Entire Parker River National Refuge Beach Is Closed
From Ranger Matt Poole:
“Effective sunset on June 4th, the ENTIRE refuge beach will be closed to all public access until further notice. Why the change you ask? Some piping plover chicks, hatched from a nest immediately north of the refuge’s north boundary, will more than likely be moving back and forth between the refuge beach and non-refuge beach in that vicinity. So, needless to say, our job is to err on the side of caution to protect the plovers.”
Yesterday, my husband,Ken, and myself saw 40 piping plover at Sandy Point Beach. They were flying in a large flock and walking near the waves running quickly away from them as the water approached them. They also walked very quickly across the sand and gathered into a large flock.They were not eating anything just enjoying each other’s company. We were so glad to see so many of them.
Thank you, Louise! It is great to see an endangered species thriving!
Is the refuge open to kayakers during the week of 6/20/22
The Refuge is open to kayakers. The beach is closed except for a very small portion at the North and South ends. Please keep in mind that the refuge road will be closed from South of Parking lot 1 Saturday, June 25th 2022 10:00 am – 3:00 pm for “Let’s Go Outside”.
When will the entire beach be open to the public?
The Piping Plovers have fledged.
Parking Lots 1,2, 3, and 7 are now open for beach access. Lot 6 remains closed until further notice.
Least Terns are still in the Parking Lot 6 area.