Plover Nest Closes Gillikins Entrance At Island Beach State Park

BERKELEY, NJ — A piping plover nest in Island Beach State Park has closed mobile sportfishing vehicle access at the Gillikins entrance, state officials said.

Access is expected to reopen in late August, according to the state park's announcement. The remainder of Island Beach State Park fishing areas that allow vehicle access will remain open.

Piping plovers are listed as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act, and as a result, the state is required to close the area to vehicle traffic when the eggs are expected to hatch, state officials said.

Due to the temporary closure, officials said Island Beach State Park may reach its capacity of mobile sportfishing vehicles quicker.

If the beaches reach capacity, the park will close access to mobile sportfishing vehicles.

"We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring the next generation of New Jersey's shorebirds has a safe and successful start on our beach," park officials said.

Keep up to date with what's happening in your community by subscribing to your local Patch newsletter here.