View of the protected beach at Montrose (click to see the larger version)

If you’ve been to Montrose you’ve probably noticed the fencing and roping on the beach and in the Dunes and Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary. The fencing and roping are there for a good reason – to protect the natural areas from potentially harmful human activity. For example, the Dunes are home to unusual and fragile plants that are easily trampled. Montrose is a wonderful natural area but it’s also popular with joggers, dog walkers, birders and others. If these areas weren’t cordoned off they would be overrun with people who could, unintentionally, harm the nature that makes Montrose so special. Not being able to access these areas is an inconvenience to birders, but the protection gives the plants and animals a chance to thrive and feel safe.