McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge Beach Ridge Restoration

Project Description

This pilot project restored three miles of much needed beach and dune habitat along the McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge shoreline. Immediately following dune restoration, least terns created 300-500 nests. Following construction, the dune was planted with bitter panicum and sea oats and which facilitates dune stability and prevents erosion while encouraging volunteer plant species to thrive. The beach nourishment survived Hurricane Harvey’s devastating flooding in the region and helped illustrate the importance of a healthy beach and dune system which enables beach habitats to recover naturally post-storm. Utilizing lessons learned from the pilot project, the next 17-miles of degraded shoreline will be restored in CEPRA Cycle 10 under Project Number 1658 McFaddin Dune Restoration and Beach Nourishment Phase II.