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Current Status:

Throughout the piping plover's Atlantic Coast range, persistent threats include loss or alteration of beach nesting habitat from development and coastal stabilization activities, predation, and disturbance by beach recreationists and their pets.

Achievements:

The Connecticut piping plover population has doubled from 20 pairs in 1986 to 40 pairs in 1992, and productivity has been consistently high statewide. This population gain resulted primarily from intensive protection efforts, including deployment of predator enclosure devices and implementation of a variety of measures to reduce disturbance from beach activities. Protection of piping plovers from predation and human disturbance has been provided at a number of Connecticut beaches owned by Federal and State agencies, municipalities, private organizations, and individuals. Additionally, an extensive public information program is under way.

Current Recovery Needs:

Current recovery efforts, including use of predator enclosures and management of nesting habitat, should continue.

Section 6 Funding and Activities:

The Connecticut Division of Environmental Protection received $ 7,000 in both FY 1991 and FY 1992 for piping plover management and protection.

Partnerships

Connecticut Division of Environmental Protection (Wildlife Division): This State agency coordinates a network of cooperators that provide monitoring and protection of all nesting beaches in the State. In 1991, the cooperators spent 2,800 hours in efforts to protect piping plovers in Connecticut.

The Nature Conservancy, Connecticut Audubon Society, and individual volunteers: These cooperators monitor nesting areas, deploy predator enclosures, fence and sign nesting areas, and provide public information on specific beaches.

Recovery Plan Status:

Plan approved 3/31/88.