Ecological Impacts. Ammophila has had a devastating impact on the inherently restricted dune resources of the west coast. Ammophila is a better sand accumulator than the native dunegrass, and creates a higher, steeper foredune, decreasing sand flow to interior dunes (Xxxxxxxxx and Xxxxxxx 1996). Although cyclic stabilization of dunes is a naturally occurring phenomenon in the Pacific Northwest regulated by tectonic events (Xxxxx and Xxxxxx 1992, Xxxxx and Shih 1993), the presence of Ammophila shortens the time for stabilization, and in addition, drastically alters natural succession (Xxxxxxxxx and Xxxxxxx 1996). Perhaps the most significant impact of Ammophila is its ability to displace entire native plant communities with its phalanx-like mode of spread. The native dunegrass series (Xxxxxx and Xxxxxx-Xxxx 1995) is restricted to the primary or first parallel foredune along the coast. Once occurring along most major dune systems of the west coast north of Monterey, CA, this community is now restricted to only two location, at Point Xxxxx and Humboldt Bay (Xxxxxxx and Xxxxxx, in press). The relatively more extensive sand verbena-beach bursage series, which once occurred on semi-stable dunes along the entire coast, has also been tremendously impacted by the spread of Ammophila. In a number of dune systems, especially those where Ammophila was deliberately planted and cultivated, this community is near extirpation. Ammophila currently or potentially impacts six Federally listed endangered plants that occur on coastal dunes of California: Chorizanthe howelld, C. pungens var. pungens, Erysimum menziesii, Gilia tenuiflora ssp. arenaria, Layia camosa, and Lupinus fidestromii (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1997). The species is also detrimental to the threatened western snowy plover, a shorebird that nests in open areas on the strand. Dense stands of Ammophila directly displace nesting sites, and enhance cover for predators, thus decreasing nesting success (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1995).
Ecological Impacts. The existing land area is highly urbanised, supporting a dense population and industrial activities. There is little vegetation present, comprising amenity planting or grassed areas. The quality of both fresh and marine water bodies is poor as a result of sewage and industrial pollution at present. The habitats that will be lost are of little ecological value.
Ecological Impacts
