Long Beach Township is a barrier island approximately one mile off the southern coast of New Jersey. Like most barrier islands along the eastern seaboard, the land slopes from a high elevation in the Oceanside dune area of 16-20 feet above mean sea level to an elevation of 3-4 feet bayside. The Township is prone to flooding from hurricanes, tropical storms, and nor’easters. The dunes are our first line of defense against the onslaught of the high incoming seas resulting from these storms. Preserving these dunes is of utmost importance. The Township maintains strict standards for dunes restoration and preservation. Homeowners are encouraged to erect dune fencing, which helps build up the dunes, and to plant dune grass which stabilizes them. Every fall the Township provides oceanfront property owners free dune grass plantings. Additionally, area scout troops and volunteers plant dune grass up and down the island every year. Traversing the dunes to gain access to the beach is prohibited except over approved walkways. Call the Ron Pingaro, (609) 361-6650, for more information on “dune walkovers”.

On the bayside, the water quality is improved through the wetlands ability to filter nutrients and impurities from runoff and process organic wastes. These areas provide breeding grounds for fish and wildlife, create and enhance waterfowl habitat, support a high rate of plant growth and maintain biodiversity and the integrity of the ecosystem.

Stephanie Riddle is the Township’s “Community Rating System” Coordinator. For further information on this subject, call her at 609-361-6695.