Note (ZL): This brief article reviews terrain restoration techniques used on Sable Island during the 1980s. By 1987, the program no longer used wooden slat ‘snow fences’ supported by metal t-bars for controlling sand movement. Instead, arrays of surplus Christmas trees were installed in areas of erosion to manage sand accumulation and protect transplanted vegetation. During 1987 and 1988, roughly 7,000 trees were delivered to the island for the project. An entomologist at Dalhousie University was consulted regarding possible introductions of insect species associated with the trees and suggested that an impact assessment was not necessary. That was thirty years ago. It is highly unlikely that trees would be used on Sable Island in terrain restoration programs now, but if being considered, an environmental impact assessment would be essential.
The magazine cover shows the “dune crew” collecting beach grass for transplanting.
Of the several typographical errors in the article, two are worth noting. On page 9, the year of the establishment of the lifesaving station is 1801, not 1901; and on page 10, the second paragraph in the right column should begin “The 1987 program…” (not 1988).
