Report from the Beach, 7/20/24

Crossover Vehicle Access

The Crossover opened for vehicle access on July 14 after the plover chicks in the area near the Crossover fledged a few days earlier than expected. There's currently space for about 50 vehicles on the beachfront. As the chicks on the northern areas of the beach are able to fly, vehicle access will increase, but the current restriction is expected to remain in place for several more weeks. The Natural Resources staff monitors shorebird nesting activity each day and will increase access as soon as restrictions to protect plover and least tern chicks can be lifted. Check the Long Beach Information page for updates on vehicle access.

Least Tern Chick

Ryder Way Access

Many of the piping plover chicks that hatched along Ryder Way are old enough that they can fly, but there is still one unfledged plover brood as well as active nests and young chicks in the least tern colonies adjacent to the road near the Day Parking Area and south of the Crossover.

The state and federal guidelines for managing piping plovers and least terns require that vehicles be restricted from areas where unfledged chicks are present. However, the Town participates in the Massachusetts Habitat Conservation Plan for Piping Plover and holds a Conservation and Management Permit for least terns, so the road can remain open for vehicle access, but with restricted hours.

The night-time restriction to protect plover and terns chicks is currently located at the Day Parking Area. The southern portion of the Day Parking Area, as well as the Fishermen's Turnaround and the designated roadside parking areas up to the Day Parking Area, are available until 9:00pm as usual. The northern portion of the Day Parking Area, and the areas beyond it, close at 7:00pm, including for fishing access.

When traveling through signed areas, be alert to the possible presence of chicks and adult plovers and least terns in the road and stop to let them pass. If you do see chicks in or near the road, please notify the staff. If a take occurs (e.g., a chick is killed), the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife may suspend use of the road and vehicle access will be limited to areas south of where the chicks are located, so please be cautious when driving through these areas. The Natural Resources staff will be monitoring these chicks and managing traffic as necessary, so there may be delays if chicks are in or near the road.

Check the Long Beach Information page for updates on vehicle access.

Extreme Tides Closures

Beginning on July 23 through July 29, 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 remember to check the tides before heading out to the beach during that time period.
The 2024 NOAA tide calendar (PDF) for Plymouth is available to download or print.

Electric Bikes

When biking at Long Beach, please remember that electric bikes are motorized vehicles, and are limited to areas where cars are allowed to drive. Currently that includes the length of Ryder Way until 7:00pm, and up to the Day Parking Area after 7:00pm. On the beachfront, electric bikes can be driven up to the current vehicle restriction only.

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 and leash law. More information about the seasonal dog restrictions is available at the Seasonal Dog Restrictions at Long Beach 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.