When dreaming of their next getaway, 62% of Americans imagined their toes in the sand, sun on their skin, and salty breeze through their hair, says USA Today. This dream becomes reality for the 4th of July, as families flock to U.S. beaches. Beaches are more than America’s favorite vacation destination; they are economic engines…
American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) is honored to be named a non-profit partner by Edgewell Personal Care’s skin-loving sun care brand, Hawaiian Tropic. In this challenging time, when not everyone is able to go to their favorite beach, Hawaiian Tropic is bringing the good vibes of the beach inside with a limited-edition Hawaiian…
When the word “infrastructure” comes up, most people think of steel and concrete, bridges and ports. But our water and coastal infrastructure is just as critical to the American economy and creates (and protects) just as many jobs, but does so with sand and sediment, roots and grass. Infrastructure refers to the structures, systems, and…
On Wednesday, Feb. 8th, American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) President, Anthony P. (Tony) Pratt testified about the need for federal investment in coastal infrastructure such as beaches, dunes and wetlands at the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing, “Oversight: Modernizing our Nation’s Infrastructure.” Pratt is the Administrator for Shoreline and Waterway Management at…
When you hear the word “infrastructure,” what do you think? Probably roads, bridges, dams, sewer systems, power grids… man-made and machine-driven, the industrial veins and arteries that keep this country moving and its economy alive. But what about our natural infrastructure? Those aspects of nature that play as much (or more) of a role in…
Thanks to ongoing research, we know how much America’s coast contributes to the national economy. But what does that mean on a local level? The national economic impact of beaches is clear – in tourism and taxes, in revenues and returns on investment. Consider these facts: Beaches help generate $225 billion a year for the…
It’s too easy to take the coast (and good coastal management) for granted. Some of this is human nature, of course. People are drawn to disaster and destruction, not so much to resilience and recovery. “Dog bites man” is not news, but “man bites dog” might be. So, too, it is with natural disasters. So,…
Who speaks for your community’s coast? Do you know who these advocates are and how they stand up for your coast? If you are concerned about the coast and don’t know the answers to these questions, it is imperative you dig a little deeper to find out more. In the ideal, there should be an…
All year long our coast gives us protection for our homes, communities and businesses. It gives us peaceful places to recreate. It provides homes and nesting-resting-feasting places for myriad wildlife, including endangered and threatened species. It provides livelihoods to people and value to property. It truly is a wonderful place. That’s why more than 50%…