Parts of wildlife safe haven Higbee Beach in Lower Township, Cape May County will be closed through 2026 to help restore it, according to NJDEP Fish & Wildlife.

Over 400 acres of Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area will be restored in the Pond Creek Restoration Project. It’s right off Sunset Boulevard, a popular summer spot for beachgoers to watch the sunset.

The agency says the closure will not affect the parking lot behind Sunset Beach Gifts located on Sunset Boulevard. However, the parking lot across from the World War II Lookout Tower will be closed.

The project will focus on the wetlands and marshes, a safe haven for migratory birds, fish and various threatened and endangered species.

The area is expected to be closed until December 2026. NJDEP Fish & Wildlife says this closure is for public safety reasons and to protect and preserve the land and water areas of Higbee Beach WMA.