A summer pastime might have a winter-based solution.

According to CBS 13, South Portland is currently planning on rebuilding Willard Beaches destroyed sand dunes via Christmas trees. The dunes were destroyed during the December 23rd storm which wreaked havoc all across the state, and even took out nearby Fort Preble.

But the storm effects hopefully won’t be permanent. South Portland officials believe that sticking discarded Christmas trees in the ground could help catch sand and sediment, which could help naturally rebuild the dunes. City officials say that the dunes can help protect the city’s infostructure and wildlife.

Currently, the city is waiting on approval from the DEP before beginning the project. The city’s conservation manager Kristina Ertzner says “It’s never been done before in Maine. So, they are trying to figure out how they want to do this, and you know if this could be allowed”. Ertzner also mentioned that this idea could have more of a long-term impact. “If it works, I mean this is a way we could try to help save a lot more beaches in Maine, as we have sea level rise, and climate change”.

While the actual process to naturally replace the dunes may take years, residents of South Portland and beyond could reap the benefits for generations.

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