Nesting Shorebirds Force Closure of Oversand Trails in Orleans

ORLEANS –  The first oversand vehicle closures of the season due to nesting shorebirds on Nauset Beach are already in place.

The Orleans Parks and Beaches Department said the shutdown went into effect Friday morning and includes Nauset Beach South and the Nauset Spit.

Any vehicles found in those close areas will be subject to sticker revocation.

Officials said that if the nests are successful, Nauset Beach South should be able to reopen under the Habitat Conservation Plan approved last year.

That plan allows limited access for vehicles with the use of monitors, even before the birds fledge.

A statement from the town asks for patience during the closure and that they understand the closure is unfortunate news for many beachgoers.