News Release Archives - July 2007
July 2, 2007
Nesting Sign Alerts River and Lake Recreationists to Steer Clear
Recreational users frequenting the Missouri River, Lake Oahe and Lake Sakakawea may run into signs advising them to avoid piping plover and least tern nesting sites. These signs, placed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are meant to keep people from disrupting the nesting habits of threatened piping plovers and endangered least terns.
Each year around mid-May, least terns and piping plovers return to North Dakota shores and islands to nest. “The barren sandy nature of the shorelines and sandbars provides ideal nesting habitats for both terns and plovers,” said Steve Dyke, North Dakota Game and Fish Department conservation supervisor.
Although the Missouri River and Lake Sakakawea offer abundant sandy habitats, piping plover and least terns are picky when it comes to choosing a nesting spot. “There are approximately 700 piping plovers and 200 least terns using the Missouri River System in North Dakota this year,” said Gregory Pavelka, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Regardless of high bird numbers, few spots are closed to recreationists. “Restrictions denoting the nesting sites are only placed on sandbars above and below the Bismarck/Mandan area and only two to four sandbars on average are posted per year,” Pavelka said, while mentioning Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe may also have a few signs.
People need not worry about nesting signs interfering with their activities, however. “The number of sites where signs are put up is usually quite small and most people find alternative islands or shorelines to recreate on,” said Dyke.
“If you are out on the Missouri River System this summer, keep a watchful eye for signs, and give the birds a break,” Dyke said. Obeying these signs will make North Dakota a safer place for two of its rarest birds.
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