| The Columbia Gazetteer of North America. 2000. |
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| Assateague Island National Seashore |
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| Assateague Island National Seashore (57 sq mi/148 sq km), Md. and Va., 37 mi/60 km barrier isl. Beaches; wildlife refuge for deer, fox, racoon, and birds as well as wild Chincoteague ponies rounded up for auction annually at Chincoteague, Va. The ponies, according to legend, are descended from horses which swam ashore from Span. galleons. A diet restricted to seaweed and shore grasses has stunted growth and produced a unique species of dwarf ponies. Recreational opportunities on the isl. include exhibits, guided tours, picnic areas, campsites, hiking trails, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, off-road vehicle trails. Beach activities, including swimming and fishing, are considered among the best on the East Coast. Dune erosion due to tourist traffic. The area at the N end of the isl. (700 acres/283 ha) are administered by the Md. Dept. of Forests and Parks. The natl. park takes up a large area bet. the state park and Chincoteague Refuge, all of it in Md. Authorized 1965. |
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| | | The Columbia Gazetteer of North America. Copyright © 2000 Columbia University Press. |
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