North Myrtle Beach, February 16, 2026
The City of North Myrtle Beach is initiating a critical dune restoration project in Cherry Grove this spring. This local effort aims to strengthen the coastline’s natural defenses against erosion and severe weather. By investing approximately $1.5 million in restoring dunes specifically from the Point to the Cherry Grove Pier, the project reinforces community commitment to coastal resilience and addresses unique local needs. It complements broader federal beach renourishment efforts across the Grand Strand, ensuring the area remains safeguarded for residents and visitors.
North Myrtle Beach
Cherry Grove Dunes: Local Initiative Bolsters Coastal Resilience This Spring
As spring approaches, a crucial local initiative is set to enhance coastal protection in Cherry Grove. The City of North Myrtle Beach is spearheading a dune restoration project, demonstrating proactive community leadership in safeguarding our precious shoreline and contributing to the broader resilience of the Grand Strand.
The health of our coastline is paramount, not only for environmental preservation but also for the economic vitality and safety of our communities. In an era where coastal dynamics are increasingly active, local efforts to maintain and strengthen natural defenses are more important than ever. This focused restoration project in Cherry Grove stands as a testament to civic innovation and the power of local governance to address specific community needs with efficiency and determination, ensuring the long-term well-being of our beautiful South Carolina beaches.
This undertaking complements a larger, federally funded beach renourishment program across the Grand Strand, showcasing how both broad initiatives and targeted local projects contribute to a robust coastal defense strategy. The Cherry Grove project, specifically addressing a section from the Point to the Cherry Grove Pier, highlights how local action fills critical gaps, reinforcing the natural barrier system that protects residents, businesses, and infrastructure from the impacts of erosion and severe weather. This blend of individual achievement at the local level and larger coordinated efforts fosters true community growth and security.
Targeted Protection for Cherry Grove
While a significant federally funded beach renourishment project is underway across much of Horry County, a specific section of Cherry Grove, extending from the Point to the Cherry Grove Pier, was not included in that federal scope. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined that the existing dunes in this particular area already provided adequate protection and that federal placement of new sand would not be economically beneficial, especially given the City of North Myrtle Beach’s concurrent plans. Recognizing this, the City of North Myrtle Beach took the initiative to plan and fund its own dedicated dune restoration project for this vital stretch of coastline. This local commitment ensures that no area is left vulnerable, reflecting a strong sense of personal initiative within the North Myrtle Beach community.
The “Tidewater Spoils Basin Restoration” Project
The City’s project is officially known as the “Tidewater Spoils Basin Restoration and Cherry Grove Beach Dune Restoration 2026”. This locally funded effort, estimated to cost approximately $1.5 million, focuses specifically on strengthening and restoring the dunes. Bids for this project were due by February 17, 2026. The project will utilize beach-compatible sand that has been stockpiled from a dredging operation of the Tidewater Spoils Basin, which was scheduled for 2025. This material will then be transported to the shoreline to rebuild and reinforce the dunes in the designated area. This strategic use of local resources for a targeted need exemplifies efficient governance and thoughtful planning.
Anticipated Timeline and Community Impact
Work on the Cherry Grove dune restoration component is anticipated to commence in mid-March 2026, with the dune restoration itself expected to conclude by May 1, 2026, barring any unforeseen circumstances or significant weather events. The overall project is projected to run through July 2026. This timely intervention aims to enhance storm protection and preserve the natural barrier system that safeguards homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure from erosion and severe weather. Dunes are recognized as critical natural features that protect life and property, support the vibrant tourism industry, and provide vital habitat for numerous plant and animal species along the South Carolina shoreline. The foresight and rapid mobilization for this project underscore the North Myrtle Beach community’s dedication to maintaining its natural assets.
The Broader Grand Strand Renourishment Context
It’s important to view the Cherry Grove dune restoration within the context of the larger Grand Strand Beach Renourishment Project, which began active operations on November 15, 2025, and is coordinated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in partnership with local municipalities. This comprehensive federal initiative, fully funded at $72 million, aims to place approximately 2 million cubic yards of sand across 26 miles of shoreline in Horry County. Its primary purpose is to restore areas damaged by recent hurricanes, including Ian (2022) and Debby (2024), and to reinforce the entire coastline for long-term coastal resilience, protecting life, property, and wildlife. Sand placement in North Myrtle Beach, as part of this federal project, concluded on January 31, 2026, with work continuing southward through mid-2026.
