Many everyday human activities can damage the sand dunes. People who live and work on Sable must always act with care and understanding.

Early residents didn't understand the importance of the vegetation in stabilizing the terrain. Agricultural practices, construction, wagons, and human traffic all contributed to major erosion sites. In recent years, attempts have been made to repair this damage.

Old Christmas trees make the best windbreaks to trap sand. Hundreds of them were carried to the island.

Three stages in a successful restoration

1. A road across this dune killed the marram. Waves washed sand away and salt water flooded in. The wooden barriers were the first step in restoration.

2. Fences were put up to trap windblown sand, and transplants of marram held the sand in place.

3. Today the marram is healthy and natural processes continue to build up the dune.

Sable's location far from shore makes it a sensitive indicator of the health of the Atlantic Ocean. Persistent litter washing up on Sable's beaches provides a sample of the visible pollution afloat in the open sea. Mammals and birds are just the obvious victims.

Home | Nature | History | Sable Today | Fun | About | Feedback | Français