The Start of the “Sand Wars”

Demand for sand to protect public and private property from ocean storms and rising seas is increasing in Massachusetts. The teardrop pointers show the larger beach replenishment projects in the last decade. Click the pointer for details.

Sources: Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management; Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation; New England coastal communities’ harbormasters, conservation agents, natural resources officials; Three Bays Preservation; Applied Coastal Research and Engineering; Woods Hole Group.

Coastal communities vie for sand to protect against rising seas.

Sand is becoming New England coastal dwellers’ most coveted and controversial commodity as they try to fortify beaches against rising seas and severe erosion caused by violent storms.

The Start of the “Sand Wars”