Public education is an important part of dune management plans relying on keeping people away from sensitive areas or restricting types of activities on the dunes.

People are more likely to participate in dune-friendly behavior if they understand the reasons for existing or new guidelines for visitor activity. People are also more likely to participate if they appreciate the dune environment and share similar goals of dune conservation or restoration with dune managers.

Participation also increases if messages are positive rather than negative, such as "Please stay on the path" instead of "Do not enter".

Public education can take the following forms:

• Signs directing access and use of dune areas.
• Brochures, pamphlets and other materials explaining how management strategies relate to dune processes and human impacts.
• Informed staff to direct activities and talk about the dunes and their management.
• Interpretative walks and programs in dune environments that teach visitors about the dunes.
• Presentations to schools and other groups on the dunes.
• Curricula on the dunes for teachers to use.
• Websites such as this one.