MAINE AUDUBON • January 9, 2025
The importance of coastal dunes is increasing as climate change causes stronger storms and higher sea levels. Sand dunes are also important wildlife habitats: dunes and dune grass provide essential habitat for Endangered Least Terns and Piping Plovers to nest and rear their young. Though Maine is perhaps more famous for its rocky coastline than its sandy beaches, dunes can be found up and down the Maine coast. Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications to its new Coastal Sand Dune Restoration and Protection Fund. The Fund exists “to assist communities, municipalities, and other applicants implement projects designed to ‘restore, protect, conserve, nourish or revegetate a coastal sand dune system.’” Grants may also be awarded for public education and technical assistance projects related to coastal sand dunes. FMI https://www.maine.gov/dep/rfp/rfp.html?id=13138864