Market hunting around the turn of the century and habitat destruction have diminished their numbers severely. The recovery process is slow and it its unlikely the bird will ever approach historic levels again. In 1986 the Piping Plover was placed on Michigan's Endangered Species List and is today protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The Great Lakes population of Piping Plovers is now found only in Michigan on the Lake Michigan and Lake Superior shores. Threats to Piping Plovers include human encroachment and habitat destruction.
Plovers nest on wide, open beaches with a mix of cobble and sand.
Beaches used by plovers are those favored by humans for recreation and development. Plover eggs are difficult to spot and may be stepped on by unknowing people. Unrestrained domestic dogs and cats can also pose a serious threat to adults and chicks. Despite these setbacks, plovers are making a comeback. The Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, Michigan DNR, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, United States Forest Service, University of Minnesota, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and others have teamed up to help monitor, study and protect these birds.