An indirect dune protection effort has been in place over the past few years as a result of an endangered species. The Piping Plovers have found their way back to New Hampshire and are nesting on the beach in Hampton and Seabrook. Each nest, which is located where the dune meets the beach, is enclosed with fence with signage. This generally makes people more aware of the danger of disturbing the dunes and controls access. In 1999 sixteen plover chicks fledged, the third consecutive year of successful fledging after a 25-year period in which no plovers were known to breed here.
Dunes and Beaches:
- Seabrook dunes purchase of dunes area, restoration of dunes, walkways across dunes successful plant survival and return of piping plovers.
- Hampton beach nourishment beneficial use of dredged materials (also at Wallis Sands beach).
- New delineation of where dunes exist for regulatory purposes.
Islands:
- Tern Restoration Project at the Isles of Shoals using non-lethal gull control techniques and decoys to restore Common Terns to Seavey Island.
| 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total # of Pairs | 6 | 45 | 141 | 446 |
| Total # of Chicks Hatched | 7 | 91 | ~350 | ~ 968 |
| Total # of Chicks Fledged | 6 | ~75 | ~300 | ~705 |
| Date of First Fledging | Sept 2 | July 27 | July 20 | July 1 |