The first of the piping plover nests located along Ryder Way hatched today, May 28. The northern portion of the Day Parking Area and all of the areas beyond will close to vehicles and electric bikes at 7:00pm, including for fishing access. The southern portion of the Day Parking Area, the Fishermen's Turnaround, and the designated roadside parking areas will be available until 9:00pm as usual. There are several more plover nests along the road that are expected to hatch at any time, and when that happens, the night restriction will be moved southward to near the first cottage on the beach.
The night-time closure is necessary to comply with the requirements of the Massachusetts Habitat Conservation Plan for Piping Plover (HCP). The HCP is a permit that allows the Town to keep access to the road open during the day when it would normally be required to close once the chicks hatch to comply with state and federal requirements for plovers and terns protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Without the HCP permit in place, the road would remain closed to vehicles during the day as well as at night. The Natural Resources staff intensively monitors chicks located along road during the day to reduce the risk of "take" as defined by the state and federal ESAs. Please be alert and drive slowly in areas where chicks are present. These areas are marked with signage. If you do see a plover chick or adult in the road, stop to let them pass and alert staff.
Check the Long Beach Information page for updates on vehicle access.