Natural resources director reports multiple piping plover nests; targeted beach closures ordered

Erin Burnham, the town’s natural resources director, told the Select Board on July 8 that Crow’s Pasture currently supports seven pairs of piping plovers and that two active nests there hatched on July 1. She said the town closed recreational off‑road vehicle access at Crow’s Pasture on June 30 because the nests were near an access road and aquaculture grant holders’ routes, and she warned that a nearby east‑side access will close after low tide on July 13 if nests there hatch.

“Both those nests hatched successfully on July 1,” Burnham said, and the area will remain closed “until all the chicks have fledged or flown, likely in early August.” She said the town also closed parts of the front beach where nests hatched and that closures typically remain in effect until chicks reach about 35 days of age. Police and beach staff have been told not to use ATVs or perform vehicular patrols in closed areas, she added, except in emergencies; lifeguard‑escorted access is allowed for gear retrieval.

Burnham listed additional hatchings, including a nest at Cold Storage Beach and multiple pairs at West Dennis Beach, and repeated that beach raking is prohibited at Mayflower, Chapin, Cold Storage, C Street and West Dennis while chicks are present. Her update was provided during the meeting’s public information portion.

The Select Board did not take a formal vote on new policy during the update; Burnham’s briefing served to notify the board and public about the current closures and protective measures and to give approximate timing for when closures are likely to be lifted.