Select Board hears bird-nesting closures and July 4 safety plan; police to increase beach patrols

Town natural-resources staff and the police briefed the Select Board on nesting-bird closures and July 4 public-safety operations.

Erin (Natural Resources) provided a breeding-season update: several nesting pairs and broods of chicks at Crow’s Pasture, Chapin Beach, Cold Storage Beach and the West End. Erin said the West Access remained closed until chicks fledge and that some newly placed hay-bale barricades have been moved repeatedly by pedestrians, prompting a possible need for a more permanent closure solution.

"The West Access does remain closed until the chicks in the area are able to fly," Erin reported, and warned closures could be extended if additional nests are found.

Police Chief John Bridal described an enforcement plan for the July 4 weekend that includes increased officer presence at beaches and neighborhoods, tow-truck enforcement for illegally parked vehicles, and no daily parking pass acceptance at Mayflower Beach, Chapin Beach, Bayview Beach or West Dennis Beach. The town will operate primary and secondary command posts (Mayflower Beach and West Dennis Beach) to manage crowds and traffic.

Chief Bridal urged visitors to plan ahead and avoid illegal parking and private-lot use. He said the police department and the beach director will update town websites with real-time information on closures and parking availability.