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Oregon Dunes Choked by Invasive Grass
22 Sep
Summary
- European beachgrass, introduced in 1910, has transformed Oregon's dunes.
- Vegetation cover on Oregon dunes increased from 20% to over 80%.
- Unique oblique-ridge dunes may disappear by 2040 without intervention.
European beachgrass, first introduced to Oregon near Coos Bay in 1910 for dune stabilization, has significantly reshaped the coastal landscape. This invasive species, along with American beachgrass introduced in the 1930s, now dominates large sections of the dune system, creating a nearly continuous barrier.
Aerial imagery reveals a dramatic increase in vegetation cover, from approximately 20% in 1939 to over 80% within five decades. This shift has reduced the open, shifting sand habitats crucial for native plants like pink sand verbena and animals such as the Western Snowy Plover, leading to sharp population declines.
The unique oblique-ridge dunes found in the Coos Bay area are particularly at risk of disappearing by 2040 due to the grass's sand-trapping abilities. While beachgrass may accelerate a natural dune cycle, the current rate of change is a major concern.
Controlling invasive beachgrass requires active management, including mechanical and chemical treatments, especially in sensitive areas. Other invasive plants like Scotch broom and gorse also pose threats to the stabilized dune environment.
