Importance of Dunes Sign. Kim Scarola Suzanne Merrick Ariana Perez Johanna Mead

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1 Importance of Dunes Sign Kim Scarola Suzanne Merrick Ariana Perez Johanna Mead

2 What role do dunes play in our coastlines? Part of a system of sand deposits and withdraws that helps keep the sand on our beaches Slow flooding and reduce storm surge effects Extensive root system helps reduce erosion ProtecEon of our investments (homes, businesses, etc.) Provide habitat, shelter, and food for migratory birds Provide neseng habitat for sea turtles Provide recreaeonal and leisure value by keeping sand on our beaches Aide in proteceng the 3 rd largest coral reef in the world Protected by Florida Statute Title XI Chapter 161 SecEon 242

3 Uniola paniculata Sea Oats Photo Credit: Kim Scarola

4 ProtecEng Our Investments Photo Credit: Kim Scarola

5 CreaEng Habitat Photo Credit: Kim Scarola

6 Habitat, Shelter, Food for Migratory Birds Photo Credit: FWS.gov Photo Credit: Kim Scarola

7 NesEng Habitat For Sea Turtles Dunes secured by Sea Oats are used as neseng areas for the endangered sea turtles who return every year to deposit their eggs on our beach. Green, Loggerheads, Leatherback and Hawksbill are the turtles that return to our beaches annually. GREEN LOGGERHEAD LEATHERBACK HAWKSBILL

8 Keeping Healthy Coral Reefs Photos credit: Ariana Perez

9 Benefits for Locals and Visitors Photo Credit: Kim Scarola

10 The Value of Broward County Coastline A^ract $7.2 million visitors per year generaeng $422 million in revenue $548 million in revenues from beaches 17,700 full- Eme equivalent jobs Add $1.4 billion in property value $29 million in tax revenues yearly ProtecEon of shoreline property, structures, and infrastructure totaling more than $4 billion

11 WE ARE DUNE THE RIGHT THING Stabilizing Coastline SEA OATS (Uniola paniculata), once blanketed the coastal landscape of Florida. Today they are protected by the state because of their importance in our coastal landscapes as primary dune stabilizer. Plants spread by means of rhizomes with roots that can grow down 25 feet, forming an underground net that holds onto s a n d. E a c h p l a n t d e v e l o p s a s h o w y inflorescence about 5 feet tall. Protecting Our Investments Sand dunes are the first line of defense against storms and act as buffer to protect upland property and natural habitats. They provide a flexible barrier to the movement of high tides and waves, reducing erosion.if sand dunes a r e d a m a g e d o r destroyed, homes and coastal resources are more likely to e x p e r i e n c e s t o r m damage, sand inundation and flooding. Refuge Florida is home to the Atlantic flyway. Birds along this flyway undertake some of the longest journeys of any animal each year. Our coastline is especially important to migrating birds that use dunes as a refuge to rest, eat and even nest; making our dunes essential to their survival. Dune plants are also essential for some pollinators and other wildlife. Sea Turtle Nesting Habitat 3 species of sea turtles, the loggerhead, leatherback and green, lay eggs in the sand secured by dunes on Florida beaches. When they hatch baby sea turtles enter the ocean by following the light from stars and the moon reflected on the ocean. The dune helps the baby turtles to not be lured the wrong way towards artificial lights from buildings, cars, etc.., behind the beaches. Healthy Coral Reefs The Florida coastline is home to the 3 rd largest coral reef in the world. Dunes help protect our reefs from being buried by holding on to the sand. Our reefs in turn, protect us from storm surge and rising sea levels, add value to the local economy (over $2.1 billion in reefrelated sales to Broward) and provide habitat and food for people as well as 25% of the species in the ocean. Keeping Sand On Our Beaches As winds carry particles of sand across beaches, they are slowed by the sea oat grass blades and drop a portion of their sand load. The growth of the sea oats will keep up with the gradual accumulation of sand, and a small mound (dune) will form, adding to the sand bank. Deposits to the bank are made by wind and sand withdraws are made by the tide and waves. Recreation & Leisure Dunes enhance our quality of life. Our coast is a source of beauty-- A place to relax, experience nature, and restore balance to our lives. Broward County beaches attract 7.2 million visitors and generate $548 million in revenue each year. Youth Environmental Alliance Collaborators YEA restoration Projects are made possible by Volunteers, students, teachers, property managers, commissioners, corporations, granting agencies, our dedicated team and Board of Directors, partners, friends and family. You can become a part of this amazing collaborative effort and join the YEA team or support our efforts through a donation or by volunteering.

12 Keeping Sand on Our Beaches UF- IFAS PublicaEon DPR Page 1 References ProtecEng Homes h^ps:// PlanEng Sea Oat UF- IFAS PublicaEon FPS- h^ps:// 594 For Locals and Visitors h^ps:// For Habitat h^ps:// For Turtles UF- IFAS PublicaEon WEC- 283 Page 2 For Reefs h^ps:// h^ps:// Beaches h^p://