stewart. “But, we’re not surprised to see the effects of this storm. History and the best available science tell us we’ll see more of the same with each storm that comes.”
US Fish & Wildlife Press Release
NC Highway 12 will have to be moved according to DOT Road Engineer Jerry Jennings
the road was so damaged by the storm, they want to move it over 25 feet west of where the road is currently. He says they have to reconstruct it anyway, and officials hope that by moving it over, that will provide the road with more protection from storm overwash. He said they plan to move an 1800 foot section. They will not begin this work until after the Thanksgiving holiday in order not to create problems during that long weekend.
Building on shifting sand is never a good idea and that is basically what a barrier island is made of. Pea Island is open for visitors and guided tours have resumed so check the website. A great place to visit, explore and photograph especially this time of the year when all the migratory birds are wintering there. So check it out.
Moose Droppings is a place that chronicles my journey, I’ll explore new places and ideas I’ll learn new things and I’ll teach the things I’ve learned to others. Join me on the adventure and hopefully it will help you in your outdoor endeavors.
