Residents of a small Massachusetts island community are shocked and furious upon learning from town officials that they may not be able to fly American flags to celebrate the nation's upcoming 250th birthday.
The news came in the form of a letter from the town of Newbury, which warned homeowners last week that it had become aware of multiple "devices and materials intended to deter" protected shorebirds from frequenting beach and dune systems.
The letter listed "mylar streamers, flags, and reflective materials" as examples of such devices, and stated that homeowners could face significant financial penalties for failing to comply with the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, which Newbury town officials have vowed to enforce.
"Activities intended to deter protected shorebirds from utilizing suitable habitat may be viewed as harassment or disruption of normal feeding, nesting, or migratory behavior," the letter reads, adding that "carry significant regulatory and financial penalties."
Some residents were stunned to see flags included in the letter. "Are you serious?!" said Marc Sarkady, who has lived on the island for over 30 years. "You're telling me I can't fly American flags on my property to celebrate America 250?"
Sarkady also pointed out that there were "10 miles of open beach" free of houses where the birds can frequent. He and other residents had taken pains to prepare for a major 4th of July celebration honoring America's 250th birthday.
Prior to receiving the letter, Sarkady and other community members had launched a grassroots effort to distribute American flags and signs to commemorate the anniversary. They distributed around 50 American flags and around 100 revolutionary-style flag signs reading, "Plum Island Honors America" to residents across the island.
Town officials, though, are trying to deny that they were prohibiting patriotic displays, including flying American flags. However, the letter's clear language suggests otherwise.
The town's decision to enforce the Endangered Species Acts has sparked controversy, with some residents questioning the need for such strict measures. Sarkady alleged that a Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife official sent a threatening letter to one of his neighbors last year after she put up ornamental banners on her beachside lawn.
The language of the letter was almost identical to that of the one received about the flags, and Sarkady claimed that the state official then called his neighbor directly, vowing serious penalties if she did not comply.
