Dunes
“Because there's nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it's sent away.”
― Sarah Kay
Initiatives
City of Fernandina Beach Dune Protection Ordinance and Dune Walkways
Fernandina Beach’s foredunes protect the island and its homes and businesses from storm and floodwater damage and coastline erosion. The dune system provides unique and valuable maritime forest and coastal habitat. Much of the coastal science research took place in Florida and the legislature responded by passing the Comprehensive Beach Management Law. Fernandina Beach’s Dune Walkover Committee observed that the resilience of a strong dune system is the taxpayer’s best return on investment as flood and storm protection protects property values, insurance rates and tax revenues. Our team is collaborating with the City of Fernandina Beach to strengthen City ordinances. We are compiling code examples from across the U.S. and in conversation with experts in coastal geomorphology and land planning.
Sand reclaiming Beach Access 6N after Tropical Storm Ian. November 10, 2022.
Over the past thirty years, where protected by walkovers or light foot traffic, the dunes on the island have grown significantly without much human help. Unfortunately, the dunes along Ocean Avenue south to Access 16 and along American Beach have not been able to restore themselves because of high traffic to the beach eliminating the trapping vegetation. The City and County needs a resiliency plan which incorporate sea level rise projections and addresses the major flood risks of storm surge still water flooding, high rainfall induced flooding, and storm surge plus storm wave impacts. Conserve Nassau has been actively monitoring and advocating for dune protection on Amelia Island.
Dune Resources
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Patrick Hesp authored this textbook on dunes for high schoolers. It is a wonderful reference for any age.
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Sand dune native plants for northeast Florida and southeast Georgia
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Real time water levels at the Fernandina Beach & around the US coast
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How do you rebuild sand dunes?
Dune Encroachment
Home construction that excavates into the side of dunes can create unstable conditions and substantial impacts beyond the site. Similar issue are occurring with new construction along Fletcher Ave.