The purpose of the NPS Coastal Engineering Inventory is to help the NPS define the extent of human-altered coastal areas in the National Park System. This, in turn, will help the NPS understand its resources, establish baselines, develop desired future conditions, balance the protection of historic resources and infrastructure with the preservation of natural systems, and improve post-storm response. All of these actions will improve the ability of the NPS to manage coastal park units in accordance with NPS policies.