ASSATEAGUE ISLAND, Md. - Portions of Assateague Island National Seashore are now closed to the public to protect nesting shorebirds, including the federally threatened piping plover.
The National Park Service announced an administrative closure effective April 2, 2026, covering several areas of the seashore during the critical breeding season. Officials say the move is aimed at safeguarding fragile nesting habitats used by a variety of coastal bird species, including herons, egrets, gulls, terns, plovers, and skimmers. Many of these birds nest in dense colonies on open sand or sparsely vegetated areas, where their nests can be difficult to see.
Park officials warn that even brief human disturbance can cause adult birds to abandon their nests, leaving eggs and chicks vulnerable to exposure, predators, or accidental trampling. In some cases, disturbances can lead to widespread nesting failure across entire colonies, according to NPS.
The piping plover, a small shorebird protected under the Endangered Species Act, is especially vulnerable because it nests directly on sandy beaches.
The closure includes the following areas:
-The North End of Assateague Island
-All interior beach habitat along the northern section of the seashore, north of Assateague State Park, from kilometer marker 0.5 to 9.5
-Portions of the Maryland Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) Zone, including areas between KM 21.8 to 22.8 and KM 23.5 to 24.5
Officials say these closures span from the ocean’s high tide line to the bayside high tide line in affected areas.
Some locations will remain accessible, including the Pine Tree Campground and Fox Hills Road at KM 23.5.
The National Park Service says the closure will remain in effect until further notice, with updates expected as the breeding season progresses. Visitors are urged to respect posted closures, as entering restricted areas could not only harm wildlife but may also violate federal law.