4. Leaving longshore segments unraked to develop as natural enclaves (Nordstrom
et al. 2000).
2.4.2 Restricting Use of Sand Fences and Other Structures
There is often greater use of sand-trapping fences than is necessary (Grafals-Soto
and Nordstrom 2009). Sand fences should not be placed where a dune of adequate
size already exists, where they would trap sand in unnatural configurations, or
where they cannot be buried, such as in vegetated portions of the dune or too close
to the water. Fences in these locations can be conspicuous intrusions in the
landscape, acting as physical boundaries to movement of fauna and reminders of
the artifactual nature of the dunes. In many cases, sand-trapping fences need only
be used for creation of the first dune ridge that functions as the core around which
the natural dune can evolve (Nordstrom et al. 2000; Grafals-Soto and Nordstrom
2009). The location of the contact between the foredune and backshore is determined by erosion of the foredune during storms and dune accretion following
storms. Storm wave uprush may eliminate the seaward portion of the dune and
create an erosional scarp, but post-storm beach accretion creates a new source of
sand to be blown to the foredune, reestablishing the dune sediment budget.
Biodegradable fences can be used to create an initial dune ridge while avoiding
the long-term hazard to fauna and diminishing the human footprint in the landscape (Miller et al. 2001). Interference with movement of fauna can also be
reduced by employing fences in configurations that create cross-shore corridors,
either by leaving short gaps in longer sections of fence or deploying fences as short
sections oriented transverse to shore and to prevailing winds. Sand-trapping fences
are often used to control visitor traffic, resulting in dunes with unnatural shapes.
Symbolic fences may be used instead of sand-trapping fences for controlling
pedestrian access. Symbolic fences prevent users from trampling the dune while
allowing the sand blown landward to build up dune height and volume.
Reducing the physical and visual impact of all structures can create a more
naturally appearing and functioning beach and dune environment. Removable or
elevated structures are often authorized on the beach and dune because of the reduced
threat to their damage, but these structures enhance the feeling that coastal landforms
are recreational areas. Actions to enhance recreational areas, such as grading surfaces
and building walkways for access, can increase the level of physical and visual
disturbance. Shore-perpendicular access paths are required to allow beach use, but
they do not have to be as numerous as they are in most locations.
2 Foredune Restoration
25
et al. 2000).
2.4.2 Restricting Use of Sand Fences and Other Structures
There is often greater use of sand-trapping fences than is necessary (Grafals-Soto
and Nordstrom 2009). Sand fences should not be placed where a dune of adequate
size already exists, where they would trap sand in unnatural configurations, or
where they cannot be buried, such as in vegetated portions of the dune or too close
to the water. Fences in these locations can be conspicuous intrusions in the
landscape, acting as physical boundaries to movement of fauna and reminders of
the artifactual nature of the dunes. In many cases, sand-trapping fences need only
be used for creation of the first dune ridge that functions as the core around which
the natural dune can evolve (Nordstrom et al. 2000; Grafals-Soto and Nordstrom
2009). The location of the contact between the foredune and backshore is determined by erosion of the foredune during storms and dune accretion following
storms. Storm wave uprush may eliminate the seaward portion of the dune and
create an erosional scarp, but post-storm beach accretion creates a new source of
sand to be blown to the foredune, reestablishing the dune sediment budget.
Biodegradable fences can be used to create an initial dune ridge while avoiding
the long-term hazard to fauna and diminishing the human footprint in the landscape (Miller et al. 2001). Interference with movement of fauna can also be
reduced by employing fences in configurations that create cross-shore corridors,
either by leaving short gaps in longer sections of fence or deploying fences as short
sections oriented transverse to shore and to prevailing winds. Sand-trapping fences
are often used to control visitor traffic, resulting in dunes with unnatural shapes.
Symbolic fences may be used instead of sand-trapping fences for controlling
pedestrian access. Symbolic fences prevent users from trampling the dune while
allowing the sand blown landward to build up dune height and volume.
Reducing the physical and visual impact of all structures can create a more
naturally appearing and functioning beach and dune environment. Removable or
elevated structures are often authorized on the beach and dune because of the reduced
threat to their damage, but these structures enhance the feeling that coastal landforms
are recreational areas. Actions to enhance recreational areas, such as grading surfaces
and building walkways for access, can increase the level of physical and visual
disturbance. Shore-perpendicular access paths are required to allow beach use, but
they do not have to be as numerous as they are in most locations.
2 Foredune Restoration
25