STABILIZING SAND DUNES 
ON THE PACIFIC COAST 
WITH WOODY PLANTS 
By Rosert L. Brown, Assistant State Conservationist (Oregon), and 
A. L. Harenricuter, Plant Materials Technician (West), Soil Con- 
servation Service 
OODY PLANTS have been used extensively for permanent stabiliza- 
tion of coastal dunes in Europe. Brown (1878)* describes the 
use and culture of trees under conditions of relatively mild maritime 
climate on the coastal dunes of France. Minor timber products were 
obtained from the plantings. Gerhardt (1900) reported on experi- 
ments for stabilization of coastal dunes under more rigorous climatic 
conditions in Germany. He concluded that woody plants were 
essential to permanent stabilization. 
Woody plants have been used for dune stabilization on the Pacific 
coast in North America. McLaren (1899) discussed the use of trees 
with intensive culture for dune control and recreational use on the 
south Pacific coast. Kellogg (1915) described the trees that were 
adapted for timber production on the coastal dunes of southern 
Oregon. McLaughlin and Brown (1942) gave a detailed report on 
the place and value of shrubs and trees in the permanent stabilization 
* Literature Cited, p. 17. 
‘4 
RS 
ORE-75213 
Figure 1.—Stabilized coastal sand dunes are used for recreation, provided pre- 
caution is taken to preserve the permanent cover from damage. 
