News Release

Fire Island National Seashore Announces Temporary Closure of Beach Driving from Bellport Beach to Long Cove

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News Release Date: December 3, 2024
Contact: Fire Island National Seashore

Patchogue, NY – Due to the narrowing of beach between Bellport Beach and Long Cove, driving will be temporarily closed until further notice. This closure affects all Seashore driving permits. Sportsman’s Vehicle Permit holders are restricted to the 3.4-mile stretch of beach from Smith Point to Bellport Beach. Additionally, permitted driving access to Fire Island communities from Smith Point is currently suspended. All permitted drivers whose destinations are communities will need to access from the west at the Fire Island Lighthouse. 

The closure is necessary to prevent further erosion of vulnerable beach areas and to protect the primary dune, which can be damaged by vehicle traffic. During the colder months, offshore sandbars form, creating scarps that reduce the width of the beach and can make driving difficult. This forces vehicles closer to the primary dune, risking harm to its structure and vegetation. 

Drivers are reminded to always remain at least 20 feet away from dune vegetation and to never drive on, through, or behind the dunes. 

For the latest updates on this closure, please call the driving hotline at 631-569-2591, visit the Fire Island National Seashore website at nps.gov/fiis, or email us at e-mail us.

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