New Dune Fencing

There have been several concerns in regards to the dune fencing being installed.  While in the past solid slat fencing has been used, DNREC has changed to post and rope fencing.

Below is the explanation from Mike Powell, Shoreline and Waterway Program Administrator from DNREC on the advantages of using the post and rope fencing:

The decision to use post and rope rather than traditional sand fencing in this area was made based on dune management, not financial factors.   Excessive accumulation of sand, which wooden slat sand fencing promotes, has negatively impacted pedestrian dune crossings in this area.  The decision to use post and rope is intended to improve this situation. 

We realize that post and rope fencing can be less of a deterrent to pedestrian traffic.  However, in this area which is prone to sand accumulation, the required removal of dune sand to achieve acceptable pedestrian and ADA-compliant crossings may actually be more harmful to the dune than some additional foot traffic.  Post and rope fencing has been successfully employed in Ocean City, Maryland for decades, as well as elsewhere along the oceanfront in Delaware, both currently and in the past where local conditions are appropriate.  It is not part of a new fencing standard.  We will monitor and re-assess the area, including whether foot traffic in the dunes is causing unacceptable impacts.