PROTECTED SPECIES MANAGEMENT

There are two species of concern on Reserve property; the piping plover and the least tern. The Federal government lists the piping plover as a threatened species of shore bird. Piping plovers presently nest in limited numbers on South Cape Beach and the beach at the southern end of Washburn Island. Because their eggs are laid on the ground and are well camouflaged, they are often accidentally damaged or destroyed by human actions. Nests on the ground also make the eggs easily accessible to predators. The Reserve’s Seasonal Shorebird Manager works in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Environmental Law Enforcement (DFWELE) and the Massachusetts Audubon Society. The Reserve trains volunteers to 1) recognize signs of mating and nesting activity and 2) to erect predator exclusion fences to protect eggs and hatchlings. Volunteers inform beach-goers about risks to the birds’ nests and chicks from dogs, flying kites, and other human activities on the beach. The seasonal shorebird manager tallies adult bird pairs and egg and fledgling numbers.

The Reserve contains several small areas of remnant coastal sandplain grassland. This once common natural community is now rare because it has been replaced by coastal development of the wildlife disturbances that once maintained it are now arrested. The Reserve uses mechanical methods of prescribed fire to control natural succession and restore sandplain grassland habitat on Washburn Island and at the headquarters site. These activities promote the rare natural community and species that compromise it, including Agalinis acuta (sandplain gerardia) and Liatris borealis (New Engalnd blazing star). Agalinis is on the Federal endangered species list and Liatris is a state-listed plant of special concern.