Impacts of geophysical seismic survey vehicles on Padre Island national seashore vegetation

Vehicular impacts from geophysical seismic surveys on plant survival and regrowth were evaluated in five plant communities (low coastal sands, shoregrass flats, salty sands, marsh and lateral dunes) on Padre Island National Seashore during 1988 and 1989. Vegetative cover was initially reduced in all communities by multi-track vehicles. Vegetation recovery to original diversity was estimated at 18-24 months and recovery to original density was estimated to be in excess of 18-24 months. Plant communities most affected by seismographic truck damage were the least vegetated ones. The results of this study conclude that there was no permanent damage to the vegetation of any community impacted by multi-track vehicles.