Keep Off The Dunes

[kurt]

A lot has been written on this site about reasons to keep off the dunes. A few minutes of people in the dunes taking photos, or kids playing, can undo decades of slow natural processes that build the dunes. They are very fragile. They are disappearing at an alarming rate. It is illegal to walk in the dunes or pick vegetation.

The problem is magnified by the loss of dunes from storms, yet the abuse by visitors seems to be getting worse. We must protect what we have left. Please help by spreading the word and educating anyone you see in the dunes. We also need to make sure locals and property owners are well informed.

Last night there was a wedding on Grayton Beach with over 50 people. They had set up a camping tent in the dunes. As the sun set and the happy couple had been sent on their way, the whole party started off the beach right through the dunes (a Sheriff's deputy in a vehicle was not 50 yards away and he did not flinch). Also during this time there were many other people in the dunes.

[Miss Kitty]

Kurt, I am looking at a beautiful photo our family had taken in Grayton Beach in the summer of 1992 (boy I look good!!!). Here's the catch...we are sitting in the dunes surrounded by sea oats. (she had us sit on a towel...surely not to safeguard the dunes!) This photo was taken by a well respected photographer who lived in Grayton Beach at the time. Believe me when I say, we had NO idea this was a violation but surely our photographer should have known! This appears to be an age old problem. I hope your message gets out...now more than ever.

[SHELLY]

If trampling through the dunes is illegal then maybe the area residents need to set up a quasi official "Dune Watch" (modeled after city and town Street Watches). Additionally, any photographer applying for a business license should sign a contract stating that they will not put subjects on the dunes, and if they are caught photographing subjects on the dunes (or identified by the Dune Watchers) they should be heavily fined and have their business licenses pulled by the county.

Hoping that visitors and business people will suddenly respect the dunes just isn't enough--the arrogant few will destroy dunes faster than nature (or man, for that reason) can repair.

[Smiling JOe]

I think they need a poopie in their tent. Unfortunately, they probably purchased the tent for purposes of the wedding only. Shame, Shame, Shame! They probably don't have a clue.

I like the idea about fining the photographers for setting up people in the dunes, but we would be better off with a stick, because as you know, the County does not really care about enforcing any rules - we may offend a tourist.

I feel like pulling a little Beastie Boy mischief and leaving a note on site with the reasons as to why I took such actions.

[Ocean Lover]

I want to be a respectful tourist and I have a question. In the picture, the tent doesn't look like it is in the dunes but on the edge of the dune. I would love to get some nice family pictures but I guess I'm not sure as to what classifies a dune. Something with sea oats planted on it or just the sand piled up? Especially at Grayton where the dunes may not be as big in certain areas. Please educate me!

[kurt]

I want to be a respectful tourist and I have a question. In the picture, the tent doesn't look like it is in the dunes but on the edge of the dune. I would love to get some nice family pictures but I guess I'm not sure as to what classifies a dune. Something with sea oats planted on it or just the sand piled up? Especially at Grayton where the dunes may not be as big in certain areas. Please educate me!

The photo does not show the scene very well. It was in the dunes.

These days with restoration there are lots of piles of sand that haven't been planted yet that need protection. They will settle some on their own and need a natural compaction without being disturbed.

Anything other than the flat part of the beach should be avoided. In years past, homeowners, the county, and state helped keep traffic off with fencing and signs, but they have yet to appear, and may not in some cases.

[Teresa]

The photo shows the tent set up on the dunes at Grayton Beach where the dune is not very dune like these days after the storms. In the past these dunes were posted with "keep off the dunes" signs and were surrounded by dune fencing to help them build up. For some reason, walton county has not replaced signs or dune fencing in quite some time. they are needed now more than ever!!!

Meanwhile, tourists really do not know about dunes - especially the small flat dunes that are in serious need of rebuilding. The poor dune doesn't stand a chance these days.

Maybe we need to scream for more signs and fencing.

