To the Plymouth Select Board,

We, the undersigned residents and taxpayers of the Town of Plymouth, respectfully request a review of the current beach driving restrictions at Long Beach to ensure they provide the greatest possible residential access while continuing to comply with all applicable state and federal wildlife protection laws.

Long Beach is one of Plymouth’s most treasured natural resources. For generations, residents have used the beach for recreation, fishing, family gatherings, and enjoying the unique coastal environment that makes our town special. Seasonal vehicle access has long been a cherished part of that tradition, especially for families whose greatest hope is to create meaningful, lasting memories together in this special place.

We recognize the importance of protecting nesting shorebirds, including piping plovers, and we support responsible conservation efforts. At the same time, however, we believe there are opportunities to improve residential access while maintaining these protections. 

We respectfully ask the Town to:

• Review the current beach management plan to determine whether closures are limited to the minimum area and duration necessary to protect nesting birds.
• Explore modifications to driving corridors or management practices that could safely increase vehicle access.
• Reopen sections of the beach as quickly as legally possible once nesting or fledging periods have ended.
• Increase transparency by providing residents with regular updates explaining why closures remain in place, the status of nesting activity, and the anticipated timeline for reopening.
• Hold a public forum each year to gather resident feedback and discuss ways to improve beach access while meeting conservation requirements.

Our goal is not to diminish wildlife protections but to ensure that residential access to Long Beach is balanced fairly with conservation efforts. We believe thoughtful collaboration between town officials, wildlife experts, and residents can achieve both objectives.

Long Beach belongs to the people of Plymouth as well as the wildlife that depends upon it. We respectfully ask the Town to continue seeking innovative solutions that protect our natural resources while preserving the traditions and recreational opportunities that have been enjoyed by generations of Plymouth families. 

Thank you for your time, your service to our community, and your consideration of this request.

Respectfully,

Olivia Cosgrove and the residents of Plymouth, Massachusetts