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Home > Explore! > Coastal Marine Geology > Maine Beaches Conference > Program > Willard Beach

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The Future of Maine's Changing Beaches:

Diverse Interests and Common Goals

Field sessions

2:30 - 4:00 p.m. throughout SMCC campus.

Willard Beach Dune Restoration

  • Stephen Dickson, Coastal Geologist, Maine Geological Survey

This field trip will examine the successful results of local beach management at Willard Beach adjacent to the SMCC campus. A walk along the beach will examine ways to manage dunes for optimal shape and storm resistance. The use of sand fences for crowd control and to protect American beach grass and other native vegetation has led to the restoration of dunes that had been missing for a century. The new frontal dunes provide improved storm protection to back dune properties and help reduce flooding in city streets. Actions taken by residents and the City of South Portland will provide "lessons learned" that can be applied to other locations.

For more background and an historical perspective visit these Web sites:

Last updated on April 11, 2007