[Smiling JOe]

The photo shows the tent set up on the dunes at Grayton Beach where the dune is not very dune like these days after the storms. In the past these dunes were posted with "keep off the dunes" signs and were surrounded by dune fencing to help them build up. For some reason, walton county has not replaced signs or dune fencing in quite some time. they are needed now more than ever!!!

Meanwhile, tourists really do not know about dunes - especially the small flat dunes that are in serious need of rebuilding. The poor dune doesn't stand a chance these days.

Maybe we need to scream for more signs and fencing.

Maybe we could get a lifeguard chair on the beach, turn it toward the dunes, and man it with a kid with a BB gun to hit... WAIT, stop! I did not say that.

[Ocean Lover]

The photo does not show the scene very well. It was in the dunes.

These days with restoration there are lots of piles of sand that haven't been planted yet that need protection. They will settle some on their own and need a natural compaction without being disturbed.

Anything other than the flat part of the beach should be avoided. In years past, homeowners, the county, and state helped keep traffic off with fencing and signs, but they have yet to appear, and may not in some cases.

Got it, thanks. I wouldn't want to end up with a bb in my bootie.

[Beach Runner]

What about the big mounds of sand that have been scraped, but not pushed all the way to the bottom of the cliffs (formerly dunes)? Should I be reminding people not to walk on those? What effect are the tidal pools between these mounds of sand and the cliffs having on them? Is it sorta like when you build a big sand castle and the waves washing up behind it just wash it away? Does the county plan to push those mounds all of the way to the edge of the cliffs? BTW it looks awful, especially with those slimey looking tidal pools. But if it will eventually help the beach, I'm cool with it. Just wondering.

[reece]

ok - i want to follow the rules when i come down and thought i always had.
but this thread leads me to believe that i may have been breaking the rule.
so, please clarify for me. i thought "stay off the dunes" meant not to climb/walk/sit directly on them. I assumed you could walk "by" them. For instance, that area between Grayton and Gulf Trace....i have often walked to the beach from Grayton, "through" that dune area. i was always carefule not to walk ON a dune though, i walked on the flat part beside the dune. is that a violation too? i realize that right now it may be more important to not walk in that area, but i just want to know exactly what is meant by keeping off the dunes?

thanks
reece

[kurt]

ok - i want to follow the rules when i come down and thought i always had.
but this thread leads me to believe that i may have been breaking the rule.
so, please clarify for me. i thought "stay off the dunes" meant not to climb/walk/sit directly on them. I assumed you could walk "by" them. For instance, that area between Grayton and Gulf Trace....i have often walked to the beach from Grayton, "through" that dune area. i was always carefule not to walk ON a dune though, i walked on the flat part beside the dune. is that a violation too? i realize that right now it may be more important to not walk in that area, but i just want to know exactly what is meant by keeping off the dunes?

thanks
reece

What was once a dune now is a path. That trail at the end of Pine Street has traditionally been used for foot traffic, although there is a sign that says keep off the dunes, people don't think the path is a dune. It's a dune preserve and any traffic is prohibited. Last year the State Park said "no more" and rental owners were upset. Then calmed down when they realized everyone could just ignore the rule and continue as they'd always done without consequence.

[Smiling JOe]

ok - i want to follow the rules when i come down and thought i always had.
but this thread leads me to believe that i may have been breaking the rule.
so, please clarify for me. i thought "stay off the dunes" meant not to climb/walk/sit directly on them. I assumed you could walk "by" them. For instance, that area between Grayton and Gulf Trace....i have often walked to the beach from Grayton, "through" that dune area. i was always carefule not to walk ON a dune though, i walked on the flat part beside the dune. is that a violation too? i realize that right now it may be more important to not walk in that area, but i just want to know exactly what is meant by keeping off the dunes?

thanks
reece

I believe this is your point of entry. I know it is difficult to read the signs in the photo. One next to the well worn footpath states Do not walk on dunes. The other one beside the tire tracks states No vehicles allowed . My question to you is, are you following the dumb masses, or thinking for yourself?

