Answer:
Dunes and beaches make up
nearly 1,800 of the 3,000 miles of
seacoast in the five Gulf states,
Georgia, and Puerto Rico. Erosion is
a problem on about 900 miles of
Atlantic and Gulf coast dunes and
beaches in these areas. With the
right kinds of native and naturalized
plants, much of this erosion can be
prevented.
This publication was written to
help people select and use plants to
stabilize and beautify dunes. It is
intended mainly for planners,
iandscapers, nursery operators,
developers, and homeowners. The
information applies to coastal dunes
and beaches of Puerto Rico, Texas,
Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama,
Florida, and Georgia.
Using plants to control dune
erosion is a high priority of Soil
Conservation Service (SCS) plant
materials programs in coastal states
and the Caribbean Area. From 1973
to 1975, 191 representative dune
sites were studied in Georgia,
Florida, Alabama, and Puerto Rico
(4, 5, 6, 7, 8V These studies
identified more than 200 species of
native and naturalized dune plants
and were supplemented by less
detailed studies in Texas, Mississippi,
and Louisiana.
Of the plant species identified in
the SCS field studies, 43 have good
potential for dune revegctation
because of their favorable
characteristics for erosion control,
their frequency of occurrence, and
their dominance in the natural
ecosystem. This publication
describes each of these 43 plants,
their areas of occurrence, and
propagation techniques.
Ocean waves, littoral drift, and
other natural forces—as well as the
activities of people—determine the
adaptability and suitability of plants
for coastal dunes. This publication
explains how the dune ecosystem
and the actions of people must be
considered in planning revegetation.
It also discusses methods of
preparing the planting site and
establishing and maintaining the
plants.
SCS has selected some of the
featured plants for thorough testing
and comparison. Several years of
tests and field trials are required
before SCS and cooperating agencies
can identify superior plants and
release approved cultivars. These
cultivars are the source of
commercially produced seed and
planting stock used in local
conservation programs.
For further assistance in protecting
coastal dunes, contact your local
SCS office, which generally is listed
in municipal telephone directories
under "United States Government,
Department of Agriculture.
Step-by-step explanation:
