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Beach Rules Adjusted to Protect Piping Plovers
The Sandy Beach Association, the Town of Cohasset, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are committed to protecting Piping Plovers.
No dogs are allowed on Sandy Beach from April 1 to September 15.
The Sandy Beach Association, the Town of Cohasset, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are committed to protecting Piping Plovers. The Piping Plover is a small, stocky, sandy-colored bird that lives on the beach. The adult has yellowish legs, a black band across the forehead, and a black ring around the base of the neck. Its call is a plaintive, bell-like whistle that is often heard before the bird is seen.
Piping Plovers are threatened with extinction and are protected under both the federal Endangered Species Act and the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. While it may seem that Piping Plovers are abundant to us, there are only about 10,000 Piping Plovers in the world, half of which nest along the Atlantic Coast. Massachusetts hosts nearly half of the coastal birds, making our state very important to the recovery of this species; in the past 40 years, the number in MA has gone from 135 pairs to 1200 nesting pairs. Sandy Beach hosted its first nesting pair in living memory in 2023. All three of this pair’s chicks survived to fledge, proving that their lifestyle on the beach can be compatible with ours.
What Can You Do?
Share the beach and respect wildlife! Beaches are habitat, too.
Respect all shorebird nesting areas that are fenced or posted for the birds' protection. Do not approach or linger near Piping Plovers or their nests. Obey warnings on signs and stay away from fenced areas to avoid disturbing the nesting birds.
Do not attempt to "rescue" young birds that appear to be lost or too young. Young birds should not be removed from the beach to be cared for by people. In most cases, when immature birds are found alone, the adults have been frightened away but remain nearby and will return to their young once the intruder leaves.
When perceived "predators" approach, young Piping Plovers are likely to stand motionless while the parent bird tries to attract attention by pretending to have a broken wing or flying around the intruder. If you witness this behavior, let the adult lead you safely away from the hidden nest or chick.
Keep dogs off of beaches during the nesting and chick-rearing seasons, and keep housecats in the house, especially at night, during the nesting season. No dogs are allowed on Sandy Beach from April 1 to September 15.
Do not leave or bury trash or food scraps on beaches. Garbage attracts predators which then may prey upon Piping Plover eggs and chicks.
Do not fly kites or drones around nesting areas. The birds react to kites and drones as if they are flying predators, like gulls or peregrine falcons.
Don’t set off illegal fireworks. Fireworks stress Piping Plovers and cause them to leave the nest.
Make sure to use permitted paths. Plovers often nest in unvegetated areas such as less-traveled paths.
You can help protect nesting birds by following instructions on posted signs indicating closure and reporting any observed vandalism or violations by calling Cohasset Police at 781.383.1212 or Massachusetts Environmental Police Dispatch at 1.800.632.8075.
Piping Plovers are protected under the US Endangered Species Act. No one shall "take" endangered birds—i.e., harass, harm, pursue, hunt, wound, kill, capture, or collect them. FEDERAL PENALTIES up to $25,000 apply!
2024 Sandy Beach Schedule
coming soon!
Town of Cohasset All-Facility Parking Stickers are required
to access the parking lot at Sandy Beach year-round and at all times.
current policies
There will be additional monitoring and patrolling of the Sandy Beach parking lot.
Only vehicles with valid Town of Cohasset All Facility vehicle stickers will be permitted to enter.
No drop-offs or pick-ups will be allowed outside of the parking lot due to traffic concerns.
Please be respectful of neighbors and do not block driveways or park illegally on the street.
Sandy Beach Association, in partnership with the Town of Cohasset Police, has the authority to close the parking lot and limit access to the beach if there is a public safety concern.
Dogs are NOT permitted at Sandy Beach from until September 15.
Please respect the Carry-In/Carry-Out trash and recycling policy in effect
Carry-In/Carry-Out Trash Policy
Trash is a growing concern at the beach, and we need everyone to pitch in to minimize your garbage and recyclables left behind at the beach. This especially applies to pizza boxes that constantly overburden our garbage cans.
Please help our beautiful beach clear of trash and debris by taking home what you bring!
Sandy Beach Gear!
Remember:
Sandy Beach contributions
are tax deductible.
Sandy Beach Association (SBA) is a nonprofit organization that owns the beach and is directed by volunteer Cohasset residents.
The significant operating budget of the SBA provides full-time lifeguard and maintenance staff, bathhouse facilities operations and upkeep, and the annual large-scale cleanup. The Association depends upon the generous gifts of Cohasset citizens each year to cover its expenses. please click here.
