Sapelo Research Application Form
Research Application ID: GCE-106-2020 (submitted: 05/28/2020, status: approved)
Provide a brief title for web display
Tracking Sand Dune Geomorphology and Surveying Dune Building Species
Investigator Information
On Island Sponsor: GCE SINERR UGAMI GADNR
| Principal Investigator: | Christine Angelini | ||
| Home Institution: | University of Florida | ||
| Award Information: | Graduate School Preeminence Award to Hallie Fischman | ||
| Mailing Address: | Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences | Phone Number: | |
| University of Florida | E-mail Address: | christine.angelini@essie.ufl.edu | |
| Gainesville, Florida 32611 | |||
| Co-investigators: | Hallie Fischman (University of Florida) | ||
Briefly describe the project goals and methodology
This project has two components: a one-time survey of two key dune-building species and ongoing monitoring of dune features and tracking of dune migration. The surveys and dune monitoring will occur at 10 sites, 7 in North Florida and 3 in Georgia.
The one-time surveys will focus on two species commonly planted for dune restoration: Uniola paniculata (sea oats), and Panicum amarum (bitter panicum). In this study, we hope to better understand the species' growth patterns, their distributions across the foredune, and if their interaction is competitive or facilitative with the end goal of optimizing their use in dune restoration. We will survey the upper beach and dune toe along a 1km segment of beach and record every occurrence of sea oats and/or bitter panicum using an RTK GPS. We will then measure the dimensions of each grass clump (length, width, height) and the dimensions of any sand trapped by each grass clump. If sea oats and bitter panicum occur within one meter or overlap, we will measure the distance between the two species or note if the two plants overlap. We will also assess grazing of all clumps by estimating the percentage of grazed tillers.
For the ongoing monitoring, 10 RTK points will be taken at each of 3 geomorphic features: on top of the dune ride, at the dune toe, and at the high tide line. These 30 points will span the same 1km stretch used in the biologic surveys. We will revisit these points annually to track background dune growth, erosion, and migration and beach narrowing or widening. We will also revisit the points after major storms to assess the damage to the dune system.
Where will the project be located?
Along the beach from 31.39623753, -81.26153151 to 31.4048195422, -81.2585376004
How will you provide GPS coordinates for study sites?
GPS coordinates are listed in the project location field
What are the expected start and end dates of the project?
Start Date: 06/15/2020 End Date: (ongoing)
How many people will access the site and at what frequency?
2 people for 2 days in Summer 2020. 2 people for 1 day for subsequent monitoring (1-2 times/year). Only 1 person will enter the dunes
Keywords that describe your project
What equipment will be deployed in the field?
None
Will plants or animals be collected as part of this study?
None
What are the likely impacts of the project on the site?
None anticipated. We will use caution when entering the dune system to collect RTK points atop the dune ridge. Dunes will only be entered from blowouts and we will take points in heavily vegetated areas to minimize erosion. We will take care not to trample any grasses.
Will the project design include boardwalks? If not, explain why not.
No. Building boardwalks within the dunes will likely cause more long-term damage than walking carefully to avoid vegetation
How long will impacts persist after the research is concluded?
N/A
Research Permits:
Georgia DNR Coastal Resources Division: GCE-106-2020_Permit_LOAuth_Angelini_DuneStudy_2020_LOP20200076_(1) (06/15/2020-09/30/2020)
