authenticity, and successional processes, and have attempted to eliminate problematic species. The problem with the invasion of exotics from nearby residential
and commercial properties is a less publicized issue. The magnitude of the
problem is exacerbated if the foredune occurs on private property and if regulations allow property owners to plant exotic vegetation. Landscaping choices of
individual shorefront property owners and managers of hotels and condominiums
are conditioned by past experiences that are often obtained in a noncoastal setting,
causing them to think that exotics are the landscaping ideal. Achieving restoration
goals on private lots is an important, but virtually ignored, field of inquiry that has
enormous potential for improving the natural value of coastal resources (Mitteager
et al. 2006).
2.5 Gaining Acceptance for Natural Landforms and Habitats
Convincing residents and municipal officials of the need to create dunes where
they do not exist or allow stable dunes to function more naturally can be challenging (Nordstrom 2008). The first step in building new dunes may be to build
any dune-like feature, even if low, narrow, linear, and fixed in position, as has
occurred in the State of New Jersey (Mauriello and Halsey 1987; Mauriello 1989).
Gaining acceptance of larger, more naturally functioning dunes requires demonstrating their value by providing examples of good management practice and
implementing public education programs, e.g., the municipal program in Avalon,
NJ, USA (Nordstrom et al. 2009). Local demonstration sites can be used to provide
specific technical information to local managers and provide evidence that restoration options are achievable (Breton et al. 2000; Nordstrom 2003). Demonstration
sites in developed municipalities should have similar space constraints and relationships to the natural and cultural features of future restoration sites. Purely
natural environments would likely represent unachievable target states. Policies
should include restrictions on the mechanical removal of litter, the use of vehicles
on the beach, and the use of sand-trapping fences. Portions of dunes should be
dynamic once they have achieved dimensions required for shore protection. Only
native vegetation should be used in planting programs, and any exotic species
should be removed.
Instituting change in environmental practice is difficult without a strong education component. Education efforts must be conducted via multiple means to
reach different user groups, and they must be ongoing because the turnover in
population can be rapid. Actions at the municipal level include newsletters,
instruction in public schools, tours of demonstration sites, displays in libraries,
presentations at town meetings, mailings of flood hazard information to property
owners, and information signs at key field locations (Breton et al. 2000; Nordstrom
et al. 2009). It is important to specify the role of human actions in both the
degradation and the restoration of natural environments.
2 Foredune Restoration
27
and commercial properties is a less publicized issue. The magnitude of the
problem is exacerbated if the foredune occurs on private property and if regulations allow property owners to plant exotic vegetation. Landscaping choices of
individual shorefront property owners and managers of hotels and condominiums
are conditioned by past experiences that are often obtained in a noncoastal setting,
causing them to think that exotics are the landscaping ideal. Achieving restoration
goals on private lots is an important, but virtually ignored, field of inquiry that has
enormous potential for improving the natural value of coastal resources (Mitteager
et al. 2006).
2.5 Gaining Acceptance for Natural Landforms and Habitats
Convincing residents and municipal officials of the need to create dunes where
they do not exist or allow stable dunes to function more naturally can be challenging (Nordstrom 2008). The first step in building new dunes may be to build
any dune-like feature, even if low, narrow, linear, and fixed in position, as has
occurred in the State of New Jersey (Mauriello and Halsey 1987; Mauriello 1989).
Gaining acceptance of larger, more naturally functioning dunes requires demonstrating their value by providing examples of good management practice and
implementing public education programs, e.g., the municipal program in Avalon,
NJ, USA (Nordstrom et al. 2009). Local demonstration sites can be used to provide
specific technical information to local managers and provide evidence that restoration options are achievable (Breton et al. 2000; Nordstrom 2003). Demonstration
sites in developed municipalities should have similar space constraints and relationships to the natural and cultural features of future restoration sites. Purely
natural environments would likely represent unachievable target states. Policies
should include restrictions on the mechanical removal of litter, the use of vehicles
on the beach, and the use of sand-trapping fences. Portions of dunes should be
dynamic once they have achieved dimensions required for shore protection. Only
native vegetation should be used in planting programs, and any exotic species
should be removed.
Instituting change in environmental practice is difficult without a strong education component. Education efforts must be conducted via multiple means to
reach different user groups, and they must be ongoing because the turnover in
population can be rapid. Actions at the municipal level include newsletters,
instruction in public schools, tours of demonstration sites, displays in libraries,
presentations at town meetings, mailings of flood hazard information to property
owners, and information signs at key field locations (Breton et al. 2000; Nordstrom
et al. 2009). It is important to specify the role of human actions in both the
degradation and the restoration of natural environments.
2 Foredune Restoration
27