Oh, they placed the signs here to try to prevent people from walking on the dunes. I do not observe a sign that says Beach this way, or Public Access. So, I will find another point of entry. Obviously, if they went to the effort to post signs, there must be a reason behind it, which I will investigate. Oh, nevermind. I am on vacation.


Sorry for all the b_tching. We are coming to the end of another season where so many people leaving poop behind. It is very frustrating. I think if we all quit our jobs for the busy season and focused on tourists education, we would never get the job done. You will never see me with the razor wire, BB gun, or pooping in the tents. Writing it is just a way in which I release some of my frustrations. Thank you for actually trying to give a hoot. I understand the confusion of the well worn path next to the signs saying keep out. Just remember to think for your own and ignore the dumb masses, and you will be a superstar.

[Smiling JOe]

What was once a dune now is a path. That trail at the end of Pine Street has traditionally been used for foot traffic, although there is a sign that says keep off the dunes, people don't think the path is a dune. It's a dune preserve and any traffic is prohibited. Last year the State Park said "no more" and rental owners were upset. Then calmed down when they realized everyone could just ignore the rule and continue as they'd always done without consequence.

You would think the owners would be the very ones wanting to protect the dunes which protect their property. I guess they would rather buy inflatable dunes after their homes are destroyed instead.

[kurt]

Did you notice someone painted over please?

[OhioBeachBum]

Did you notice someone painted over please?

Maybe you could print up a little sticker with *@#&^**$!! to paste over the "Please"

[graytonrbust]

When I was a kid (60's) the dunes were so large that it was impossible to mistake if it was a dune or not....Now its hard to even see a dune in a photo.

[Smiling JOe]

When I was a kid (60's) the dunes were so large that it was impossible to mistake if it was a dune or not....Now its hard to even see a dune in a photo.

At the Beach, I guess a sign stating keep off the sand would not work, eh?

[Ocean Lover]

You will never see me with the razor wire, BB gun, or pooping in the tents. Writing it is just a way in which I release some of my frustrations. Thank you for actually trying to give a hoot. I understand the confusion of the well worn path next to the signs saying keep out. Just remember to think for your own and ignore the dumb masses, and you will be a superstar.



We will surely try. When in doubt....we won't go there. SJ-release away...you're right...some people are very hard headed and need a wake up call. Me, of course, being a sensitive, follow the rules type, gets it the first time. We will be there Saturday.

[reece]

SJ- thanks for flaming me. i was asking an honest question. I love to SEE the huge sand dunes, and would not intentionally do anything to harm them. no, i am not just following the masses, i am thinking for myself, thank you.

i honestly thought that STAY OFF THE DUNES meant not to walk on the "dune" itself. i thought you could walk between them. I still thought i was doing the right thing by not walking ON the ACTUAL Dune.
THAT IS WHY I WAS ASKING!!! because i realized through reading this thread that i might be wrong.
maybe the sign should say DUNE PRESERVE AREA -STAY OUT.

[Landlocked]

When I was a kid (60's) the dunes were so large that it was impossible to mistake if it was a dune or not....Now its hard to even see a dune in a photo.

Same here. I remember being terrified of the dunes because of the sand spurs. OUCH! Maybe we could cover them with those things and people would stay out.

[ATorretto]

I guess I have to vent a little also. I am reading all of the comments about the dunes. I am a home owner on Santa Rosa Beach. My wife has been going to the same beach since she was born. I have been going there for about 20 years. I’ve seen beaches all over the country and there are none quite a beautiful as our area. That makes me want to preserve them more. I see all the suggestions on the education we need to provide to our owners and visitors but what about the rebuild. I truly do not know if we are allowed to plant anything on the dunes but I sure would like to know.
Are we allowed to plant more sea oats or is this too delicate to do. We know we need to educate people but what else past that can we do. Can we help the county put up signs too? They may not work for everyone but if we can stop some of them it would help.
My wife and I plan to move down soon and sure would like to help this campaign. We are planning on packing up our live and take the big jump to this community. Hopefully there will be some jobs for a computer geek like me when I get there. What can we do to help when we get there?

