Beach buggy vehicles on the sand at Island Beach State Park. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
After nearly a two month closure, the southernmost portion of Island Beach State Park will reopen to four wheel drive vehicles Monday.
The area had been temporarily closed to the vehicles to help protect the first oceanside nest of piping plovers in more than 25 years. The state Division of Fish and Wildlife, the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ, and all others involved with the management and protection of these state endangered birds “wish to express thanks and appreciation to permit holders for respecting the closure,” a statement said.
The north jetty of Barnegat Inlet, located at the southern tip of the park, is a popular fishing location for blackfish, striped bass and other species, and a favorite gathering place for anglers with four wheel drive vehicles.