In response to recommendations by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and pursuant to the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, the Department of Parks, Recreation, Entertainment and Conservation will close approximately 700 feet of beach at Huguenot Memorial Park to vehicular traffic.  This is required to protect a number of bird species nesting in the northern part of the park. 

The area will be accessible to pedestrians but no vehicles will be permitted.  The closure is effective today and the area will remain closed through the end of the month.

In addition, the park will close the entire beach to vehicular traffic at 8 p.m. to protect area wildlife.  The beach will still be accessible to pedestrians. 

Birds nesting in Huguenot include Black Skimmers, American Oystercatchers, Royal Terns, Least Terns and Laughing Gulls.

All wildlife in the park is protected by City Ordinance Sec. 28.818 which states, “Hunting or disturbing animals prohibited. (a)   It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt or disturb in any manner any of the fish, water fowl, birds, reptiles or any animals whatsoever present in, belonging to or preserved in any park or other recreational facility.” 

Anyone found disturbing birds or other park-dwelling animals may be subject to a fine.  The fine for harming or harassing migratory birds is $15,000.

Managed by the City of Jacksonville’s Department of Parks, Recreation, Entertainment and Conservation, Huguenot Memorial Park is located at 10980 Heckscher Drive.  The park is currently open daily 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

To learn more about Huguenot Memorial Park, call (904) 251-3335 or visit www.jaxparks.com.  To learn more about the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, visit www.fws.gov.