Report from the Beach, 7/10/25

Piping Plover Update

Piping plovers had some setbacks this year, including the late May nor’easter, but the nesting season is progressing – all but two of the nests have hatched, and so far, 55 chicks have fledged! Both of the remaining nests are expected to hatch around July 15. One of nests is located near the point, so it shouldn’t impact vehicle access. The other, unfortunately, is located south of the Fishermen’s Turnaround, so when this nest hatches, the night-time vehicle restriction will move southward along Ryder Way again (see below). The tiny chicks leave the nest a few hours after hatching and are surprisingly mobile. Vehicle restrictions are put in place to protect the chicks until they are able to fly, which can take up to 35 days.

Crossover Vehicle Access

The Crossover was expected to close to vehicle access around July 3, however, the piping plover nests that would have caused the closure were lost to predation shortly before hatching. It is likely too late in the season for plovers to renest successfully, so we anticipate that unless least terns move into the area, vehicle access will remain at the current level of approximately 70 vehicles through early August. Vehicle access on the beachfront will increase incrementally as plover and tern chicks located along the beach beyond the current restriction are able to fly. The Natural Resources staff will be monitoring these chicks closely so we can increase access as soon as possible. Check the Long Beach Information page for updates.

Extreme Tides Closures July 15-20

Above average and extreme tides will affect vehicle access to some extent each day at the Crossover from July 15 through July 20. Each morning, the Natural Resources Officer will assess tide height, weather conditions and beach topography to determine the timing and extent of tide closures. Vehicles may need to leave some or all of the areas over the Crossover. Typically, tide closures last about 1 ½ hours before and after high tide, so remember to check the tides before heading out to the beach during that time period.

The 2025 NOAA tide calendar (PDF) for Plymouth is available to download or print.

Ryder Way Access

Nine pairs of plovers nested along Ryder Way this season, and least terns nested in three colonies along the roadway. There is still one brood of unfledged plover chicks and an unhatched plover nest along Ryder Way, as well as numerous least tern chicks between the Day Parking Area and the Crossover.

The southernmost unfledged chicks are currently located south of the Day Parking Area, so the areas beyond the Fishermen’s Turnaround close to vehicles at 7:00pm, including for fishing access. The unhatched plover nest is located south of the Fishermen’s Turnaround, and when it hatches around July 15, the night-time vehicle restriction will move southward again to near the first cottage on the beach. Any changes in nesting activity and vehicle access along Ryder Way will be updated on the Long Beach Information page.

The state and federal guidelines for managing recreational activities in piping plover and least tern nesting areas require that the road close to vehicles in the areas where unfledged chicks are present. Under normal circumstances, vehicles would currently be limited to the areas up to and including the Fishermen’s Turnaround and would not be able to access the Crossover, the Day Parking Area, or any of the other parking areas beyond the Turnaround. However, the Town participates in the statewide Habitat Conservation Plan for Piping Plover, which allows some flexibility for vehicle access along the road when chicks are present. Because of this permit, vehicles are able to access the whole length of the road, parking lots and roadside parking areas, but with reduced hours. The Natural Resources staff monitors the location of the chicks and manages traffic if they approach or cross the road or parking areas.

Areas where unfledged chicks are present are marked with signs. When traveling through these areas, be alert to the possible presence of chicks and adult plovers in the road and stop to let them pass. If you do see chicks in or near the road, please notify the staff. If a take occurs (e.g., a chick is killed), the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife may suspend use of the road and vehicle access will be limited to areas south of where the chicks are located, so please be cautious when driving through these areas.

Seasonal Dog Restrictions

The seasonal dog ban on certain portions of the beach is in effect from April 1 through September 30. The partial ban restricts dogs from all Town properties north of the Day Parking Area. Leashed dogs are allowed on Ryder Way and the beachfront from the main parking lot northward to the Day Parking Area, excluding areas closed for shorebird nesting. Violations of the ban and/or the leash law can result in fines up to $100. More information can be found in the Information for Dog Owners pamphlet (PDF).

More Information

More information about the Crossover and Long Beach can be found on the Long Beach Information page.

Information about other Town beaches and ponds can be found on the Beach & Pond Information page.