North Myrtle Beach Moves Forward with Cherry Grove Dune Restoration Plan

The City of North Myrtle Beach has announced a new initiative to strengthen and restore dunes along the northern stretch of Cherry Grove, extending from the Cherry Grove Pier to Inlet Point. The plan comes after the current U.S. Army Corps of Engineers beach renourishment project did not include this section of shoreline.

While the federal renourishment effort has been underway across much of the Grand Strand, the work concluded around 60th Avenue North in Cherry Grove. City officials identified the gap and developed a localized solution to ensure the dunes in this area receive additional protection.

The project, named the Tidewater Spoils Basin Restoration, will utilize sand stockpiled from a dredging operation scheduled for 2025. That material will be transported to the shoreline and used specifically to rebuild and reinforce the dunes between the pier and the Point, depending on the amount of available sand.

City leaders emphasized that this effort is focused on dune restoration rather than full beach renourishment. The approach is designed to enhance storm protection and preserve the natural barrier system that helps shield homes, businesses, and infrastructure from erosion and severe weather.

The Army Corps of Engineers has indicated that Cherry Grove has not been included in a federal renourishment project since the initial work in 1998. In recent years, maintenance and sand placement in this area have been handled by the City of North Myrtle Beach under the project’s operations and maintenance guidelines.

Beach renourishment is currently shown as complete from 1st Avenue North southward, leaving a noticeable transition point in Cherry Grove where sand levels change. City officials are coordinating with federal partners to review conditions on site and ensure the area is addressed appropriately.

Despite the limitations of the federal project, city leadership has expressed confidence in the local plan and satisfaction with the overall scope of the renourishment efforts along the Grand Strand. The Cherry Grove dune restoration is expected to move forward as part of the city’s continued commitment to shoreline protection and coastal resilience.