Figure 18. An August 2, 2002 photo of the growing frontal dune in the vicinity of the sewer pumping station. American beach grass has extended roots beyond the sand fencing to propagate on the open sand and begin to restore a frontal dune. Sand fencing limits foot traffic to narrow paths through the frontal dune and also traps wind-blown sand. The combination of fencing and vegetation results in the frontal dune ridge building higher over time and increasing in sand volume. This volume is helpful in providing a protective (sacrificial) buffer for storm erosion and also helps limit inland flooding from coastal storm surges. (MGS file photo by P. A. Slovinsky.)

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Last updated on February 21, 2006

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