VAI worked with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation on the permitting for the replacement of the Salisbury Beach Pavilion, including Coastal Dune restoration. The Pavilion is located within a remnant Coastal Dune of the Salisbury Barrier Beach approximately 320 feet west of the Atlantic Ocean (to Mean High Water). A healthy, intact primary dune system exists seaward of the existing Pavilion to the north and south. These dunes are densely vegetated, with American Beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata) as the dominant plant. However, the dune system due east of the Pavilion has been severely degraded over the past five (5) decades due to heavy, unfocused pedestrian access to the area.
The removal of the existing Pavilion and its replacement with a much smaller structure provide the opportunity to restore the primary dune system that previously existed east of the existing structure. Dune formation in this area has been hampered by the broad, unfocused pedestrian access. As part of the new building design, a more restricted pedestrian and vehicular access from the beach to the building will be created. This will create a large area for the natural reformation of the primary dunes.
This restoration project will restore the historic conditions and functions of the dune, including avian and wildlife habitat. The project is located within a Priority Habitat and is in the vicinity of known nesting habitat for Piping Plovers. Approximately 30,000 sf of primary dune will be restored in this location. The Dune Restoration Project was designed with input from the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program.
