East Beach/Ninigret Conservation Area Sand Trail restricted opening of sand trail

As of 9:00am on Friday June 26, 2015, public access to the East Beach Sand Trail will be allowed up to camping area 2 (sites 11 – 20) of the sand trail. This opening will allow camping in ten camping sites in area 1 (sites 1 – 10) and will also allow sand trail use for the 4 x 4 barrier beach users and fisherman.

Area 2 camping area will remain closed until approximately July 29, 2015 to provide protection for the Piping Plover, a small shorebird that is listed as threatened on the Federal and State endangered species lists. All alternatives to avoid a full closure of the sand trail were reviewed and discussed between USFWS and DEM staff and the decision was made to allow access to a safe point and avoid further conflicts between wildlife and off-road vehicles.

Hurricane Sandy changed the face of the Rhode Island coastline and beaches for the public as well as for piping plovers. On east beach there are many over wash areas that provide access for young birds and piping plover chicks have been feeding and taking refuge along the sand trail. Through a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, service staff and volunteers monitor the nests and broods on a daily basis and are looking forward to the time when the young birds are ready to fly and the trails can be re-opened and protective roping can be removed. Throughout this summer and into the fall- DEM, USFWS and CRMC will work together to plan restoration of these dunes in order to restore vegetation between the beach and the sand trail which will reduce the likelihood of plovers utilizing the sand trail.