In the protective coastal dune ridge of the Curonian Spit, the creative force of man and wind intertwines. Two centuries ago, the dune ridge was started by man - with braids and other fastenings he sought to stop the sand blown by the winds. Further work was done by the forces of nature that are still in use today. The western, windward, dune ridge slope is constantly affected by the wind, blowing sand at its foot, blowing various erosive (deflationary) forms in the dune ridge: ditches, hollows, ravines, etc. During severe storms, the dune ridge also experiences the destructive force of sea waves. On the eastern, windy slope, sand accumulates. The width of the protective coastal dune ridge ranges from 30 to 40 m (south of Smiltyne) to 220 m (north of Pervalka). The height varies from 7-8 to 10-11 m, at Smiltyne it rises up to 14-15 m above sea level. In places where the dune ridge is very broad two parallel ridges stand out at the top. The coastal coastal dune ridge requires constant maintenance. Do not dismantle the fortifications, do not damage the vegetation.