Ryder Way Access
There are currently 5 plover nests along Ryder Way, and a few more are expected soon. Least terns are settling into their colony along the road between the Day Parking Area and the Crossover. Under normal circumstances, once a nest hatches, vehicle access would be restricted to protect the chicks until they can fly, however, the Town participates in the statewide Habitat Conservation Plan for Piping Plover, which will allow the areas beyond the chicks to remain open to recreational vehicles for limited hours.
The first nest expected to hatch along Ryder Way is located near the Day Parking Area. When this nest hatches around May 26, the Day Parking Area and areas beyond will close to recreational vehicles (including for fishing) at 7:00pm. This night-time restriction will be moved southward to near the first cottage along Ryder Way when the first of two nests in that area hatches around June 1.
The Natural Resources staff will monitor the location of the chicks and manage traffic if they approach or cross the road or parking area. Delays may be caused by the presence of chicks in or near the road. Be alert to the possible presence of chicks and adult plovers in the road and stop to let them pass. If you see chicks in or near the road, please notify staff. If a take occurs (e.g., a chick is killed), the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife may suspend use of the road and vehicle access will be limited to areas south of the area where the chicks are located, so please use caution when driving through these areas.