Gulf Islands National Seashore - http://www.nps.gov/guis

The Seashore stretches 160 miles from Cat Island in Mississippi to the eastern tip of Santa Rosa Island in Florida. There are snowy-white beaches, sparkling blue waters, fertile coastal marshes, and dense maritime forests. Visitors can explore 19th century forts, enjoy shaded picnic areas, hike on winding nature trails, and primitive camp on Perdido Key and all Mississippi barrier islands except Cat and West Ship Islands. In addition, Horn and Petit Bois Islands located in Mississippi are federally designated wilderness areas. Nature, history, and recreational opportunities abound in this national treasure.

Submitted by a colleague working on an Incident Management Team in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, late summer 2005