Town of Duxbury - Beach Operations - Beach Update - 7/28/2023
Town of Duxbury - Beach Operations - Beach Update – 7/28/2023
Duxbury Beach Access Update
July 28, 2023
The Town of Duxbury provides periodic updates on the status of avian activity currently inhabiting the Duxbury Beach and the potential impacts their presence may have on beach patrons. Since beach stickers are non-refundable, we provide this information to the public as soon as it becomes available so that individuals may plan accordingly in terms of whether or not they decide to make a purchase.
Hours of Operation
Starting Friday, July 21- BEACH AND PARKING LOT HOURS:
Monday – Thursday: 8AM – 10PM
Friday – Sunday: 8AM – 11PM
Crossover/ Backroad Status
Currently, recreational activity south of Powder Point Bridge is not permissible. The Town has been working closely with the Duxbury Beach Reservation (DBR) and the state on a proposed Beach Enforcement Plan, which was necessitated to address concerns relative to the Town’s management of the beach (i.e., speeding enforcement, vandalism, harassment of bird monitors, etc.). Once the plan has been approved by the DBR and the state, and after the birds have fledged from the area, we hope to be able to re-open the OSV corridor to recreational vehicles accessing points south of the Powder Point Bridge.
Please understand, even if the proposed Beach Enforcement Plan were approved today, because of current avian activity, the crossovers would still remain closed. Due to the unpredictability of wildlife, situations like this often occur. Beach Operations and Duxbury Beach Reservation are constantly communicating and monitoring opportunities to open crossover access when avian activity allows.
Avian Status
As of the morning of July 24th, we have 46 pairs of Piping Plovers on the beach, with 0 active nests, 8 broods of chicks, and 18 broods that have fledged. To date, we have lost 19 nests, and 12 broods. Least Terns are observed throughout the beach. The oldest chicks are now between 16-21 days old and we are seeing a slight increase in these more conspicuous chicks. There are many young chicks between 1-5 days old. In addition, there are nests that are still incubating and will hatch soon. We are at peak nesting right now.
Once the birds have fledged, portions of the over sand vehicle corridors will be re-opened and patrons will then be allowed to visit those sections of the beach. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict or guarantee a steadfast over sand corridor re-opening date since these are wild animals and therefore are unpredictable. They may be susceptible to tidal over wash, predation, and mortality from exposure to severe weather, as well as unpredictable movements throughout their habitat on the beach. Restrictions are in place until the birds are able to fly for a specific distance, meaning these restrictions may or may not be incrementally altered. Also, many of these restricted areas may overlap to an extent in both space (area) and timing (time until chicks can fly) and may change based on movement of the chicks.
Beach Access
All crossovers, the back road and cut outs will remain closed until further notice.
There are approximately 300 spots in the Resident Parking lot and 100 spots in the Non- resident Northern Lot for permit holders, both have access to multiple portable restrooms. There is also public parking at a fee at Duxbury Beach Park (Blakeman’s).
If you are planning on coming to the beach on a nice day please arrive early, the lots WILL fill. Please monitor our twitter, @Beachduxbury for the most up-to-date information.
Please note: There are barriers in some of the beach access walkways. These barriers prevent chicks from entering the parking lot. In order to maximize parking areas, these barriers are used because if chicks enter the lot, the lot will be shut down. Please be mindful when entering and exiting the beach.
Vandalism/ Back Road Incidents
We are happy to report that there have been no reported acts of vandalism in the past two weeks. We would like to thank the public and all beach patrons for helping to keep the beach clean and safe.
Although the back road remains closed to Permit Holders, we are still dealing with issues involving traffic going to and from the communities of Gurnet and Saquish. Though a small group is responsible, everyone can help maintain a safe environment. Please help support monitors by keeping a watchful eye out for any inappropriate behavior. If you witness something, please don’t hesitate to report it to Beach Operations or the Duxbury Police. Thank you for being supportive.
Beach Ranger Guard Shack
Beach Rangers are required per state regulators to stop and verify the status of all vehicles entering beach property. All vehicles must have a current permit to park in the resident lot or non- resident lot. Anyone without a Town of Duxbury permit must identify their purpose for entering the property. This pertains to ALL vehicles: permit holders (resident and non-resident), Gurnet and Saquish residents, visitors to the public parking beach, and vehicles traveling to and from Marshfield and Duxbury. All visitors must abide by the posted speed limit. NOTE: Currently the posted speed limit is 5MPH on the property.
State regulators require all vehicles entering the property to have and be aware of the Beach Rules and Regulations. If you are not aware of the Beach Rules and Regulations, please read the attached document or receive one as Beach Rangers will be handing them out at the Shack.
Greenhead Season
Greenhead season has arrived. Please bring appropriate clothing and bug spray.
Beach Lifeguards
Weather permitting, Beach Lifeguards will be on duty 9AM – 5PM, 7 days a week. All Beach Lifeguards are trained in CPR, AED, and first aid. Please seek them out if you need medical attention. Beach Operations has a beach wheelchair for use for those that need it. Please see a Beach Ranger at the guard shack for assistance.
Dog Areas and Sensitive Wildlife Areas
Dogs are allowed at Duxbury Beach Reservation. However, they are only allowed while on leash in the parking lots and along the roadways. Currently, there are no areas on bayside or oceanside beaches where they are allowed. This might change in the coming days based on what broods fledge and Beach Operations will be updated with any changes.
Sensitive Wildlife Areas are in effect on most of the beach. While beachgoers are invited to set up and enjoy these areas, it is with sensitivity to the chicks that are also using the beach. We ask that you do not drive, ride a bike, or play large recreational games in these areas. Games and ball throwing will be allowed in these areas so long as they do not directly impact active Piping Plover or Least Tern Chicks. In the case that the game is located near a brood a Shorebird Monitor may ask beachgoers to relocate down the beach to a different area to continue their game. There are areas where full recreational activity is allowed. Currently, they are bayside north and south of the Powder Point Bridge until the Sensitive Species Areas signage and on the Resident Beach, and at Duxbury Beach Park between the signage.
The Town and Duxbury Beach Reservation (DBR) have a strong partnership in the management of Duxbury Beach and each has their own distinct set of responsibilities. As has been the case for many years, the hours of operation for Duxbury Beach and the associated parking lots are determined by the Town of Duxbury and not the DBR. The Town determines the hours of operation based on a number of factors including but not limited to season of the year, weather, tides, avian activity and access to the over sand portion(s) of Duxbury beach and the Town’s ability to ensure safe and appropriate access.
Where to Find Updated Information
Please continue to check for the latest updates as conditions and circumstances can change with little or no advance notice based on activities of wild animals. This information will be updated if conditions change or as new information becomes available. For further information about Duxbury Beach conditions, please visit the Town of Duxbury Beach Operations website at:
https://www.town.duxbury.ma.us/beach-operations
The most up-to-date information pertaining to beach conditions including restrictions and access limitations may be found by following Duxbury’s Official Beach Operations Twitter feed at:
https://twitter.com/BeachDuxbury
For additional information, please contact:
Beach Ops: (339)236-4183
Duxbury Police: (781)934-5656 (press ‘0’ for desk operator)
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue to maintain as much pedestrian and ORV access as possible while managing protected species.
Duxbury Beach Operations