Here's an excerpt from a 1997 by Andrea J. Pickart, The Nature Conservancy.
Ammophila (European Beachgrass) has had a devastating impact on the inherently restricted dune resources of the west coast. Ammophila is a better sand accumulator than the native dunegrass, and creates a higher, steeper foredune, decreasing sand flow to interior dunes (Wiedemann and Pickart 1996). Although cyclic stabilization of dunes is a naturally occurring phenomenon in the Pacific Northwest regulated by tectonic events (Clark and Carver 1992, Komar and Shih 1993), the presence of Ammophila shortens the time for stabilization, and in addition, drastically alters natural succession (Wiedemann and Pickart 1996). Perhaps the most significant impact of Ammophila is its ability to displace entire native plant communities with its phalanx-like mode of spread.
Ammophila currently or potentially impacts six Federally listed endangered plants that occur on coastal dunes: Chorizanthe howelld, C. pungens var. pungens, Erysimum menziesii, Gilia tenuiflora ssp. arenaria, Layia camosa, and Lupinus fidestromii (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1997). The species is also detrimental to the threatened western snowy plover, a shorebird that nests in open areas on the strand. Dense stands of Ammophila directly displace nesting sites, and enhance cover for predators, thus decreasing nesting success (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1995).

With 1,376 signatures seeking the banning of European Beachgrass in Oregon, we are making progress, but we need more people to show their support!

Share the petition with your family, friends, neighbors and anyone who wants to protect and preserve Oregon’s coastline!
https://www.change.org/SaveTheOregonCoast

Photo:  Thick strands of the invasive European Beachgrass along the Oregon Coast.