The Piping Plover Problem in Boston
On the North Shore of Massachusetts, there are those who believe that the Plovers command too much attention, and they’ve had just about enough of the little winged bandits. Claiming that the Plovers are robbing area residents of their favorite beach, some area residents are crying fowl. Sadly, at least one individual or group has taken their grievance to the Plovers themselves, with destructive results.
So, here’s the lowdown on the Plover Problem. Classified as an endangered species, the Plovers are afforded protection, and their natural habitats are guarded from intrusion. That sounds perfectly reasonable, right? Let’s keep these chubby little chirpers safe from molestation and allow them to fortify their numbers. The problem in North Eastern Massachusetts, however, is that the Piping Plover chooses to nest in the dunes of the most popular beach north of Cape Cod.
Crane Beach in Ipswich, MA is absolutely beautiful. An ideal balance of deep, wide sandy stretches of beach, saw grass covered dunes, and non-aggressive tidal surges, Crane is a favorite destination for families, friendly groups, and beach bums alike. Offering ample parking, snack stands, restroom facilities, and showers, folks looking for a little sunshine and relaxation can easily spend the day at Crane Beach and find everything they need to stay comfortable and entertained. In a city where sub zero temperatures give way, without announcement, to 100 degree days with 100% humidity, a beach like Crane means a lot to a lot of people.
And of those people, there are some who think that those little Piping Plovers are throwing an ostrich sized wrench in their beach going plans. Nesting in the dunes of Crane beach, the plovers have staked their claim on what many consider to be the most beautiful parts of the beach, and have dramatically reduced the strolling areas available to the public. Upon paying for parking and unloading the car, beach goers are being treated to a plethora of fenced off areas, yellow tape and signs alerting them to the fact that a large portion of their favorite summertime destination is off limits to them.
On the North Shore of Massachusetts, the plight of the Plover has become the blight of the Plover. And as summer approaches, the temperature of the Plover debate is rising far more quickly than the temperature of the Boston area atmosphere. It’s been a hard winter in the Atlantic North East, and residents are ready to thaw. This year, in particular, they are not taking to the beach restrictions well.
On June 5, 2005, vandals emerged onto the sands of Crane Beach and destroyed many of the Piping Plovers nests. Although generally outraged by the act of cruelty and desecration of the natural environment of an endangered species, this incident has nonetheless reengaged the long running Plover Problem discussion in the Greater Boston Area. Morning drive time DJs are weighing in, with popular WROR team Lauren and Wally rolling their years old spoof on a famous Paul Simon song back out, a song entitled”50 Ways to Kill a Plover.”
In the communities most directly effected by the situation arising from the Plover protection, the issue is a little more significant to them than to the callers expressing outrage (whether at the complaints about the protection of the Plovers or at the “entitled” Plovers themselves) on a radio show. It seems that equally dear to the residents of Ipswich and its surrounding communities are the endangered birds that they feel privileged to have call their coastal lands their home, and the shoreline that they have cherished for generations.
Most North Shore residents have an opinion one way or another, although upon observation, it seems that few, if any, seem terribly comfortable debating the issue extensively. That’s okay, the city of Boston and its surrounding communities will engage in the argument for them.
To Plover or not to Plover?
The vandals who destroyed the endangered species’ nests and grounds seemed to think that they were qualified to answer that question for the residents of the North Shore. One can only hope that this summer we can find a way to enjoy the beauty of Crane Beach without any more violence against some of its oldest residents. The Plover Problem should not shut down a community’s summer plans. With a little patience, and some respect for the natural habitat of the Northern Massachusetts shoreline, perhaps the Plovers it can enhance them.
