Help protect Ortley Beach by planting dune grass this Saturday

     A Seaside Park dune. (Photo: Justin Auciello/for NewsWorks)

    A Seaside Park dune. (Photo: Justin Auciello/for NewsWorks)

    Toms River is seeking volunteers to plant dune grass in Ortley Beach this Saturday. 

    Superstorm Sandy’s storm surge devastated the barrier island section of Toms River, which still has minimal protection from raging tides. 

    An emergency sand berm placed on the narrow beach during last month’s coastal storm successfully held back the surging sea.

    But according to municipal officials, who say the berming operation cost $800,000, it’s not a long-term solution. 

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    Council members and residents have called on the state and the Army Corps of Engineers to move quickly toward obtaining easements necessary for a beach replenishment project.

    In the meantime, officials request the public’s help to plant dune grass, asking volunteers to gather at the Ocean Avenue lifeguard headquarters (at Fourth Avenue) at 9 a.m. 

    Plan to wear work clothes and comfortable shoes for the planting, which ends at noon. 

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