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Council renews beach management agreement with U.S. Fish and Wildlife to protect piping plovers
Summary
The council approved a 2026–2028 beach management agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to protect piping plovers and migratory shorebirds while allowing town beach-cleaning activities; staff trainings and seasonal protections were noted.
The Old Orchard Beach Town Council voted 4-0 on March 17 to approve a beach management agreement spanning 2026–2028 with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
Council discussion and the town presentation said the agreement renews a long‑standing partnership first begun in 2009 to implement measures protecting federally protected birds such as piping plovers while permitting necessary beach maintenance during spring and summer months. The manager told council staff are trained annually in managing areas where protected birds nest.
"The intent of this agreement is to implement measures that will protect piping plovers, migratory shorebirds from predators and human related harmful activities on the beach while allowing public works to perform beach cleaning duties during spring and summer months," the manager said.
Councilors did not raise substantive objections; the motion to approve the agreement passed unanimously. Staff will continue annual training and monitor protected areas under the terms of the agreement.
Next steps: town staff will implement the agreement's management measures and coordinate annual trainings with state and federal partners.
