HomeMy Public PortalAboutCOTI_PR20171113_TybeeDunes.docxPRESS RELEASE: Dr. Shawn Gillen
For Immediate Release City Manager, City of Tybee Island
912.472.5070
sgillen@cityoftybee.org
Cathy J. Sakas
Chair, Tybee Island Beach Task Force
912.660.7164
csakas@cityoftybee.org
Call for Volunteers to Install Sand Fences in Tybee Island Dunes
Volunteers are needed to help the City of Tybee Island’s Beach Task Force and Department of Public Works install sand fences to promote plant growth to rebuild sand dunes damaged by
Hurricanes Matthew and Irma.
Tybee Island, GA (November 13, 2017) – Tybee Island Beach Task Force, comprised of volunteers appointed by Tybee Island City Council, identified a need to find an environmentally sound
way to rebuild dunes by promoting plant growth. An effective dune is populated by specific plants that capture wind-blown beach sand and are the strongest defense against the ravages
of storm winds and waves. Last year’s Hurricane Matthew and this year’s Hurricane Irma made this need all too clear. Sand fencing helps trap sand blowing up into the dunes from the
beach.
On Saturday, September 30th, over 70 volunteers helped the Beach Task Force install 144 fence posts and stretch 72 fences of 10’ length each between those posts. Then they placed marsh
wrack along both sides of the fencing to better help trap sand. The marsh wrack that had covered Highway 80 causeway during Hurricane Irma was gathered by Tybee’s Department of Public
Works. With so many helping hands, the work anticipated to be a day long effort was completed in just two and a half hours!
The most often heard comment from volunteers was, “I am very happy to do something hands-on to help Tybee!”
On Saturday, November 18th, there will be another installation of sand fences at 2nd Street and 14th Street. Once again, volunteers will help dig holes for fence posts, cut and stretch
fencing between those posts, and then place marsh wrack against the fencing to promote natural plant growth.
Volunteers are asked to bring posthole diggers, gloves and battery powered screw drivers with extra batteries for fence installing as well as pitch forks and tarps for moving marsh wrack.
Above all, everyone should come equipped with a willing attitude and cooperative spirit!
Volunteers should wear appropriate clothes for predicted temperatures, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. Water will be provided by Georgia Power and snacks by Tybee Red Hat Flashes. The
City of Tybee Island will issue temporary parking passes while volunteers are working.
Terracon Engineering Services provided project site location maps and site development plans and will place bright orange flags to mark where the fence posts are to be installed at each
site.
Environmental Services Inc., or ESI, completed a baseline assessment at the three selected sites to document current conditions prior to sand fence installations. Just five days after
the first installation of sand fences on Gulick Avenue beach, ESI Mike DeMell reported, “The fences are already doing their job very well. Sand is accumulating at an expedited rate
helped along by strong northeasters that blew in the afternoon of the first sand fence installation continuing to blow for three plus days.” Irrespective of the northeaster, DeMell
reported that “sand continues to accumulate at a rapid rate due to the placement of the marsh wrack on both sides of the fencing. The marsh wrack presents an even larger barrier than
the sand fences alone to the wind and therefore more effectively traps sand.”
Who: Volunteers to rebuild Tybee’s sand dunes
What: To rebuild Tybee’s sand dunes
When: Saturday 18th of November 2017; 9AM – until we are finished.
Where: Meet at 14th Street beach parking lot for assignments.
What to Bring:1. Posthole digger 2. Gloves 3. Battery powered screw driver with extra batteries 4. Pitch fork 5. Tarps 6. Willing attitude and cooperative spirit
Volunteers Point of Contact: Cathy Lewis, Volunteer Coordinator, Tybee Island Beach Task Force, clewis@cityoftybee.org
The City of Tybee Island, Georgia is the northernmost barrier island of Georgia. With a wild bird sanctuary, over three miles of ocean beaches, and salt marshes on the back river, outdoor
recreation activities abound for residents and visitors to the island. As a key defense point to the important Savannah port, Tybee’s Fort Screven, Tybee Post Theater, Fort Pulaski,
and the Tybee Island and Cockspur Lighthouses combined with the unique architectures of the island’s raised cottages form a rich backdrop for history buffs. Attracting a strong artistic
community, there are several local art galleries. Keeping the island interesting year round are several art festivals, community based events and activities, and annual parades and
festivals. The Marine Science Center cooperates with Georgia’s DNR to protect threatened sea turtle species by searching for nests, protecting their eggs, and making sure hatchlings
make it to sea. For visitor information, stop by http://www.tybeevisit.com/, and to find more about the City of Tybee Island, visit our web site at http://www.cityoftybee.org/.
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