Volunteers construct fence in Brigantine to protect birds, retain beach access

     About two dozens volunteers braved the rain and fog Sunday morning to establish an avian buffer zone on the North Brigantine Natural Area beach in Brigantine. (Photo courtesy of Jason DeCarlo)

    About two dozens volunteers braved the rain and fog Sunday morning to establish an avian buffer zone on the North Brigantine Natural Area beach in Brigantine. (Photo courtesy of Jason DeCarlo)

    About two dozens volunteers braved the rain and fog Sunday morning to establish an avian buffer zone on the North Brigantine Natural Area beach in Brigantine. 

    Sponsored by the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association, a statewide organization dedicated to the preservation of beach resources, the buffer zone is intended to protect endangered and migratory shorebirds in order to retain beach access, according to Jason DeCarlo, an organization member. 

    Under the supervision of the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, volunteers from the beach preservation organization and surf fishing associations established the buffer zone in the North Brigantine Natural Area by constructing a string line fence.

    “This project will allow Cynthia Coritz, Superintendent of Bass River State Forest and North Brigantine Natural Area, the opportunity to protect our wildlife and at the same time give access to sportsman along with the public to the shore line,” said New Jersey Beach Buggy Association’s Kurt Renart on the organization’s Facebook page.

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    The natural area consists of approximately 2.5 miles of undeveloped beach, comprised of mature dunes, maritime forest, and tidal marsh, according to the New Jersey Audubon Society. Piping Plovers and Northern Harriers regularly breed in the natural area. 

    Since 1954, the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association has fought to preserve beach access for all users, building protective fences, planting dune grass, and also working with community leaders and other organizations to advance its mission, according to the organization.

    To view more event photos, visit NJBBA’s Facebook page here

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