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Hilton Head Implements Dog Restrictions to Protect Shorebirds

Sunrise at Fish Haul Beach with restricted dog access signs.

News Summary

Following a February 4 Town Council meeting, Hilton Head will enforce new dog restrictions at Fish Haul Beach to protect endangered shorebirds. The designated restricted area will ban dogs year-round, responding to a request from the federal Fish and Wildlife Service. This aligns with preparations for a significant beach renourishment project scheduled for June 2025, which aims to undisturbed nesting habitats for local wildlife, including the rufa red knot and piping plover. Public education campaigns and signage will accompany the new regulations.

Hilton Head will implement new restrictions on dog access at Fish Haul Beach to protect endangered shorebirds following a Town Council meeting on February 4.

The adjustments are a response to a request from the federal Fish and Wildlife Service aimed at safeguarding species that nest in the area. Affected areas will be permanently restricted.

The restricted zone extends from Fish Haul Creek northwest to the entrance of Fish Haul Beach Park.
Current rules prohibit dogs on Fish Haul Beach from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during summer months.
Outside of these hours, dogs may access the beach but must be leashed or under positive voice control.
Under new regulations, dogs will be banned from the restricted area year-round, including winter.

This change is part of preparations for a beach renourishment project kicking off in June 2025, which includes placing 2.2 million cubic yards of sand along major island beaches. The project will limit access to approximately 1,000 feet of beach at a time to mitigate wildlife impact.

Permits for the project are issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, based on input from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Key shorebird species include the rufa red knot and piping plover, along with loggerhead turtles.
The Town Council must amend local animal activity codes before construction starts.
Renourishment activities will be scheduled to avoid the nesting periods of shorebirds and sea turtles, spanning June to October.

The town plans to post signs designating restricted areas and to launch a campaign aimed at public education. Additionally, ongoing shorebird surveys will be conducted as the project unfolds.

Violations of the new animal control regulations can result in fines exceeding $1,000 per offense or potential misdemeanor charges. Pet owners are reminded to clean up after their dogs and can use disposal bags at beach sign locations provided by the Hilton Head Beach Patrol.