BERKELEY TOWNSHIP - The New Jersey State Park Service has issued a temporary advisory for a portion of Island Beach State Park due to a nesting endangered species.
Piping Plovers, an endangered species of shorebird, have nested in the state park's Southern Natural Area, the advisory said.
Because Piping Plovers are listed as a "threatened" species, federal law requires Island Beach State Park to close the area of the nesting birds to vehicle traffic when the eggs are expected to hatch.
Therefore, a section of beach north of the jetty will be temporarily closed to vehicle traffic on Friday, June 23, 2017, the advisory said.
Foot traffic is allowed unless otherwise posted, however no dogs are allowed in the closed area at any time.
The New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife has placed protective fencing around the nest to keep it safe from predators, such as seagulls and foxes. Signs and posts clearly mark that the area is closed.
Rob Spahr may be reached at rspahr@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheRobSpahr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.