Stabilization of West Coast Sand Dunes

by Frank Reckendorf, USDA, Portland, OR, USA,
Don Leach, USDA, Portland, OR, USA,
Robert Baum, USDA, Portland, OR, USA,
Jack Carlson, USDA, Portland, OR, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Zone '87

Abstract:

Control of dune activity and the introduction of European beachgrass have generated far-reaching effects on the West Coast landscape. Between 1900 and 1935, a series of small sand stabilization projects were initiated on the West Coast utilizing European beachgrass and various species of shrubs and trees. In 1935, the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), at the request of local landowners and city and county government, began a comprehensive sand stabilization project on the Clatsop Plains in Oregon called the Warrenton Project. Some 1215 ha (3,000 ac) of actively blowing sand were systematically stabilized in a progression which essentially duplicated natural plant succession. The techniques and procedures learned in the Warrenton stabilization effort were applied throughout the West Coast utilizing the same or similar plant materials. Other stabilization projects occurred in places such as (1) the Grayland and Ocean Shores areas in Washington; (2) the Seaside, Pacific City, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Newport, Waldport, Florence, Gardner, and Coos Bay areas in Oregon; and (3) the Bodega Bay, Morro Bay, and Santa Maria areas in California.

Subject Headings: Soil stabilization | Sandy soils | Sand (hydraulic) | Project management | Dunes | Bays | Urban areas | United States | Oregon | Washington | California

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