J&A

[newyorker]

We just returned home after a lovely week in Seagrove. However, before some of you cast umbridge at the tourists, --let me report what Mr. Newyorker and I saw as we walked the beach (NOT the dunes) between Seagrove and Seaside.
One ofthe lovely houses overlooking the beach (with no beach access via stairs nearby) had set up a ladder from the railing over house's deck, then a long rope attached to the railing, where people rappled down the fragile face of the cliff (one woman in a bikini, even--I wondered about rope burn!) We saw them accessing the beach several times this way over the course of the week. I don't know, of course, whether the people staying in this house were owners or renters, but I'm presuming that this method of accessing the beach had the approval of the owner, regardless.
I was rather astonished, to stay the least--after the concern in this forum over dune preservation. The families I saw were usually very observant of the need to stay away from the dunes, and I spoke to one father near Seagrove place where the kids were playing in the dunes--he immediately asked his kids to get off the dunes, and explained to them about the erosion issue.

We tourists love the beach, and most of us will work hard to keep the beaches for next time. Its not helpful seeing what has the appearance of homeowner-sanctioned violation of this dictum.

[Miss Kitty]

Oh Newyorker...not to worry! I would never direct my fury at just the "vacationers" to the area. I don't think I could pick a vacationer out of a line up. So don't worry...I don't discriminate when it comes to flagrant idiocy on the beach. I'd tell the Pope to get off the dunes!

[EZ4144]

If you ask people to come visit the beach and spend lots of money there going to get down on the beach anyway thay can and if everyone else is cutting through the dunes why not? Maybe if there are no public walkovers the beaches should be closed. Or fix the dunes later.

[Beachlover2]

If you ask people to come visit the beach and spend lots of money there going to get down on the beach anyway thay can and if everyone else is cutting through the dunes why not? Maybe if there are no public walkovers the beaches should be closed. Or fix the dunes later.

We don't fix dunes - nature does and it takes years - yes we can possibly (the jury is still out on this) help - but this is a long time process - years and years. To quote my mother - just because everyone else is doing - doesn't make it right.

[Landlocked]

If you ask people to come visit the beach and spend lots of money there going to get down on the beach anyway thay can and if everyone else is cutting through the dunes why not? Maybe if there are no public walkovers the beaches should be closed. Or fix the dunes later.

If you like the beach, stay off the dunes or the beach will not be there when you return. Period. Take it or leave it.

[reece]

hi
i'd just like to clarify a couple of things because i don't want you to misunderstand me. i love grayton and yes, i'm a tourist when i visit.
but i do follow the rules and try to leave nature just as i found it.
we usually rent the walker house, and don't use the path through the dunes to get to the beach - we do use the public beach access by t-time. Occassionally on a walk, alone, enjoying the beautiful scenary, i have walked through that dune area(not on the dune, but in between them) -i did not intentionally mean to be breaking any rules, as i personally thought that "stay of the dunes" sign meant to stay off of the actual mound. It was only through reading this thread that I learned differently.

I'm not offended that the locals want to preserve the beauty of the area - i think it's great. I think that that type of love of nature and care for the community is what may possibly keep grayton from becoming, say, the next Gulf Shores/Orange Beach. I remember going to Gulf Shores as a child and seeing hundred's of sand dunes. my father taught us not to climb them and not to pick the sea oats. unfortunately, it didn't matter in the end because huge condos went up where the dunes once were.

anyway - please don't label me as a tourist that doesn't care. I really do, I was just wrong in assuming it was ok to walk between the dunes.

reece

[luvthebeach]

If you ask people to come visit the beach and spend lots of money there going to get down on the beach anyway thay can and if everyone else is cutting through the dunes why not? Maybe if there are no public walkovers the beaches should be closed. Or fix the dunes later.

Excuse me for being so blunt, but that is one of the dumbest comments I've ever seen on any of these threads.

