Horseshoe Island is currently one of the most critically important areas for birds in the state of New Jersey, including many species that are endangered, threatened or are species of special concern. In February of 2022, the Tideland Resource Council voted to assign management rights of Horseshoe Island to NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, including a restriction to public use from March 1 – September 30 for a period of five years, beginning in 2022.

As such, the seasonal restriction of the public’s use of Horseshoe Island is currently in effect through September 30, 2023.

This seasonal restriction on Horseshoe Island provides thousands of birds with an unparalleled opportunity to utilize a disturbance-free inlet island for nesting, migrating and roosting. In this instance, providing undisturbed habitat has paid big dividends for avian species including red knot, piping plover, black skimmer, least tern, common tern and American oystercatchers, which the New Jersey Wildlife Action Plan identifies as Focal Species of Greatest Conservation Need. As the island persists, wildlife diversity and abundance are expected to increase.

• Horseshoe Island Informational Video
• Learn More about Horseshoe Island
• Horseshoe Island 2022 Report