Ocean County Gears Up for Planting of 300K Dune Grass Plants

Ocean County will distribute more than 300,000 dune grass plants to help revitalize local dune systems.

The county initiated the program during the early 1990s following severe storms in the fall and early winter months that resulted in the weakening of dunes along its 44 miles of coastline, county officials said.

The county's order totals 310,000 American Beachgrass plants. Delivery of 183,000 plants will be made to southern Ocean County towns in October while a delivery of 126,800 plants will be made to the northern Ocean County towns in November.

The amount of plants distributed is calculated by using the coastal frontage in each town, officials said.

The dune grass plants are normally planted by volunteer groups such as the Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts, environmental groups and other community organizations.

"For some, it is a fall tradition," said Freeholder Gerry P. Little, a Surf City resident.

"This program is especially important this year as so many of the county’s coastal towns work to create new dune systems or strengthen systems already in place," said Little, in a statement. "These plants help anchor the dune structure, aiding in keeping the sand in place along with dune fencing."

The county government also distributed dune grass in March, followed by the delivery of 100,750 feet of dune fencing in May.

Many local organizations such as the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association have held volunteer fence installation projects since Superstorm Sandy struck last October.