Champagne Island is becoming party island for boaters. And local birders are not amused.
The island is just a spit of sand between Stone Harbor and North Wildwood. On the tiny portion of the sand bar that stays above sea level, endangered birds like Piping Plovers and Black Skimmers and Royal Terns nest. (Click to read more on Royal Terns.)
These days, the tiny chicks and their mothers share the space with hundreds of boaters who zip out to Champagne Island and squeeze together on the narrow sandbar for a little sun and surf.
Birders counted more than 80 boats and 400 sun bathers one day last week alone.
This past Sunday, there was even a floating snack bar docked at the sand bar.
Local birder Chris Vogel says he’s counted close to 30 Royal Tern nests on the island in the last week. Apparently, it’s the northernmost nesting spot for the terns.
He’s also counted as many as 900 Skimmers there recently.
Vogel wants to get the island protected so the birdies can fledge peacefully. The question is - who owns Champagne Island?
Lois Lane dutifully put a call into the NJ Divison of Fish, Game and Wildlife. She asked a simple question: Who owns Champagne Island?
Lois Lane was referred to DEP’s public relations department. We are still waiting for a call back.
We’ll let you know when we know.
Unless you know. Then, by all means, let us know.