INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK: Beach nourishment is scheduled to begin on August 27th at Indiana Dunes National Park’s Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk area. This work, sometimes called sand nourishment, involves placing dredged sand, obtained from other locations, onto beaches to repair damage caused by erosion.
While the public is invited to watch the work from the safety of the pavilion, the beach will be temporarily closed so heavy equipment can safely move the sand into place. The rest of Portage Lakefront, including the pavilion, the Dig the Dunes Trail Stop food operation, breakwater, riverwalk and hiking trail will remain open. Work is expected to take at least three weeks.
This project has been funded through the reallocation of operating funds at Indiana Dunes National Park. While the beach nourishment method normally must be repeated over time, this demonstration project will help prove the concept that sand nourishment is the most effective and environmentally appropriate solution to beach erosion and, unlike rock walls or shoreline armoring techniques, does not cause damage to neighboring stretches of beach.
For more information on beach access at Indiana Dunes National Park, contact the park’s information desk at 219-395-1882 or go to the web page at www.nps.gov/indu. For up to date information on available beach parking, call 219-395-1003.