LTC 397-2023 Upcoming Dune Projects and Year-End SummaryMIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY
MANAGER NO. LTC# 397-2023 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Honorable Mayor Dan Gelber an Members of the City Commission
FROM: Alina T. Hudak, City Manag
DATE: September 11, 2023
SUBJECT: Upcoming Dune Projects and Year-End Summary
Coastal dunes are an invaluable asset to coastal communities like Miami Beach. A healthy dune system keeps our beaches healthy, minimizes beach erosion rates, and protects coastal infrastructure and
upland properties from storm damage. I am pleased to share a final update for FY23 on the trimming and
restoration of dune vegetation to create a more environmentally healthy system that is safer through CPTED -Crime Prevention through Environmental Design.
Locations:
72 -77 Street 56 -57 Street
South Beach (15, 16, Lincoln Road, and 17 Street) Date: Work is expected to take place throughout September 2023
The projects will be led by City-contracted personnel, Crodon, Inc., and SFM Services, Inc. The work
includes trimming the existing dune vegetation and removing invasive exotic species in accordance with the City's Dune Management Plan within the Ocean Terrace District east of the Beachwalk from 72 Street
to 77 Street (see Attachment A) and from the dunes crossover adjacent to the Pavilion Apartments (5601 Collins Ave) to the 57 Street dunes crossover (see Attachment B). Additionally, restoration efforts will be
taking place in the previously trimmed areas of South Beach in the vicinity of 15 Street, 16 Street, Lincoln
Road, and 17 Street (see Attachments C and D). The restoration project will consist of planting native
dune vegetation (small, native shrub and vine species) in areas exposed to invasive exotic or overgrown vegetation removal. The restoration will improve native species diversity and further fortify the dune
system.
Background: The Environment and Sustainability Department (E&S) is working in collaboration with Public Works'
Greenspace Management Division, Police, and Housing and Community Services Departments,
conducting joint inspections and planning. Overgrown dune vegetation, including Seagrapes, creates desirable locations for vagrants and homeless encampments. In many cases, the trimming of dune vegetation to a shrub-like formation or structural pruning of undergrowth in shade-producing trees
discourages encampments by increasing visibility and eliminates potential spots considered ideal for
such activity. The project is funded through the E&S budget.
In 2016, the Mayor and City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2016-29296, approving the City's
Beachfront Management Plan, which includes the Dune Management Plan. The purpose of the Dune
Management Plan is to provide the framework and specifications that the City uses to maintain a resilient, healthy, stable, and natural dune system as coastal wave defense that is appropriate for its location and
reduces public safety and maintenance concerns.
Year-End Summary:
To date, dune trimming activities have been conducted on the north and south sides of the Lincoln Road
intersection, in the vicinity of 15 - 16 Streets, 17 - 18 Streets, and 53 - 56 Streets, in addition to the
upcoming projects noted above. In FY23, E&S will have spent a total of $258,522.00 on dune trimming
and restoration activities - utilizing the yearly Commission-approved funding to completion with
successful results (Attachment E). A total of 23 dune sections will have been trimmed and four (4)
sections of dune will have been replanted/restored. The sections selected for restoration were chosen
due to the large amount of invasive exotic vegetation originally present; these areas were left exposed
and vulnerable after overgrowth and invasive vegetation were removed during the trimming event. The
areas will be replanted with native species to further fortify the dunes and prevent invasive exotic
vegetation from reestablishing in these areas. See Attachment C for before and after photos of the areas
which depict locations left exposed after invasive vegetation removal.
For FY24, E&S plans to continue dune trimming activities in locations that are hot spots for crime and
vagrant/ homeless encampments as identified by the City's Police and Housing and Community Services
Department, continue restoration projects, and target areas that have been overrun with invasive
vegetation to fortify the dune system for the local flora and fauna and enhance protection from storm
surge. Furthermore, FY24-FY25 will include a reforestation of the Beachwalk utilizing General Obligation
(G.O.) Bond funding.
For any additional information, please feel free to contact Lindsey Precht, Environment and Sustainability
Department Assistant Director, at LindseyPrecht@miamibeachfl.gov.
arid&nkresroL
ATTACHMENT A: 72-77 Street Dune Trimming Location Map
ATTACHMENT B: 56 -57 Street Dune Trimming Location Map
ATTACHMENT C: 15- 16 Street Restoration Project Location Map and Pictures
ATTACHMENT D: Lincoln Road and 17 Street Restoration Project Location Map and Pictures
ATTACHMENT E: Before & After Pictures of FY23 Trimming Events
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ATTACHMENT A: 72 - 77 Street Dune Trimming Location Map
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ATTACHMENT B: 56- 57 Street Dune Trimming Location Map
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ATTACHMENT C: 15-16 Street Restoration Project Location Map and Pictures
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16 Street, Before & After Invasive or Overgrown Vegetation Removal
15 Street, Before & After Invasive or Overgrown Vegetation Removal
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ATTACHMENT D: Lincoln Road and 17 Street Restoration Project Location Map and Pictures
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17 Street, Before & After Invasive or Overgrown Vegetation Removal
Lincoln Road, Before & After Invasive or Overgrown Vegetation Removal
Jul 6, 2023 at 10:00:24 AM.
Miami Beach FL 33139°
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ATTACHMENT E: Before & After Pictures of FY23 Trimming Events
Aug 10, 2023 at 10:44.07 AM
? 5301 Collins Ave
Miami Beach FL 33140 t United States
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