Figure 18. Relict dune vegetation is able to start the spring season by growing up through the sand deposited by winter storms at Popham Beach State Park. Beach grass slows wind carrying sand and leads to further vertical building in the dunes and more resistance to future flooding. The beach grass will propagate and grow through the underground extension of rhizomes and build a dense subsurface network of roots. Foot traffic can damage or kill American beach grass so it is helpful to the dunes and beach to follow designated paths through the dunes. MGS file photo by S. M. Dickson, April 19, 2009.

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Last updated on May 6, 2009

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