High tides likely to result in temporary beach access restrictions

[Lunican]

HUGUENOT MEMORIAL PARK-GOERS ADVISED TO CALL BEFORE VISITING OVER THE WEEKEND

Mid-day high tides likely to result in temporary beach access restrictions

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 24, 2009 â€"Huguenot Memorial Park visitors are advised to call before visiting the park over the weekend to determine current tidal conditions expected during peak daytime hours.

The National Weather Service predicts high tide at roughly 12:09 p.m. Saturday, July 25 and 1:02 p.m. Sunday, July 26.  The mid-day tides will result in a 4.7 foot or higher rise in water levels along the beach, thus minimizing the area of shoreline navigable by vehicle and foot.

Visitors should check conditions BEFORE visiting the park by calling (904) 251-3335 or visiting www.jaxparks.com.

Periods of high tide or impacts related to beach and dune erosion may result in temporary park closures one to two hours before high tide and one to two hours after the tide begins to recede.  Those with campground reservations and picnic pavilion reservations should not be affected and will be granted admission to the park during this time.

The Huguenot Management Plan has also recently implemented a temporary closure for vehicles on the northern end of the peninsula (the point) from zone 11 through zone 14 (about 4,500 feet) which includes a large portion of the Fort George Inlet.  This is a temporary closure for vehicles that has been put into effect to protect the bird chicks that are spilling out into these areas from their nests in the dunes.

Pedestrian traffic is permitted in these areas; however, pedestrians are urged not to disturb the young birds. Visitors wishing to access “the point” in zone 12 are advised to park along the Atlantic shoreline and travel by foot or bicycle.  Vehicles will also be allowed to parallel park from “family beach” in zone 15 to zone 14 in the cove.  Due to the vehicle restrictions to the “the point,” visitors wishing to launch Jet Skies are encouraged to launch from Sister’s Creek Marina located at 8203 Heckscher Drive and approximately 3.5 miles from the park.

Huguenot Memorial Park managers recently implemented new safety measures and policy changes to ensure public safety and protection of one of Jacksonville’s greatest natural resources.  The following changes are currently being put into action:

Pets Policy

This new policy designated safe areas for pets. Pet-friendly areas are located along the shoreline on the south side of the jetties, and from the jetties to the opening of the dunes (where the lifeguard tiki huts are located).

Admission Fee

The early bird fee, which applies to visitors entering the park between 8 and 10 a.m., is $1 per person, up to a maximum of $3 for up to six people and $1 per each additional person beyond the six.  Standard parks fees from 10 a.m. to close are $3 per vehicles including up to six people and $1 per each additional person.

Shorebirds

Birds currently nesting and foraging at Huguenot include Royal Terns and Laughing Gulls. However, other species of shorebirds such as Black Skimmers, Wilson’s Plover and American Oystercatcher utilize the park’s dynamic natural communities as well. Vehicles pose a threat to flightless juvenile birds that have left the dune nests and made their way to the beach.  Because their wings are not yet fully developed, they are unable to quickly escape potential vehicular dangers.

Pursuant to the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, anyone found disturbing birds may be subject to a fine.  The fine for harming or harassing migratory birds is $15,000.

Driving-Only Corridor

To provide better safety for the pedestrians and protection for the shorebirds, vehicles are not permitted to enter the cove area tidal flats beyond the signed posts. Pedestrians may conduct recreational activities in the cove area, beyond the signs.  While pedestrians are in the area, they are required to keep a minimum distance of 300 feet for any shorebird colonies.

Temporary Driving Restrictions and Shorebirds

Temporary driving restrictions and recreation access to certain areas of the park have been implemented in order to protect the park’s bird population. This temporary restriction will occur seasonally during times of fledging activity of young, recently hatched shorebirds entering the beach areas from the dunes. This will also occur during low tides at the northern shoals as necessary. The shoals (sand bars) are important foraging and loafing areas for imperiled migratory shore and sea bird species like the Red knot.

Signage

Signs to delineate a parking and driving lane along the Atlantic shoreline have been installed.  The driving lanes are in effect from Memorial Day through Labor Day. In addition, a pedestrian recreation area water-ward of the signs has been established to assist in the management of the area traffic. The water-ward recreation area will be specifically active during this time period.

Background

These new policies and safety measures are reflective of legislation approved by Jacksonville City Council and are in-line with specific requirements related to public safety and environmental resource protection pursuant to the Huguenot Park Management Plan required by the State of Florida and approved by state partnership agencies.

Located at 10980 Heckscher Drive, Huguenot Memorial Park is owned by the State of Florida and the U.S. Federal Government.  The park is leased to the City of Jacksonville and managed by the city’s Department of Recreation and Community Services (JaxParks).