Closures Protecting Nesting Shorebirds Now in Place

Closures Protecting Nesting Shorebirds Now in Place

May 25, 2018

Martha’s Vineyard – With the arrival of nesting shorebirds, such as piping plovers, terns, skimmers and oystercatchers, Cape Pogue Wildlife Refuge and most of the other barrier beaches on Chappaquiddick will be closed to over-sand vehicles starting next week. Restrictions are required under state and federal law when endangered shorebirds are present.

All of Cape Pogue will be closed north of the Dike Bridge on Chappy starting June 2; the southern half of Leland Beach just south of the Dike Bridge will close on June 6 and most of Norton Point Beach will be closed beginning June 7 though about a quarter mile of beach at the Edgartown entrance will remain open to over-sand vehicles. Pedestrians are still allowed in all areas, though dogs are not.

Up-to-date information about beach restrictions is available through a 24-hour recorded hotline at 508-627-8390 for Chappaquiddick and 774-310-1110 for Norton Point.

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