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I worked for the trustess of reservations on MV at Long Point Reservation one summer. I'm also an avid Surf Fisherman. So I have kinda seen both sides of the spectrum. We did not have any plover problem at long point but I did see a couple nests over at Nashweena on a property managed by the trustess. You honestly would not see the thing unless you walked a foot every few seconds while staring at the ground. The parts that are roped off, I'm sorry to say, are roped off because you might step on a plover or plover nest and not even know it. That said these birds pretty much go between the nest and the water and thats about all. So often more beach is closed off than nessesary. The hard sand near the surfs edge experiences much more change from waves than the occational korker foot print. I honestly believe in many cases that surf fisherman and birds can go exist. And both the naturalist's and 4x4 users must realize they have to concede something.
The coyote and skunk problem I think may be a larger issue. I don't think any one here hasnt encountered the striped cats while roaming the beaches at night. They are getting more and more populated every year and have few natural predators especially out on the islands. (may be we should get into skunk hunting for recreation)
While the summer months have over crowded beaches and non fishing beach bums the fishing is also not as good especially during the day. I can't tell you how many idots I saw that summer. Parents let their kids run all over the dunes and I caught one guy digging out a dune to make a fire pit for a huge BBQ party he had planned that evening. Generally in September and October the beach that I ride on has many areas open up that were previously closed. So you get better fishing, less crowds and more beach access.
I don't think there is a right answer to this problem. The naturalist have too much political support and law support systems where the Surf Fishermen don't have anything.
I'm actually more angry over Yuppie land owners who threaten to call the cops because your standing in 2 feet of water at three in the morning (disrupting the plankton) But i'll save that for another thread.
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