Parker River National Wildlife Refuge today opened a 20-day comment period for its compatibility determination (CD) to maintain existing beach fishing areas and seasons, in accordance with state regulations.
The draft CD is open for public comment from July 13 through August 1.
The CD signifies whether a proposed or existing use of a national wildlife refuge is compatible with the refuge’s core mission and purpose.
Recreational fishing is a priority public use on national wildlife refuges. Parker River is a premier fishing destination with over 200 beach parking spots and 5 boardwalk access points. The draft CD found that recreational fishing will not detract from the refuge’s core mission to conserve and protect migratory birds.
Pedestrian fishing access will be permitted in accordance with state regulations, and night fishing access will continue by special permit.
The draft CD found that fishing via off-road vehicles (ORV) would no longer be allowed, as the adverse effects associated with this specialized use detracts from the refuge’s core mission to protect migratory birds.
Regional, continental, and global shorebird populations have declined drastically and ORVs have been shown to negatively affect shorebirds and their habitats more than other recreational uses. They increase the rate of beach and dune erosion, which is more problematic now as rising sea levels and increased storm intensity are adversely affecting refuge habitat. The result is a steeper, narrower beach, which can no longer support safe and sustainable use of ORVs.
This change aligns with management of all surrounding public beaches, including the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s beach management policies state-wide.
Staff will promote the existing, year-round opportunities for visitors with beach wheelchairs to access the beach via the Lot 1 administrative access trail as well as provide loaner beach wheelchairs, free of charge. In addition, the refuge plans to re-route and construct a new, accessible beach boardwalk at Lot 2 using future year deferred maintenance funds, as well as retrofitting beach boardwalk 3 so that it, too, is accessible. Together, these improvements will greatly expand access opportunities for mobility-challenged anglers.
Original source can be found here.
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