Gulf Islands National Seashore has begun increasing enforcement actions to protect nesting shorebirds in Florida and on islands in Mississippi.
The seashore will implement a new measure this year in Florida, the installation of solar-powered speed radar signs on Highway 399 and Fort Pickens Road. This will encourage drivers to maintain the 25mph speed limit. Additional actions include installing temporary speed humps, increased speed limit enforcement patrols, and monitoring the shorebird closure areas.
All these measures are meant to provide nesting shorebirds and their chicks the best chance to survive through the nesting and fledgling process.
Each year, beginning in late February through the summer, the Gulf Island National Seashore provides an important habitat for several species of ground-nesting shorebirds including least terns, snowy plovers, Wilson’s plovers, and black skimmers. This is an effort to reduce the number of adult birds and chicks struck by vehicles after they have wandered or flown into the roadway.
In addition to roadway changes, small portions of the seashore will be closed to all visitors in Florida and Mississippi. These areas are marked with closure signs and/or postings. Intrusion into the nesting areas can cause birds to take flight, leaving their nests vulnerable to heat and predators. If visitors find themselves surrounded by birds, they are likely to be in or near a nesting area or young chicks. Please leave the area by back-tracking slowly to prevent disturbance to birds.
Visitors and motorists can help reduce the loss of imperiled species by being mindful of closed areas, posted speed limits, and watching out for adult birds and chicks crossing roads.
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