The City of Gloucester further commits to the preservation and protection of threatened Piping Plovers through collaboration with the Mass Audubon
Gloucester, Mass. — The City of Gloucester has entered into an agreement with the Mass Audubon to provide monitoring and management of coastal nesting birds in Gloucester.
This partnership builds on the City’s efforts to protect the threatened Piping Plovers that regularly nest on Gloucester’s shores; this species was added to the US Endangered Species List in 1986 and designated as “threatened” along their Atlantic coast range. The City has contracted Mass Audubon to oversee the presence of and minimize disturbance to coastal birds, including Piping Plovers, Least, Common, and Roseate Terns.
“As a nationally recognized organization, Mass Audubon staff will bring their expertise and knowledge to Gloucester’s beaches and be able to focus on this much-needed work to protect these vulnerable birds,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “I want to thank the City staff for their dedication and commitment to safeguarding these small shorebirds and the engaged volunteers for their advocacy and support over the past several years. This partnership will help find the balance between protecting the Piping Plovers and ensuring beachgoers and visitors are able to enjoy our beautiful beaches.”
The City’s Department of Public Works and Conservation Commission have worked collaboratively with Mass Audubon to install symbolic fencing and signage on Gloucester’s Good Harbor Beach to notify beachgoers of potential nesting areas and share key facts about Piping Plovers. Dogs are prohibited from Good Harbor Beach from April 1st to September 30th and Wingaersheek Beach from May 1st to September 30th annually.
This agreement includes work to deter predators, reduce human disturbances, increase public education, and regularly communicate and coordinate with City administration and staff. The Mass Audubon will provide these services until September 30, 2023.
