The closure that began Apr. 10, was intended to refocus attention on the
rules, emphasize that they are not optional, and that violations carry real
consequences for not only violators, but also impacts those who follow the
rules.
“Team Vandenberg members have the privilege of enjoying 42 miles of pristine
California coastline on our own installation,” said Col. Nina Armagno, 30th
Space Wing commander. “It is our duty as both military and local community
members to be good stewards of the environment by maintaining a clean and
safe habitat for the Western Snowy Plover to nest and continue to thrive on
Vandenberg beaches. Surf Beach has 37 of violations so far, which is an
unacceptable amount so early in the season. Let’s work together to preserve
the future for this threatened shorebird.”
Under an agreement with the Air Force and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, only
limited segments of beaches are open from Mar. 1 through Sept. 30 so the
small shorebird can nest. Once a threshold is reached, the beach must close
for the remainder of nesting season.
Those limits are 50 for Surf Beach, which has one-half mile open to the
public for the nesting season, and 10 each for Wall and Minuteman beaches,
limited sections of which are accessible only to people with access to the
base.
Violators of beach restrictions can be fined up to $5,000 in federal court.
Violators of the Endangered Species Act (e.g. crushing eggs or chicks) can
face fines up to $50,000 in federal court and imprisonment for up to one
year. Some beach rules include:
-No littering (including fishing bait and fish remains). Please use trash
containers located at beach entry points.
-No pets off-leash
-No camping
-No beach fires
-No fireworks
-No kite flying
-No feeding wildlife
-No horses or ATV’s (except for authorized enforcement personnel)
To report violators on any of Vandenberg’s beaches, call the conservation
office at 606-6804, or the law enforcement desk at 606-3911. For more
information about the Western Snowy Plover, call The 30th Civil Engineer
Squadron Natural Resources Office at 605-0392