McFaddin Dune Restoration

Project Description:  This project will restore, enhance, and protect 1.5 miles of sand dune habitat at McFaddin National Wildlife refuge.  The project will prevent further shoreline erosion, stabilize and restore sand habitat, and increase sand dune elevation to prevent saltwater intrusion during storm tidal surges.  The restored area will also provide future nesting habitat for sea turtles and shorebirds.  The combination of sand fencing and vegetation offers the greatest possibility for restoration success.  The sand dune restoration project involves a sand fence to capture blowing sand to increase elevations.  The fence will also protect  the dune from motorized vehicles that are detrimental to dune vegetation.  The restoration project will also include transplanting Atlantic panicum to 1.5 miles of transitional area for sand dune stabilization.  The grass species has proven to be well adapted to growing in this zone, and can quickly stabilize a sand dune as well as accumulate sand.  The plants will also provide cover to accumulate sand and increase the ridge elevation.  The increase in ridge elevation will prevent saltwater intrusion to the freshwater wetlands and protect almost 5,000 acres of habitat below the ridge.  This is the second phase of dune restoration work to be completed at the refuge.  In 2003, two miles of fence were constructed and vegetation was transplanted to restore coastal dune habitats.

Partners:  McFaddin and Texas Point Refuges Alliance, Inc., British Petroleum, & the Texas Coastal Program