Upper Township officials have approved a new beach‑tag system that will end the long‑standing free access to Strathmere’s shoreline. The policy is set to take effect in the summer of 2027, requiring visitors to purchase a tag in order to use the county’s beaches.
The decision was made to create a reliable source of revenue for beach maintenance and related services. By shifting to a paid‑tag model, officials aim to ensure that the costs of upkeep, cleaning, and facility improvements are covered without relying on other funding streams.
Residents and visitors who frequent the nearby beaches will be directly affected by the change. The new system will apply uniformly across Strathmere, meaning that anyone wishing to enjoy the sand and surf will need to obtain a tag before the start of the 2027 season.
While the policy marks a departure from the traditional open‑access model, Upper Township leaders emphasized that the primary goal is to preserve the quality of the beachfront for future generations. The tag revenue is intended to support ongoing maintenance tasks, such as dune restoration, litter removal, and the upkeep of public amenities.
Local beach users have been informed that the implementation will follow the approval process, with details on how to purchase tags to be released closer to the summer season. The change reflects a broader trend among coastal municipalities seeking sustainable funding mechanisms for high‑traffic recreational areas.
The upcoming shift to a paid‑tag system represents a significant policy adjustment for Strathmere and its surrounding communities, aligning financial resources with the needs of beach preservation and service provision.