Seabrook Dune Walkway Evaluation Project

Background

In 2024, the Rockingham Planning Commission, in partnership with the Seabrook Hamptons Estuary Alliance (SHEA), UNH Extension/NH Sea Grant (UNHE/NHSG), and the Town of Seabrook, secured a Coastal Resilience Grant from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of Seabrook’s 18 beach and dune walkways. The project emerged from ongoing conversations with Seabrook residents about the need for improved structural walkways and safer access to the beach.

Project Goals

The goals of the project were to:

• Assess the physical condition, accessibility, and ecological impact of existing dune walkways.
• Identify and prioritize locations in need of repair, redesign, or enhanced maintenance;
• Engage community members and Town staff to gather insights, build local support, and improve understanding of the importance of dune health and long-term walkway management.

Safeguarding Seabrook’s dunes is essential for maintaining the town’s treasured beachfront and natural defenses against storm impacts. Walkway improvements will help protect these vital resources while ensuring that residents and visitors can continue to enjoy safe and convenient access to the shore.

Community Survey

From July to October 2024, the RPC, SHEA, NHSG conducted a public survey to gather feedback and understand local perspectives regarding Seabrook’s dunes and walkways. The survey was designed to assess what residents value about these natural resources, the challenges they face when using the walkways, and their ideas for improving public access and preserving the resilience of the dune systems. Visit the links below to see explore survey results:

• Full survey report (coming soon)

Final Evaluation Report

The final evaluation offers a set of practical, actionable recommendations to guide the Town of Seabrook in maintaining and adapting its dune walkways - enhancing public safety and access while protecting and restoring the integrity of the dunes. These recommendations consider both near-term improvements and longer-term strategies to build climate resilience and support ongoing stewardship of the coastal environment.

(Link to full report) - Coming Soon!

As part of the evaluation, the project team conducted field visits and site profiles for each of Seabrook's municipal beach walkways. Visit the links below to explore individual site profiles:

• Ashland St
• Tilton St
• Hooksett / Suncook St
• Hudson St
• Nashua St
• Tyngsboro St
• Chelmsford St
• Lowell St
• Dracut St
• Andover St
• Methuen St
• Lawrence St
• Haverhill St
• Merrimack St
• Groveland St
• Newbury St
• Amesbury St
• New Hampshire St

Resources

• Seabrook/Sun Valley Beach Long-Term Management Plan (2004)
• Environmental Assessment for the Seabrook Dune Improvement Project Report (1988)