The Town of Chatham says its portion of Nauset Beach will close to Over Sand Vehicle travel starting this evening.
The closure will take effect at 6 p.m. to protect the unfledged chicks of federally and state-protected shorebirds.
In addition to piping plovers, Least Terns are also nesting, and they are also highly sensitive to disturbances.
All regulations regarding restrictions on access to endangered species habitat areas, dogs, and other beach regulations remain in full force.
The town's Natural Resources staff and shorebird monitors will continue to assess the beach conditions daily.
(Photo by STEPHANE OUZOUNOFF/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: STEPHANE OUZOUNOFF / AFP / Getty Images