Overlook Dunes Restoration Project Implementation

1952 Aerial Photo

The Overlook Dunes Restoration Project was initiated to restore the natural function of the dunes below the Overlook, recently renamed the Oregon Dunes Day-Use. Other specific objectives of the project were to improve the visual quality from the viewing platforms above the dunes, restore habitat for the threatened western Snowy Plover, and reduce the possibility of wildfire in the dunes.

Historically the dunes would “migrate” as the seasonal weather dictated, changing shape and rising and dropping as sand was blown by the wind. The foredunes above the high water line averaged about 10 feet high in past years and open dunes were the norm.

In an attempt to control the movement of sand, which often blocked roadways and inundated river estuaries, European beachgrass was planted in the 1950s. This hearty, non-native plant traps windblown sand in its long leaves causing the sand to drop to the ground. European beachgrass has an extensive root system and spreads readily, even after it’s been buried. As a result of sand movement being retarded, high foredunes began to form, deflation plain behind the foredune were scoured to the watertable, wetlands began to appear, and vegetation encroached on previously open sand areas.

 

1989 Aerial Photo
Notice increased vegetation growth

 

Project Implementation

In 1998 the Overlook Dunes Restoration Project was implemented. During the first year of this 10-year project, prescribed fire was used to reduce vegetation behind the foredunes, while bulldozers from the Oregon National Guard were brought in to begin the process of lowering the dunes and effectively scraping away the beachgrass.   Project area following repeated passes by bulldozers

Oregon National Guard dozer pushing sand at the project site This project has provided an opportunity for a unique partnership between the Forest Service and the Oregon National Guard. Trainees from the 1249 Engineer Battalion have gained valuable experience operating heavy equipment in a relatively safe environment, and the Forest Service benefited by getting a lot of work done at little or no cost to the agency.

 

Early Results

Approximately 45 acres of foredune have been treated. While sand hasn’t migrated as far inland as anticipated, early monitoring shows that some native vegetation has returned, European beachgrass has been reduced and snowy plovers have been recorded nesting and fledging their young in the area.   View of project area from platform at the Dunes Day-Use Area. The area just above the vegetation at the left side of the photo has been treated.     . View from the upper platform to the ocean Snowy Plover adult with two chicks

2004 Aerial Photo