We always welcome visitors, guests, etc., to the area, but we'd rather have folks with your attitude stay home. You need to read up on dunes, what they are, how they are formed, etc. before you make a comment such as the one above. You sound like the same type of nightmare renter who assumes that since you're paying a rental fee to stay in someone's home, you have a right to tear up or take whatever you like. Any why should the beaches be closed when most folks appreciate the beautiful beaches and will look for the nearest access (yes, sometimes you may have to drive or walk a little until things are back to normal!) rather than tear up what it took nature years to build?!

Personally, I'd rather you stay home and spend your money elsewhere! The few tourist $$$ you bring to the area are nothing compared to the amount of damage you inflict. I understand there are those who don't understand dunes and innocently walk on them. Most of these folks will get off as soon as they are informed. But people like you who KNOW the damage that you do but just don't care....do it because "everyone else is cutting through the dunes why not?"

Thankfully, most visitors to the area are thoughtful, considerate, friendly and in awe of the beauty. Unless you change your attitude, for the sake of all who enjoy the beauty of South Walton beaches and the awesome dunes....PLEASE STAY AWAY!!

[Miss Kitty]

Excuse me for being so blunt, but that is one of the dumbest comments I've ever seen on any of these threads.

We always welcome visitors, guests, etc., to the area, but we'd rather have folks with your attitude stay home. You need to read up on dunes, what they are, how they are formed, etc. before you make a comment such as the one above. You sound like the same type of nightmare renter who assumes that since you're paying a rental fee to stay in someone's home, you have a right to tear up or take whatever you like. Any why should the beaches be closed when most folks appreciate the beautiful beaches and will look for the nearest access (yes, sometimes you may have to drive or walk a little until things are back to normal!) rather than tear up what it took nature years to build?!

Personally, I'd rather you stay home and spend your money elsewhere! The few tourist $$$ you bring to the area are nothing compared to the amount of damage you inflict. I understand there are those who don't understand dunes and innocently walk on them. Most of these folks will get off as soon as they are informed. But people like you who KNOW the damage that you do but just don't care....do it because "everyone else is cutting through the dunes why not?"

Thankfully, most visitors to the area are thoughtful, considerate, friendly and in awe of the beauty. Unless you change your attitude, for the sake of all who enjoy the beauty of South Walton beaches and the awesome dunes....PLEASE STAY AWAY!!

THANKS...I couldn't even type after I read that!

[luvthebeach]

THANKS...I couldn't even type after I read that!

Me neither. I had to sit back and take a deep breath before I could type my response. Makes you realize that there will always be those who, no matter how many training materials, signs, etc. are available, will always feel that these things don't pertain to them.

[Smiling JOe]

hi
i'd just like to clarify a couple of things because i don't want you to misunderstand me. i love grayton and yes, i'm a tourist when i visit.
but i do follow the rules and try to leave nature just as i found it.
we usually rent the walker house, and don't use the path through the dunes to get to the beach - we do use the public beach access by t-time. Occassionally on a walk, alone, enjoying the beautiful scenary, i have walked through that dune area(not on the dune, but in between them) -i did not intentionally mean to be breaking any rules, as i personally thought that "stay of the dunes" sign meant to stay off of the actual mound. It was only through reading this thread that I learned differently.

I'm not offended that the locals want to preserve the beauty of the area - i think it's great. I think that that type of love of nature and care for the community is what may possibly keep grayton from becoming, say, the next Gulf Shores/Orange Beach. I remember going to Gulf Shores as a child and seeing hundred's of sand dunes. my father taught us not to climb them and not to pick the sea oats. unfortunately, it didn't matter in the end because huge condos went up where the dunes once were.

anyway - please don't label me as a tourist that doesn't care. I really do, I was just wrong in assuming it was ok to walk between the dunes.

reece

Reece, I don't think you would have asked the question if you did not care. I probably stepped on your toes a little too much and I am sorry for "flaming" you.

We need more confessions. Fess up people, I know you are out there. Just kidding. Anyone willing to say they unknowingly did damage in the past are the very ones who are helping educate others today. Thanks to all who share the knowledge.

