What factors threaten the stability of sand dunes?
The growth of mainland coastal population centers and the increasing development and recreational use of the barrier islands threaten the stability of the dune environment. Construction and heavy use of the beaches contribute to dune deterioration. The vegetation that secures sand is destroyed, sand is lost, and the dune line is breached by roads, trails, and storm runoff. Dune damage that results from human activities accelerates the damage caused by wind and wave erosion. What can be done to preserve dunes and prevent dune deterioration? • The natural defense dunes provide can be strengthened by enhancing the development and stability of existing dunes and by building new ones. Native vegetation can be planted to accelerate sand accumulation. Plants such as bitter panicum, sea oats, and marshhay cordgrass can help trap sand and stabilize dunes. Temporary structures such as slatted wood or plastic sand fencing may also be used, but use of natural plantings is preferable. • In areas wh