To remove dense vegetation (American beachgrass (Ammophilabreviligulata)) from historic breeding areas of piping plovers, black skimmers, andseveral species oftems at the Breezy Point Tip, during fall 2004 and winter 2005.
Lauro B. To remove dense vegetation (American beachgrass (Ammophilabreviligulata)) from historic breeding areas of piping plovers, black skimmers, andseveral species oftems at the Breezy Point Tip, during fall 2004 and winter 2005.. 2004-2005
The Breezy Point Tip is located on the accreting side of a terminal jetty that was installed in the 1940' s to maintain navigable shipping channels. An associated result of the jetty construction was a steady build-up of sand along the Breezy Point Tip. This beach expansion was initially a benefit to nesting shorebirds, however, over time the natural processes of a dunal system were altered by this artificially imposed stable environment. The vegetation behind the dunes began to succeed and creep forward, pushing the foredune closer and closer to the high tide line. Since piping plovers (a federally protected threatened species) nest at the foot of the foredune, they are repeatedly forced to place their nests closer to the tidal zone, leaving their nests vulnerable to flooding and human disturbance. Suitable nesting habitat is shrinking for other rare shorebirds as well. Each year nesting habitat is becoming more limited. The number and diversity of rare shorebirds has been decreasing and it has become increasingly difficult to protect these birds while providing beach for fishermen, surfers, beachcombers and Surf Club members. Consequently, disturbance levels to the birds and to the visitors have been on the rise as they have been forced to share a very narrow strip of beach.
- Type
- Project
- Authors
- Lauro, Brooke
- Units
- GATE
- Keywords
- beachgrass, Piping Plover, Sandy Hook