IN BRIEF
(extends into New Hanover County) Smith Island, located within Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, is a barrier island complex representing one of the least disturbed areas remaining on the Atlantic Coast. The site contains one of the best unaltered examples of sand strand forest in existence, and a system of sand dunes. Salt marshes, tidal creeks, bays, and mudflats are used extensively by aquatic birds, and island beaches provide breeding habitat for loggerhead turtles. Ownership: State.