Southern Section of Island Beach State Park Closed to 4WD Vehicles

Beach buggy vehicles on the sand at Island Beach State Park. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Island Beach State Park officials have announced that an area of the park will be closed to Mobile Sportfishing Permit holders who take their four wheel drive vehicles on the sand.

According to a state from the park, piping plovers, an endangered species of shorebird, have nested in Island Beach State Park’s Southern Natural Area. Under federal law, the plover is listed as “threatened” and as such, IBSP is required to close the nesting area to vehicle traffic when the eggs are expected to hatch.

A section of beach south of the A23 entrance to the jetty is now temporarily be closed to vehicle traffic, the statement said. Foot traffic is still allowed unless otherwise posted. No dogs are allowed in the closed area at any time.

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The A23 access will be open north to the A7 access. The NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife has placed protective fencing around the nest to keep it safe from predators, such as seagulls and fox. The closed area is “clearly marked with warning signs and posts,” the statement said.