[Smiling JOe]

Excuse me for being so blunt, but that is one of the dumbest comments I've ever seen on any of these threads.

We always welcome visitors, guests, etc., to the area, but we'd rather have folks with your attitude stay home. ...

Unless you change your attitude, for the sake of all who enjoy the beauty of South Walton beaches and the awesome dunes....PLEASE STAY AWAY!!

Rather, move away from SoWal and please take your geodunes with you.

[reece]

thanks SJ - i feel better now

reece

[Donna]

Thanks for that comment about how tall the dunes were back in the 1960s, when we had a long spell of no hurricane action. I recall the dunes seemed towering and I know I wasn't that much shorter then! The dunes were also covered with sea oats, which people picked for their houses until they were practically all gone. We didn't walk on the dunes back then because they were so big that you couldn't get up there. I have a very old etching of the Grayton Beach "Butler's Store," now The Red Bar in which the old store is surrounded by big dunes on three sides. The etching was done from an old black-and-white photograph.

I have been dismayed to see children stomping on the edge of dunes and riding the broken sand down to the base of the dune, sliding down dunes on trash can lids, and generally creating mayhem. Sometimes children are polite and cooperate when you ask them not to do these things, but too often they come back with a smart mouth retort. I have always thought that Southern children were better mannered than any I've ever met elsewhere, but it isn't universal. Not that children are the only culprits. We sit on our deck and watch posses of people tromp from The Red Bar straight through the dunes by Bullard House en route to the beach. And sometimes we have seen vehicles attempt to drive up hear the house! I had not thought about lifeguards to safeguard the beaches and the dunes. But this isn't a bad idea, because no one else seems to be patrolling the beaches.

If someone could prepare a little brochure about dune protection, I'll bet everyone would post these at their houses for visitors. If we can advertise beach chairs and pizza delivery, we can certainly ask our visitors to save the beaches and other natural areas for future generations.

[seagrovelover]

If you ask people to come visit the beach and spend lots of money there going to get down on the beach anyway thay can and if everyone else is cutting through the dunes why not? Maybe if there are no public walkovers the beaches should be closed. Or fix the dunes later.

I don't want to be rude but if you know you should not be cutting through the dunes, why do it? you really should respect and follow the rules.....be a leader, don't follow the stupid people

[Miss Kitty]

Rather, move away from SoWal and please take your geodunes with you.

BINGO!

[Smiling JOe]

I don't want to be rude but if you know you should not be cutting through the dunes, why do it? you really should respect and follow the rules.....be a leader, don't follow the stupid people

EZ4414 is a leader. Didn't you see the geo dunes?

[Jdarg]

I just read the post by EZ4144- and since I have had a couple glasses of wine, I can only sum up his comments with a "YUCK" and and "EWWWW"!!!And I'm with the rest of y'all- let's hope that person stays away.

Just for fun, I'm going to ask my civil engineer husband his opinion about geodunes. I haven't been to engineering school, but just from osmosis, I'm not getting a good feeling from these things. Geodunes remind me of giant bubblewrap.

[Smiling JOe]

Some people have discovered new uses for baby geo dunes. Who would have ever thought that Western Lake would one day become a lazy river?
I hear that EZ4414 will be charging for rides on his, or charging people to walk across it.

[Jdarg]

Some people have discovered new uses for baby geo dunes. Who would have ever thought that Western Lake would one day become a lazy river?
I hear that EZ4414 will be charging for rides on his, or charging people to walk across it.

I guess if they think they are disguising them as bananas, nobody will notice.

Untill somebody slips on one.

[Miss Kitty]

I guess if they think they are disguising them as bananas, nobody will notice.

Untill somebody slips on one.

My first thought when I saw the geotubes was that it looked like the bottom of that blow up jumping thing called a moonwalk. !Ay caramba!...a while back, I posted an innocent idea for dune education..."Moonwalk..yes! Dunewalk...no!" Be careful what you post...I'm getting a little paranoid...no?

