Coastal Resiliency Planning

As part of an ongoing dune restoration project, two segments of trail through the dunes along the Little Harbor shoreline at Odiorne Point State Park will close in June 2025. Access along the coastal trail from the boat launch to Frost Point will depend on the tide:

• Low Tide: The trail will remain accessible, with the route shifting onto the beach.

• High Tide: Visitors will need to take an inland trail to navigate around the closure.

To clearly indicate these changes, fencing and signage will be installed to mark the closed areas. Additional signage will also be placed throughout the area to help visitors find the appropriate trails based on tide conditions. To support this transition, two new trails will be introduced, providing safe inland and beach access while preserving the dunes.

A map highlighting the trail closures will be available to the public—download your copy below!

The Role of Dunes in Coastal Health:

Sand dunes are more than scenic coastal landmarks—they are dynamic ecosystems that serve essential ecological and protective functions. As natural barriers, they absorb the impact of storm surges, helping to minimize coastal flooding and erosion. Additionally, dunes act as reservoirs of sand, gradually replenishing beaches and supporting long-term shoreline stability.

In New Hampshire, dune ecosystems provide essential habitat for native wildlife, including the Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla), which utilizes the dunes as a stopover site during migration. These small shorebirds rely on coastal habitats to rest and refuel before continuing their long journey. Additionally, the state-endangered Least Tern (Sternula antillarum) and federally threatened piping plover (Charadrius melodus) depend on sandy beaches for nesting, and require quiet undisturbed areas to successfully raise their young. Dunes also support native plant species like Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens), Beach Pea (Lathyrus japonicus), and American beach grass (Ammophila brevillgulata), which anchors the sand and promotes the growth and resilience of the dune system.

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Threats to the Dunes:

● Trail Use and Foot Traffic: Trails running directly through dunes compact the sand and crush native vegetation. Without plant roots to hold the sand in place, dunes quickly erode and lose their natural shape and strength. Even well-intentioned use of informal paths can cause long-term damage.

● Non-Native Vegetation: Non-native invasive plants, such as Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) and Rugosa or Beach rose (Rosa rugosa), are a major threat to dune ecosystems. These species form dense colonies that outcompete native plants and hinder the natural movement of dunes. Their deep root and rhizome (stem) systems "armor" the dunes, preventing the natural migration of sand.

● Climate Change and Sea Level Rise: As sea levels rise and storms intensify, dunes face more frequent and severe erosion. Healthy, mobile dunes can naturally recover after these events—but degraded dunes struggle to rebuild without assistance.

Restoring Balance:

The trail closures are a vital step in allowing our coastal dune systems to recover and thrive. Years of heavy foot traffic and the spread of invasive plants have taken a toll on these fragile ecosystems and without intervention they will likely be lost.

As part of the restoration, teams will remove invasive species and plant native dune species like American beachgrass. These plants play a crucial role in holding the sand in place and helping dunes rebuild over time. Reducing disturbance allows the ecosystem to regain its natural shape and function—restoring not just the beauty of the landscape, but also its ability to protect the shoreline and support wildlife.

Future Initiatives

As we plan for long-term sustainability and climate resilience, our upcoming priorities include:

Trail Relocation: Shifting existing trails away from sensitive natural resources and into higher elevation areas that are less vulnerable to the effects of sea level rise (SLR).

Ongoing Assessment: Continuously reviewing current trail systems to evaluate their resilience in the context of marsh migration and SLR.

Proactive Planning and Education: Identifying potential inland relocation sites to maintain an accessible, sustainable and ecologically responsible trail network, while educating and engaging park visitors.

Download a copy of the map here!