Salem MA; Rights of people, plovers not mutually exclusive

[BasicPatrick]

SalemNews.com, Salem, MA

March 7, 2011
Our View: Rights of people, plovers not mutually exclusive
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As the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge embarks on drafting its 15-year management plan, we hope those in charge of what is a significant recreational resource for the entire North Shore will take a serious look at a policy that has had a substantial impact on the public — the summertime ban on public access to most of its beaches.

Every year, from April through the final weeks of the summer, most of the refuge's six miles of beach is closed to the public in order to accommodate nesting piping plovers, a small shorebird classified as an endangered species. The only section of refuge beach left open is a short stretch, perhaps 250 yards or so, at its northernmost end. There's a large parking lot here, but it gets full early on nice summer days.

At issue is whether this ban on human activity is necessary and effective. Plovers build their nests all along the local beachfront including at Sandy Point State Reservation and Crane Beach in Ipswich. Here plover nests are protected with temporary fences.

According to a 2003 study of plover nesting habits conducted by the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, fenced-in nesting areas had a slightly higher likelihood of being abandoned by the birds, but also had a significantly higher success rate for fledging chicks.

Opening the other parking lots within the refuge will not overwhelm the beaches. There are no more than 100 or so parking spaces in the restricted area stretched over about five miles; and relative to the length of shore frontage dedicated to their hatchery, there are very few plover nests. Last year there were just 12 nesting pairs.

Access to the shore is a key ingredient in making the North Shore one of the most livable areas in the country. Yes, unlike state and national parks, which exist primarily to provide recreational opportunities for the public, these refuges are meant to provide habitat for wildlife while allowing limited access for humans. But in our view the refuge can both protect the plovers and loosen the current beach restrictions.