Newbury, a coastal Massachusetts community, has sparked pushback from residents after sending a notice about protecting endangered shore birds. The notice was sent to three Plum Island homeowners who had previously signed easements agreeing to protect the habitats of endangered piping plovers and other state- and federally-protected shore bird species.

Background

According to the office of Town Administrator Tracy Blais, the letter was to remind residents that things identified as shore bird deterrents, especially Mylar streamers, could violate state and federal law. One resident, Marc Sarkady, has more than a dozen flags and streamers of varying sizes set up on the beach outside his home and has no intention of taking them down.

Sarkady said his display was meant to bring together the island and that he was upset when he received the letter, taking it personally. The town said that the notice has absolutely nothing to do with American flags or patriotism, but rather a reminder of state and federal laws regarding the protection of shore birds.

Response

The town added that it and the property owners received federal funds in 2009 to protect them from coastal erosion and that due to this agreement, it is obligated to manage the beach in protection of endangered species. Sarkady has hired a lawyer and is exploring his legal options.

Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.