Minimizing Disruption, Maximizing Benefit
Both the federal and local projects are being executed with careful consideration for residents and visitors. During the Grand Strand beach renourishment, work zones are limited to roughly 1,000-foot sections of beach at a time, each typically active for only two to three days before moving further down the shoreline. Beaches outside the active zone remain open for normal use, with safety barriers and signage clearly marking closed areas. Environmental protections are also a central priority, with daily monitoring for sea turtles and shorebirds, and work pausing if wildlife is detected. The tilling of sand to a depth of two feet is also performed to improve conditions for sea turtle nesting. These operational efficiencies highlight a commitment to limited bureaucracy, ensuring that essential civic work proceeds with minimal inconvenience and maximum ecological responsibility.
A Resilient Future for Our Coast
The Cherry Grove dune restoration project exemplifies local leadership and proactive community engagement in safeguarding our natural resources. By taking the initiative to address specific coastal needs, the City of North Myrtle Beach is reinforcing the protective capabilities of its shoreline and demonstrating a commitment to the long-term health and prosperity of the area. This project, alongside the broader Grand Strand renourishment efforts, underscores a collaborative approach to coastal resilience—a vital investment in our collective future. We encourage all residents and visitors to stay informed about these critical efforts and to continue supporting initiatives that foster a resilient and thriving North Myrtle Beach community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the Cherry Grove dune restoration project?
- The Cherry Grove dune restoration project is a local initiative by the City of North Myrtle Beach, named the “Tidewater Spoils Basin Restoration and Cherry Grove Beach Dune Restoration 2026”, to strengthen and restore dunes along the northern stretch of Cherry Grove, specifically from the Point to the Cherry Grove Pier.
- Why is the City of North Myrtle Beach funding its own project?
- This specific section of Cherry Grove (from the Point to the Cherry Grove Pier) was not included in the federally funded Grand Strand beach renourishment project because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined that its existing dunes already provided adequate protection and that federal placement of new sand would not be economically beneficial. The City stepped in to address this area with local funding.
- What is the estimated cost of the Cherry Grove dune restoration project?
- The City’s engineering consultant estimates the project to cost approximately $1.5 million. Bids for the project ranged from $500,000 to $2,000,000.
- When will the Cherry Grove dune restoration work take place?
- Work is anticipated to run from mid-March to July 2026, with the dune restoration component expected to be done by May 1, 2026, barring unforeseen circumstances or significant weather events.
- How will the Cherry Grove dune restoration work?
- The project will utilize beach-compatible sand stockpiled from a dredging operation of the Tidewater Spoils Basin that was scheduled for 2025. This material will be transported to the shoreline to rebuild and reinforce the dunes. This effort focuses on dune restoration rather than full beach renourishment.
- What is the purpose of dune restoration?
- Dune restoration aims to enhance storm protection, preserve the natural barrier system, and shield homes, businesses, and infrastructure from erosion and severe weather. Dunes are essential for protecting life and property, supporting tourism, and providing habitat.
Key Features of the Cherry Grove Dune Restoration Project
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Project Name | Tidewater Spoils Basin Restoration and Cherry Grove Beach Dune Restoration 2026 | Local |
| Location | Northern stretch of Cherry Grove, from the Point to the Cherry Grove Pier | Local |
| Primary Goal | Strengthen and restore dunes for storm protection and natural barrier preservation | Local |
| Funder | City of North Myrtle Beach | Local |
| Estimated Cost | Approximately $1.5 million (Bids $500,000 – $2,000,000) | Local |
| Anticipated Start Date | Mid-March 2026 | Local |
| Dune Component Completion | Expected by May 1, 2026 | Local |
| Overall Project Completion | Anticipated by July 2026 | Local |
| Material Source | Sand stockpiled from Tidewater Spoils Basin dredging (2025) | Local |
| Exclusion from Federal Project Reason | Existing dunes provided adequate protection; federal placement not economically beneficial | Local |
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
