Endangered Birds Halt Dune Project in Long Island, N.Y.

A federal judge has temporarily halted a dune replenishment project on New York’s Fire Island over concerns it could harm an endangered bird population.

Newsday reports Judge Sandra Feuerstein’s ruling on Sept. 12 stops work at Smith Point County Park and Fire Island Lighthouse Beach.

It does not affect a project to repair Superstorm Sandy-damaged dunes that protect the island’s residential communities.

Audubon New York sought the restraining order to protect piping plovers that nest along the coast.

The organization says the small birds won’t be able to get to the ocean if they have to climb over the planned 13 to 15-foot mounds.

A hearing is scheduled for Oct. 8.