I would like to hear from green house owner to hear their side. 1)...did they need a permit to place geotubes on beach or is that considered private property? 2)...what is inside the tubes? 3)...what happens to the tubes if/when another storm comes through? 4) do the tubes come with some kind of warranty/guarantee? 5) where do you stand on septic tank issue? Thanks for your reply green house owner.

[aquaticbiology]

I think they need a poopie in their tent. Unfortunately, they probably purchased the tent for purposes of the wedding only. Shame, Shame, Shame! They probably don't have a clue.

I like the idea about fining the photographers for setting up people in the dunes, but we would be better off with a stick, because as you know, the County does not really care about enforcing any rules - we may offend a tourist.

I feel like pulling a little Beastie Boy mischief and leaving a note on site with the reasons as to why I took such actions.

hmmm, look at all the footprint evidence - this aint the first time somebody's walked there

I'VE GOT IT - that cheap, completely degradable orange constuction fence from lowes or home depot - you know the 2' high stuff with the holes in it - surround the whole of the dunes area with it - use wood sticks to hold it up - if it did blow away it will biodegrade rapidly and if got covered up it would help hold the sand - better than that spam about the geotubes anyway

note: florida is shaped the way it is because of natural current flow, counterclockwise in the gulf - we get our dose of mexican sewage coming around the bottom of the loop and they eventually get our sand as it goes around the top.

[OhioBeachBum]

we get our dose of mexican sewage coming around the bottom of the loop and they eventually get our sand as it goes around the top.

Global economics - trading sand for sewage - there's a strange equation.

[aquaticbiology]

and when you've got the construction fence up:

get a airsoft machine gun. it stings but is non-penetrating and non-lethal, wont even put your eye out by accident- we use em to run the squirrels off the squirrel-proof bird feeder

lay in wait for the first screwup that crosses the construction fence

shoot em in the pooper

you know the geotube dude is probably calling all the posters on this site 'a bunch of radical conservative treehuggers who dont want progress' - hope he isnt a regular guy that got stung by the geotube maker

mmmm mmmm hug that tree! did I mention i love trees (and sand and water and fish and dolphin and all the different snappers and lovely oysters and shrimp of all sizes and shovelnose lobster and pompano with the eyes in and crevalle jack steak and seared yellowfin tuna, sorry, went a bit off topic there! YUMMY!)

[OhioBeachBum]

... and dolphin and all the different snappers and lovely oysters and shrimp of all sizes and shovelnose lobster and pompano with the eyes in and crevalle jack steak and seared yellowfin tuna, sorry, went a bit off topic there! YUMMY!)

Now you've done it! Gotta stop and clean the drool off the keyboard!

[aquaticbiology]

dangit - airsoft pellets are not biodegradable! but they make little airsoft paintballs that are!!! red would be the best since it is the color of cooked shovelnose lobster

how many people on this board know that the florida shovelnose 'lobster' is not a real lobster at all but a sand burrowing crustacean with a lobster backend and a digger frontend. There is also another variety, even tastier than 'real lobster', called the 'bulldozer' lobster with a different front end as well.

"Oooh, you have lobster? Can I get a bulldozer instead? Thank you! Oh YEAH!"

Only place to get bulldozer (YUM!) that I know of is the resturant next to the bridge over Ochlochonee Bay (means "the wind", pronounced, like Oklahoma is Oak-La-HO-Ma, its like: Ock-Lock-OH-Nee), called Angelo's, http://ae.tallahassee.com/entertainm...reviewId=10327, down hwy 98 from Gulf Specimen Company in Panacea, http://www.gulfspecimen.org.

[lurker1]

I like the fence idea suggested by Marinebiology451, but I would prefer the wooden "snow fencing" for better looks. I've been wondering why it's not up already.

[kurt]

http://www.sowal.com/photos-081005.html - more dune photos

Also, I added some of those photos to the first post of this thread.

I've seen a lot of the orange fencing that has been torn down to make way for foot traffic. I'm not sure how well it will degrade either.

[Landlocked]

Never seen it done that way before.