Cape Cod Beaches ERODE: Blizzards Wreak Havoc

The recent brutal winter storms have exacerbated long-standing erosion issues along the Cape Cod shoreline. Town Neck Beach in Sandwich experienced dramatic coastline changes due to a February blizzard, resulting in a steep drop and the destruction of public access. Residents have observed significant dune erosion over decades, with recent storms causing unprecedented damage. A substantial $10 million U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project, which replenished the beach with over 300,000 cubic feet of sand last year, has already seen half of that material erode before the latest storms. These storms proved devastating, wiping out much of the restoration effort.

Damage is also evident at Springhill Beach, with toppled structures and shifting sands. Dune faces have lost considerable ground, in some areas between 10 to 15 feet. Local groups like the Trustees of Sandwich Beaches are advocating for sustained state and federal support to stabilize the coastline, protect properties, and preserve beaches crucial for summer tourism. Local officials are requesting a more robust coastal beach nourishment policy from the state. In the interim, sand dredged from the Cape Cod Canal may help fill gaps, as the federal government has accepted responsibility for some historical damage.