National Seashore Head of the Meadow Parking Lot Closed to Protect Piping Plovers

Date: July 1, 2011
Contact: Shelley Hall, Chief, Natural Resources Management, 508-957-0747

Cape Cod National Seashore's Superintendent George Price announced that the seashore's Head of the Meadow parking lot in Truro was closed on the evening of June 26 to protect a pair of piping plovers and their chicks observed in the parking lot. Piping Plovers are a federally threatened species of shorebird whose current population is less than 2000 pairs along the Atlantic coast. The adjacent Town of Truro-managed Head of the Meadow parking lot remains open.

The parking lot will remain closed to vehicles until the plovers are no longer active in the area. Seashore scientists are closely monitoring the plover activity and will advise when the lot can be opened to visitors. Walkers and bicyclists may continue to use Head of the Meadow Beach, but should pay attention to informational signs and protective fencing in the area of the parking lot. For further information and for the most up-to-date status please call the park dispatch phone at 508-957-0732.

- NPS-