Endangered Birds Halt Dune Project in Long Island, N.Y.

September 17, 2014

A federal judge has temporarily halted a dune replenishment project on New York’s Fire Island over concerns it could harm an endangered bird population.

Newsday reports Judge Sandra Feuerstein’s ruling on Sept. 12 stops work at Smith Point County Park and Fire Island Lighthouse Beach.

It does not affect a project to repair Superstorm Sandy-damaged dunes that protect the island’s residential communities.

Audubon New York sought the restraining order to protect piping plovers that nest along the coast.

The organization says the small birds won’t be able to get to the ocean if they have to climb over the planned 13 to 15-foot mounds.

A hearing is scheduled for Oct. 8.

Topics New York

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Latest Comments

  • September 17, 2014 at 4:44 pm
    One more guess... says:
    If the Audubon New York society is sooooo concerned about these birds, perhaps they should carry the little darlin's over the dunes when the time comes.
  • September 17, 2014 at 3:06 pm
    Just a guess, but. says:
    I'm pretty sure even "small birds" are able to move over a sand dune no matter how tall.
  • September 17, 2014 at 2:59 pm
    InsGuy says:
    Hmmm...climbing the dune? can't this species fly? I wonder if this is the same area from a couple of weeks ago, where those rich folks wanted the gov't to fund their private d... read more

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