News Release
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 62
Chincoteague, VA 23336
Telephone: (757) 336-6122
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: May 31, 2007
Contact: Lou Hinds, Refuge Manager
Temporary Closure of ORV Zone Announced to Protect Piping Plovers and Other Nesting Shorebirds
According to Lou Hinds, Refuge Manager at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the ORV Zone, an area of beach designated for four-wheel drive vehicle use with a permit, will be closed to all public use starting June 4 in order to protect piping plover chicks in addition to other nesting shorebirds. The Atlantic Coast population of piping plovers has been listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act since 1986. The beach will reopen to the public after all young birds are able to fly.
“The needs of wildlife come first on all national wildlife refuges,” said Hinds. “On Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, piping plover management dictates that we protect these threatened shorebirds during the breeding season.” This temporary closure is required by the Biological Opinion completed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2001 that outlines the parameters to manage piping plovers and other uses on the refuge.
The refuge, having been designated a Globally Important Bird Area, is part of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network and designated as one of the top ten birding hotspots by the National Audubon Society. The primary mission of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is to protect migratory birds and other native wildlife and the habitats they depend upon. When compatible with the needs of wildlife, the refuge accommodates wildlife-dependent recreation.
“I believe these measures, coupled with the continued cooperation of the community and our visitors, will ensure the future success of piping plovers in Virginia and will help achieve the goal of increasing the overall population,” said Hinds. Refuge staff will monitor the area to make any necessary adjustments to the closure. For more information, please contact the refuge at 757-336-6122.