When dune changes are partly or entirely the result of human impacts, managers may need to control access to dune areas. Controlled access reduces the stress of human impacts and permits natural or managed dune recovery.

In some cases an entire dune is placed off limits to visitors. This happens where problems are severe or dune visitors are unwilling to change harmful behaviors.

In many cases, dune visitors have access to the dunes but are kept away from sensitive areas and recreational activities that put the highest stresses on dune vegetation and slopes.

Dune access can be controlled by:

• Fencing off sensitive areas to exclude visitors.
• Carefully planning access paths to prevent visitors from trampling vegetation.
• Using boardwalks to keep visitors on pathways and off sensitive dune surfaces.
• Regulating the number of visitors to a dune.
• Limiting infrastructure (restrooms and other facilities) to keep visitors away from distant locations.
• Limiting visitors to low-impact activities, such as walking but not horse-riding.
• Using leaflets, signs and other means to educate visitors about protecting dune features.
• Patrolling managed areas to encourage visitors to stay on trails and enjoy low-impact activities.