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1. Answer:

   Dunes and beaches make up

   nearly 1,800 of the 3,000 miles of

   seacoast in the five Gulf states,

   Georgia, and Puerto Rico. Erosion is

   a problem on about 900 miles of

   Atlantic and Gulf coast dunes and

   beaches in these areas. With the

   right kinds of native and naturalized

   plants, much of this erosion can be

   prevented.

   This publication was written to

   help people select and use plants to

   stabilize and beautify dunes. It is

   intended mainly for planners,

   iandscapers, nursery operators,

   developers, and homeowners. The

   information applies to coastal dunes

   and beaches of Puerto Rico, Texas,

   Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama,

   Florida, and Georgia.

   Using plants to control dune

   erosion is a high priority of Soil

   Conservation Service (SCS) plant

   materials programs in coastal states

   and the Caribbean Area. From 1973

   to 1975, 191 representative dune

   sites were studied in Georgia,

   Florida, Alabama, and Puerto Rico

   (4, 5, 6, 7, 8V These studies

   identified more than 200 species of

   native and naturalized dune plants

   and were supplemented by less

   detailed studies in Texas, Mississippi,

   and Louisiana.

   Of the plant species identified in

   the SCS field studies, 43 have good

   potential for dune revegctation

   because of their favorable

   characteristics for erosion control,

   their frequency of occurrence, and

   their dominance in the natural

   ecosystem. This publication

   describes each of these 43 plants,

   their areas of occurrence, and

   propagation techniques.

   Ocean waves, littoral drift, and

   other natural forces—as well as the

   activities of people—determine the

   adaptability and suitability of plants

   for coastal dunes. This publication

   explains how the dune ecosystem

   and the actions of people must be

   considered in planning revegetation.

   It also discusses methods of

   preparing the planting site and

   establishing and maintaining the

   plants.

   SCS has selected some of the

   featured plants for thorough testing

   and comparison. Several years of

   tests and field trials are required

   before SCS and cooperating agencies

   can identify superior plants and

   release approved cultivars. These

   cultivars are the source of

   commercially produced seed and

   planting stock used in local

   conservation programs.

   For further assistance in protecting

   coastal dunes, contact your local

   SCS office, which generally is listed

   in municipal telephone directories

   under “United States Government,

   Department of Agriculture.

   Step-by-step explanation:

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