MASHPEE – A beach in Mashpee has received recognition as being one of the best restored beaches in the country.
Popponesset Spit was one of five beaches to make the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association’s 2017 list.
The Association credits Save Popponesset Bay, the Mass Audubon Society and the town for their work over two decades to restore the 4,000-foot-long barrier beach.
Since 2013, more than 60,000 cubic yards of sand has been placed on the dunes and the beach.
The ongoing effort has improved the resilience of the Spit and the Bay and is helping to restore the natural habitat for endangered water birds, prevent erosion, mitigate the effects of storm damage and enhance navigational safety.
The spit had been eroding at roughly five feet per year, which led to a narrowing of the beach, several dune breaches and overwashes.
Other locations making the list include Dauphin Island, Alabama, Phipps Ocean Park in Palm Beach, Florida, Prime Hook Beach, Delaware and Virginia Beach’s Sandbridge Beach.