2006 Top Restored Beaches Announced, to Be Spotlighted in Upcoming Chico's Catalog

For more than 30 years, U.S. communities have been restoring their beaches by using beach-quality sand to reverse the effects of erosion. Every coastal state has a restored beach; in all, more than 370 locations have been restored -- including some of the best-known beaches in the country, such as Miami Beach and Coney Island, Ocean City and Waikiki.

Although some areas are relatively new to the beach restoration process, others have a long history of success. Often, the new beach is so well established beach users are not even aware they are enjoying a restored beach!

To spotlight the value of America's restored beaches, the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) established its Top Restored Beach Awards. Coastal communities nominate their beaches and an independent panel reviews selections based on ecological and economic success, short- and long-term performance and any unique challenges it overcame.

This year's winners are:

--  Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland
--  Captiva Island, Florida
--  Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama
--  Pinellas County Beaches, Florida
--  Rehoboth and Dewey Beaches, Delaware
--  Sea Bright to Manasquan Beach, New Jersey
    

One winning beach shared the spotlight with the best in women's fashion when Chico's, the renowned women's retailer, booked Captiva Island as its fashion destination for its May catalog.

In a unique collaboration, Jim Frain, Chico's chief marketing officer, participated in the award selection process. Said Frain: "Chico's belongs on the beach. Our first store, which is still open, is located on beautiful Sanibel Island. Many of our other stores are located in beach communities around the country."

Said ASBPA President Harry Simmons: "This year's winning beaches represent the breadth and benefit of beach restoration -- as well as the unique nature of each beach project. These beaches are being brought back to health in ways that reflect the unique character and ecosystem of each, as well as the unique challenges each faces both from nature and from man."

Founded in 1926, the ASBPA represents scientific, technical and political interests along the coast in an effort to shape national research and policy concerning shore and beach management and restoration. For information, visit the ASBPA Web site at www.asbpa.org.

Photos and press contacts for all six beaches available; send requests to exdir@asbpa.org or (239) 489-2616.

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