Photo: WBZ NewsRadio Photo Archive
DUXBURY, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — As the weather begins to warm up, the beach is looking increasingly appealing, but a bill on Beacon Hill reminds folks to watch where they put their feet in the sand.
State Representative Ken Sweezey has introduced three new bills for Massachusetts beaches, hoping to modernize accessibility and easing conservation restrictions for expanded recreation.
Many beachgoers will find areas, and sometimes whole beaches, closed off to the public for nature conservation efforts, like protections of shorebirds like Piping Plovers. However, these closures can sometimes be unclear or confusing to folks, and the new bills are looking to fix that.
Marie is a long-time birdwatcher, and said while there can be some overreactions for protections, she still agrees with the bill.
“People go in after their ball, or their frisbee, and people walk in there thinking there’s nothing there,” said Marie. “There’s actually eggs and young chicks on the beach.”
The three bills include H.5141, H.5140, and H.5139, which promotes public access to beaches for activities like walking, fishing, and over-sand vehicles while still ensuring strong protections for beach habitats.
The bills were presented at a hearing on March 4 and were referred to the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources on Beacon Hill.
More information on the bills and initiative can be found on their website here.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Jim MacKay (@JimMacKayOnAir) reports.