BARNSTABLE – Officials in Barnstable anticipate the state will approve its habitat conservation plan which could reduce ORV closures at Sandy Neck Beach.
The beach is recognized as an Area of Environmental Concern due to the presence of multiple endangered bird species including piping plovers. The town submitted a certificate of inclusion to be a part of the state’s section 10 permit which would only see vehicle closures once chicks hatch.
“Our Sandy Neck goals for our inclusion permit were to greatly reduce the probability of a complete off-road vehicle closure,” said Nina Coleman, the Sandy Neck Beach Park manager. “Secondly, we wanted to reduce late-season beach congestion by having some escorting opportunities to parts of the beach.”
Coleman said the project to write its habitat conservation plan took a large effort.
“We were able to do that and we are anticipating to be included in the section 10 permit in the summer of 2017,” Coleman said.
The groundbreaking 26-year statewide habitat conservation plan between Massachusetts and federal officials took effect last summer.
It seeks to strike a balance between providing recreational access to local beaches while still protecting the endangered shorebirds. Each summer, nesting birds force closures of local beaches and cut off access to local residents.
According to Coleman, the piping plover population in the state has increased to 675 breeding pairs from 125 in the late 1980s.
A habitat conservation plan is already in place at Nauset Beach in Orleans.
According to the Sandy Neck Beach Park website, the Off-Road Vehicle beach is currently open to Trail 6 and speeds are limited to 15 mph. Vehciles must be off the beach by 4 p.m.
Permits issued in 2016 are good through April 15. The Gatehouse will open on April 1 for the sale of 2017 ORV seasonal permits.
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