There’s nothing better than Scarborough’s beaches in the summer. There are a few guidelines to follow on your summer beach visits. Check signage at beach entrances if you have any questions while you are there.

Dogs

If you are used to bringing your dog to the beach throughout the year, be aware that dog beach access rules change from May 15 through Labor Day. During this season, the following rules are in effect:

•­ Dawn to 9 a.m. – Dogs allowed off leash if under voice and sight control

•­ 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – No dogs allowed on the beach

­• 5 p.m. to dusk – Dogs allowed on leash only

­• Adhere to restricted area limits

Please note restricted areas between April 1 and Labor Day: Higgins, Ferry/Western and Pine Point beaches all have restricted areas where dogs are not allowed (Higgins and Ferry/Western) or where dogs must be on leash (Pine Point). Look for the signs on the beaches that mark restricted areas. These are common nesting sites for endangered piping plovers and it is our most effective means of keeping them as protected as possible.

Piping plovers

Scarborough beaches are some of the few places in Maine where endangered piping plovers make their nests and raise their chicks every summer. There are active efforts in Scarborough to protect the species – Maine Audubon checks on nests twice weekly as part of their Coastal Birds Project. Additionally, the town of Scarborough trains volunteer beach monitors to do outreach on the beaches. Do your part in protecting them by following the dog rules (outlined above) and filling in any holes dug on the beach. Kite flying, kite surfing, sand surfing and drones must be kept at least 650 feet away from nesting birds. Keep a far distance from nesting birds and chicks when running, biking and playing beach games. Please also stay out of the dune grass, which provides wildlife habitat and protects against erosion.

The town of Scarborough has worked with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Maine Audubon for several years to make our beaches safer for these endangered shorebirds, and the efforts are paying off. Over the past few years, Maine’s piping plover population has steadily increased, with more adults returning to nest on Maine’s beaches each year. In addition to piping plovers, Higgins Beach is also an important nesting area for endangered least terns. To learn more about these two species of endangered shorebirds, visit Maine Audubon’s website at maineaudubon.org/projects/plovers-terns.

 Carry-in, carry-out 

As a beach goer, we rely on you to help keep these public spaces clean and safe for all. No unauthorized vehicles, fires or fireworks are allowed on any town beach. This limits pollution, respects neighboring residences and protects wildlife. Over the past few years, Scarborough has transitioned its public beaches and parks to a carry-in/carry-out model. When leaving the beach, please take your trash with you. This reduces costs and helps us meet our goal of limiting our environmental footprint.

Parking passes

If you’re heading to the beach often this summer, consider purchasing a resident or non-resident beach parking pass from Town Hall. Passes adhere to your car windshield and cover parking for Higgins, Ferry and Pine Point (Hurd Park). It does not apply for Scarborough Beach State Park. Parking passes are available for purchase in the Town Clerk’s office during open hours, Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please bring your vehicle registration and proof of residency if you are purchasing the resident pass. Fee collection at the town beach lots occurs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The town of Scarborough aims to ensure all visitors – people, pets and wildlife – are able to enjoy their time at the beach and that our natural resources are conserved for the future. Please direct questions about Scarborough’s beaches to Scarborough Community Services at 730-4150 or comserv@scarboroughmaine.org.

Jami Fitch is the sustainability manager for the town of Scarborough.