Massachusetts Residents Advised Not to Fly American Flags Ahead of July 4

Residents of a Massachusetts island have been warned about putting their flags on display.

On Saturday, June 27, Fox News Digital obtained a letter from the Town of Newbury sent to Plum Island homeowners explaining they have “become aware of the use of devices and materials” such as “mylar streamers, flags, [and] reflective materials” that were “intended to deter” protected shorebirds from using the beach and dunes.

The letter warns “activities intended to deter protected shorebirds from utilizing suitable habitat may be viewed as harassment or disruption of normal feeding, nesting, or migratory behavior,” which violates the federal Endangered Species Act, and “carry significant regulatory and financial penalties.”

“Non-compliance may result in state or federal enforcement actions and, thus, the Town urges residents to comply with applicable state and federal wildlife protection laws,” the notice further read.

Resident Marc Sarkady felt that by mentioning “flags,” the town was alluding to Independence Day. Before the letter was sent out, Sarkady and others in the community distributed American flags and signs reading “Plum Island Honors America” to fellow residents.

“Are you serious?” Sarkady told the outlet of his reaction. “You’re telling me I can’t fly American flags on my property to celebrate America 250?”

Sarkady said there’s already about “10 miles of open beach” that serves as “a nature preserve.”

“So, to us, it’s like, ‘Folks, come on, be reasonable,'” he added.

However, Newbury Town Administrator Tracy Blais denied that the town was trying to infringe on Fourth of July decorations and insisted that residents could freely celebrate the occasion.

In a statement, Blais told Fox News the town is “not in any way attempting to interfere with the property owner’s rights to use their property or to restrict their use of their property for ordinary and patriotic purposes.”

“The letter merely recited provisions of the law, and the Town is not asserting any threat or legal liability — merely reminding property owners that they live in a very special place which comes along with certain responsibilities,” Blais noted. “The Town is not asserting any rights or control it does not have, and I think the Town’s letter is pretty clear on that point.”

However, Sarkady and two of his neighbors decided to contact the Pacific Legal Foundation PLF which sent a letter to Town of Newbury Conservation Agent Mason Ferrick saying the town’s notice raised “significant concerns.”

The flag drama seems to be happening across the country as the Daily Wire reported on Monday, June 29, that residents in San Diego County, California, said their homeowners association told them they could face a $100 fine if they continued to display American flags outside their homes.