Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune

North end of Onslow Beach.

Onslow Beach

 South of observation tower on Onslow Beach.
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Wetland Info

 Pond image Wetland Types

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 Wetland Importance Wetland sign image

Protection

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Mitigation

 People on beach image Onslow Beach
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    Camp Lejeune has 11 miles of beach that supports both military and recreational activities.  With so much use, it is crucial that the Base take efforts to preserve the beach for future military and recreational activity.  Popular recreational uses of  the beach include saltwater fishing, sunbathing, and shell collecting.  The beach is a fragile but dynamic ecosystem that is home to several endangered species.  Sea turtles nest on Onslow Beach and the seabeach amaranth, a Federally threatened annual plant, grows on the frontal dunes and overwash flats.  The beach is a place of change.  Hurricanes and northeasters can move great quantities of sand.  These natural impacts sometimes cause beach erosion, but sometimes they renourish the beach.  Vehicular and pedestrian traffic, on the other hand tends to be more destructive due to damage to vegetation.  Dune vegetation is crucial to establishing a healthy dune ecosystem.  

Cub scouts doing their part in dune restoration.    Annually in January, the Environmental Conservation Branch sponsors a Dune Restoration effort.  In 1999, local Cub Scouts and others picked up trash and staked discarded Christmas trees into the dunes to serve as a type of sand fencing.  Only Christmas trees free of tinsel were used, and all the trees came from Base housing units.  By the summer of 1999, many of the trees were partially buried, and some were even completely buried.  Of course, Hurricanes Dennis, Floyd, and Irene set the dune restoration program back, but Camp Lejeune intends to continue their efforts to restore a healthy dune ecosystem to Onslow Beach.Buried Christmas trees.

   It is important to remember that the beach is constantly changing and that some areas that may seem "unhealthy" (no dunes, lack of vegetation), are formed by the constant wind and tides that make the beach what it is.  Some "unvegetated" portions of the beach (such as overwash areas) provide vital nesting and foraging areas for certain birds.  Restoration efforts are focused in areas where man-made structures, and safety are at risk.  Restoration of the beach is not as much of a concern where natural occurrences take place.  

    Camp Lejeune also follows guidelines set by the Coastal Area Management Act.  By following these guidelines the Base maintains compliance with state regulations for its coastal management program.  For more detailed information on CAMA go to http://dcm2.enr.state.nc.us/Rules/rules.htm .

 

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Environmental Management Division

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

Installations & Environment Department

Last Updated:  August 14, 2002