Former boaters’ sanctuary off Forsythe Refuge reserved for the birds
By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
The state Department of Environmental Protection has announced the existence of a new island just south of the Little Egg Inlet and a new rule that prevents public access to it.
Horseshoe Island, a newly formed 100-acre area of land, has been slowly rising out of the water since 2018, but only recently has it remained dry enough year-round to make it suitable for nesting birds. Scientists say they were unable to closely monitor and inspect the site during the COVID-19 pandemic, but estimate that the horseshoe-shaped island may have been high and dry enough to call it an island since late 2020.
Meanwhile the wildlife hasn’t needed an official ruling to decide; birds have already taken up residence in impressive numbers. Nor have boaters, who have adopted it as a favorite spot to spend peaceful afternoons on the water with friends.
Horseshoe Island, located about 1,000 feet away from Little Beach Island within the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, and a few miles south of Long Beach Island, has become a critical habitat for endangered shorebirds, according to wildlife experts.
The Department of Environmental Protection reports that it’s home to 470 least terns, the largest least tern colony in the state, and 80 red knots, which are both federally threatened and state endangered.
Species such as oystercatchers, royal terns, common terns, black skimmers, piping plovers, and even brown pelicans either nest, roost, or forage on Horseshoe Island.
Given the site’s new popularity with important bird species and its status as a favorite location for recreational boaters, the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service petitioned the New Jersey Tidelands Resource Council in February to approve a management plan that would limit public access to the island. The council approved the plan which means for the next five years, the island will be closed to the public from March 1 through Sept. 20.
The Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, which has partnered with state officials to maintain and monitor the new island, is also assisting with public outreach.
A spokesman acknowledged that boaters looking to explore the island or fish nearby are frustrated at the new strict precautions placed around the island, but stressed that Horseshoe Island is a special case.
“This island is incredibly unique, not just because of its emergence,” said Todd Pover, a senior biologist with the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey. “It’s become a very important habitat despite, its small size, and we need to respect that.”
Pover explained that sandbars (or shoals) rising out of water aren’t anything new, but Horseshoe Island’s special shape and purpose create intrigue.
“We don’t know if it’s anything permanent, but for now, it’s an island, and it even shows up on Google Earth,” said Pover.
As Memorial Day approaches, boaters are increasingly angered by the new restrictions because for the past three years, they’ve swam, picnicked, and played on the island.
On weekends in the summers, up to 30 boats are anchored along the shoal. Jason Bryanson, a boat owner from Port Republic, said his family and friends enjoy this “little secret” every season.
“These birds have all this land to lay their eggs (referring to the Forsythe Wildlife Refuge), but now because a couple birds nested here, we can’t share the island. The whole sandbar is a mile or two long. I’m pretty sure we can share,” said Bryanson.
The Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey reported at the February tidelands council meeting that boaters release their dogs on the island, which could harm birds or frighten them.
Larry Hajna, a DEP spokesman, defended the management plan. He noted that boaters can still sail around Horseshoe Island and enjoy it off-season.
“This type of habitat along the New Jersey coast is rare,” said Hajna. “We have to protect the greater good.”
Bryanson, representing the boaters’ side of the issue, believes that boaters have more of a right to the land than birds do.
“This was a family-friendly way to enjoy the nice weather and water,” said Bryanson. “It’s unpatriotic to take away our hangout spot.”
Sarah Fertsch is a writer and artist who has recently moved back to South Jersey. She loves satire, a good cup of coffee, and exploring new places.
