Report from the Beach 7/28/23

Crossover Vehicle Access

The Crossover at Long Beach reopened for vehicle access on July 14 and currently has space for about 70 vehicles. There are still several broods of piping plover chicks as well as least tern chicks that are not yet able to fly on the northern part of the beach, and the current vehicle restriction is expected to remain in place for several more weeks. The Natural Resources staff will monitor any changes daily and adjust vehicle access accordingly. Vehicle access updates will be posted on the Long Beach Information page.

Ryder Way Access

The piping plover chicks located near the Day Parking Area are expected to be able to fly (i.e., fledge) by August 3. Once they fledge, the Day Parking Area will be available for the regular hours up to 9:00pm. The road and parking areas beyond the Day Parking Area will close at 7:00pm, but limited access past the night restriction will be available for fishing. Restrictions on road access will be lifted when the least tern chicks located along the road between the Day Parking Area and the Crossover can fly.

The piping plover chicks located near the end of Ryder Way fledged, so the parking area at the end of the road has reopened for daytime use.
Areas where unfledged chicks are present are designated with signs. When traveling through these signed areas, drive with caution and be alert to the possible presence of chicks and adult plovers in the road and stop to let them pass. If you do see chicks in or near the road, please notify the staff.

Extreme Tide Closures

Beginning on August 2 through August 10, and again from August 30 through Labor Day (September 4), above average and extreme tides will affect vehicle access to some extent each day at the Crossover. Each morning, the Natural Resources Officer will assess tide height, weather conditions and beach topography to determine the timing and extent of tide closures. Vehicles may need to leave some or all of the areas over the Crossover. Typically, tide closures last about 1 ½ hours before and after high tide, so please check the tides before heading out to the beach. The 2023 NOAA tide calendar (PDF) for Plymouth is available to download or print.

Seasonal Dog Restrictions

The seasonal ban on dogs on the Town properties north of the Day Parking Area is in effect through September 30. Leashed dogs are allowed at the Plymouth Beach parking lot and on the beach and road up to the Day Parking Area. Please continue to comply with the seasonal ban through September 30, and with the leash law year-round. More information about the seasonal dog restrictions is available at the Seasonal Dog Restrictions at Long Beach page.

Camping Application Period Reminder

Applications for overnight camping at Long Beach can be submitted through 6:30pm on August 1. Applications can be submitted online or in person at the Department of Marine & Environmental Affairs office at Town Hall (26 Court St) during the hours of 7:30am - 4:00pm on Monday and 7:30am - 6:30pm on Tuesday. Applications received after 6:30pm on August 1 will not be included in the lottery. Permits will be awarded through a random lottery drawing held on August 2 at 2:00pm in the Cordage Meeting Room at Town Hall. Attendance at the lottery is not required. Applicants awarded camping permits will be contacted following the lottery. Applicants must have a valid Plymouth Long Beach 4x4 sticker prior to applying for a camping permit. Each permit will be valid for up to 2 nights.
This summer’s camping dates will be Friday, August 18 through Wednesday, August 23. Camping is contingent upon completion of shorebird breeding activity and the presence of sufficient staff. Camping will be permitted only in designated areas. Each party will be required to have a self-contained toilet for camping. Cook fires will be allowed only with permitted hours. For more information about camping, please contact the MEA at 508-747-1620 x10127 or go to the 2023 Long Beach Camping page.

More Information

More information about the Crossover and Long Beach can be found on the Long Beach Information page.

Information about other Town beaches and ponds can be found on the Beach & Pond Information page.