Coastal sand dunes are one of the rarest habitats in Maine, making up just about 2% of the state’s coastline. Built over time by the actions of wind and waves, dunes and associated beaches and salt marshes provide invaluable ecosystem services and economic benefits.
The importance of coastal dunes is increasing as climate change causes stronger storms and higher sea levels. Maine’s updated Climate Action Plan emphasizes the importance of coastal dunes as natural barriers for low-lying towns, and recommends that “Maine’s approach to natural and working lands and waters should emphasize restoration as well as protection.”
Of course, sand dunes are also important wildlife habitats: dunes and dune grass provide essential habitat for Endangered Least Terns and Piping Plovers to nest and rear their young.
Though Maine is perhaps more famous for its rocky coastline than its sandy beaches, dunes can be found up and down the Maine coast, from Kittery in the south all the way up through the northern reaches of Cobscook Bay. Detailed imagery of every known sand dune in Maine can be found here on this interactive map from the Maine Geological Survey.
The state of Maine has strong rules to protect valuable coastal sand dunes, but has lacked funding for their restoration and protection. That changes in 2025, however, as Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications to its new Coastal Sand Dune Restoration and Protection Fund.
Established with Maine Audubon support, the Fund exists “to assist communities, municipalities, and other applicants implement projects designed to ‘restore, protect, conserve, nourish or revegetate a coastal sand dune system.’” Grants may also be awarded for public education and technical assistance projects related to coastal sand dunes.
Maine Audubon will be working with state partners to encourage municipalities, land trusts, and other local groups to apply for grants from the Coastal Sand Dune Restoration and Protection Fund by the Feb. 24, 2025, deadline. A total of $1M is available for projects in 2025.
For projects related to coastal sand dune restoration, nourishment, revegetation, or preservation, the state will score grant applications based on Feasibility and Likelihood of Permitting (45% of Total Score); Community Benefit (20%); Cost Effectiveness/Efficiency (20%); and Habitat Enhancement/Improvement (15%).
For projects consisting of public education and/or technical assistance, the state will evaluate grants based on Public Education/Outreach (40% of total score); Technical Assistance to Coastal Property Owners (40%); and Cost Effectiveness/Efficiency (20%).
For more information about the Fund and how to apply, visit the dedicated Maine DEP website here.
