Piping Plover Notice

 TOWN OF       HARWICH

732 Main Street

Harwich, MA 02645

CONSERVATION COMMISSION                                                                                   (508)430-7538  FAX (508)430-7531

June 4, 2018

On June 1, 2018, four Piping Plover chicks hatched from their nest on Red River Beach.Piping Plovers are State and Federally protected shorebirds, as their classification is “Threatened” – meaning that they are likely to become Endangered.By law, the Town is required to limit vehicular and pedestrian access near the chicks.At the direction of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Jersey barriers have been installed about 2/3 of the way down the parking area, preventing vehicles, and symbolic fencing installed to prevent interaction with the birds.This includes twine fencing as well towards the east end as the approximately foot high silt fence across all the public access points to the beach itself.This is so the birds do not get in the parking lot.The birds are due to ‘fledge’ (fly) within 30 days of hatching.At this time, the barriers and fencing will come down.Until that time, please do not disturb the birds or the means we have installed to protect them.We greatly appreciate your cooperation.