Characteristics of topography and vegetation at boundaries between the beach and dune on residential shorefront lots in two municipalities in New Jersey, USA

Natural and cultural characteristics at seaward boundaries of residential lots are examined to identify ways of making these boundaries more naturally functioning. Field data on lot size, house size, type and location of the seaward-most vertical structure, and window height are compared with topography and vegetation on the backdune, foredune, foreslope, and flat seaward of the foredune. Results indicate that intensively developed coastlines can retain natural dune features on private property if residents allow ecological boundaries to replace cultural boundaries. Appropriate management actions include: (1) discouraging planting of exotics, (2) building houses at higher elevations, so residents can retain views of the sea as dunes grow, (3) elevating boardwalks to facilitate transfers of sediment and biota, (4) discouraging use of fences to demarcate lot lines, (5) restricting use of sand-trapping fences, and (6) placing cultural features on landward sides of lots to provide space for nature to evolve.