March 15, 2023 3:10 a.m.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the U.S. Forest Service remind visitors that it is plover nesting season on the Oregon coast.

An OPRD release said visitors can help recovery efforts for the threatened western snowy plover by sharing the beaches through September 15th

Sensitive plover nesting areas will be roped off or identified by signs with rules and limits, such as staying on the wet sand to protect the small shorebirds and their exposed nests during what officials call, “this crucial period”.

OPRD said plover beaches remain open to foot and equestrian traffic below the high-tide line on wet, packed sand throughout the nesting season. This ensures that plover nests, eggs and chicks are kept safe. All other recreation on plover beaches is prohibited on both wet and dry sand. That includes walking a dog, driving a vehicle, riding a bicycle, camping, burning wood, flying kites and operating drones.

More information on the snowy plover, including detailed maps of nesting sites can be found on the Oregon State Parks website: www.oregon.gov/plovers.