VANDENBERG AFB Surf, Wall and Minuteman beaches were completely opened Friday to beachgoers without restrictions protecting the Western snowy plover.
The Western snowy plover, a small bird, is considered endangered and Vandenberg is required to enforce restrictions on all three beaches annually to protect the bird’s nesting areas from March 1 to Sept. 30. When human incursions into the nesting areas exceed predetermined limits, the beaches must be closed entirely.
This year the limits were not exceeded and it wasn’t necessary to completely close the beaches. And since all Western snowy plover chicks at the beaches have fledged, Vandenberg Air Force Base is removing boundary fences and signs protecting the nesting areas.
“This year, I challenged our conservation team to both protect the natural environment and keep the beaches open for our local communities to enjoy. … For the first time in three years, we were able to preserve public access to our area’s most cherished oceanfront throughout the entire summer. I’m so proud of all who worked so hard to make this happen,” said Col. Anthony Mastalir, commander of the 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg AFB.
For questions regarding the beach management plan, contact 30th Space Wing Public Affairs at 805-606-3595.
