The beach and dune system is a dynamic environmental subject to extensive change as a result of wind, waves, tides and storms. Native salt-resistant vegetation is essential to the beach and dune system as it both accumelates and stabilizes sand. Vegetation traps wind blown sand which collects around the plant and builds up the dune, a process known as "accretion". As the plants become buried, new roots develop on the recently buried stems while new stems emerge from the sand.
A dense stand of sea oats, and other primary vegetation in the foredune can significantly minimize erosion during high tides and storms. Sea oats are "protected" under regulations of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Sea oats seeds can not be collected without a permit and the plants can not be cut back or removed.
Sea grapes, which grow on the back of the dune and have large ping-pong paddle-shaped leaves, act as a highly efficient barrier to blowing sand and result in significant accretion of the backdune. Dunes are important reservoirs for sand, replacing sand lost from the beach through erosion. All native dune vegetation should be protected from pedestrian traffic, pruned only as necessary and according to FDEP guidelines, and replanted as necessary to maintain this delicate system.
Preserving Our Beach
Preserving the beach and the value of beachfront property depends on our understanding the significance of coastal sand dunes and our willingness to maintain the native vegetation critical to functioning of this system. The actions you can take are:
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Protect and replant native dune vegetation.
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Eliminate invasive exotic vegetation.
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Trim and prune sparingly and according to FDEP guidelines.
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Avoid beach raking if possible or moved seaweed to the toe of the dune.
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Avoid irrigation or fertilizing dune plants.
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Keep recreational activities and equipment well away from dune vegetation.
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Participate in restoring and maintaining your dune system.
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Call ERM with any questions you may have.
Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management (ERM) sponsors beach restoration projects throughout the County including dune restoration, beach nourishment, inlet sand transfer operations and construction of groins, breakwaters, and other erosion control structures. Funding for these projects is obtained through County, State, Federal and Local Government. County funds for beach restoration and enhancement projects are primarily obtained through taxes paid by tourists on hotel and motel rooms in the County.
Please see the following link for South Palm Beach timeline for Beach and Dune Restoration:
For more information, call: Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management at 561-233-2400 or visit their website:
www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/erm/coastal/shoreline/beach/reports.htm
