Surf Beach restrictions in effect to protect snowy plovers through September

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. — Vandenberg Space Force Base has announced that annual seasonal public access restrictions at Surf Beach are now in effect.

The restrictions, required by the Endangered Species Act, help protect the threatened Western snowy plover and its nesting habitat.

For seven months, from March 1 through Sept. 30, beachgoers will have limited access to the coastline at Surf Beach, which is located on Vandenberg Space Force Base property approximately 10 miles west of Lompoc.

"Every year during snowy plover season, we take additional precautions to protect the nesting habitat by closing beaches or restricting access to certain areas," said Col. Mike Jewell, Space Launch Delta 30 deputy commander. "It's not just Surf Beach, but areas across Vandenberg Space Force Base that require these measures to maintain the habitat."

Restrictions include a reduced recreational area, prohibitions on dogs in certain areas, and bans on horseback riding and kite flying.

"The importance of these restrictions is to allow the Western snowy plover to nest and raise their chicks until they fledge. They need the entire beach to do that," said Tiffany Whitsitt-Odell, Space Launch Delta 30 wildlife biologist. "The restrictions have helped increase the population of nesting plovers on Vandenberg Space Force Base. We haven't yet reached the recovery goal set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for our area, but the population has increased."

Violators who enter a restricted area are subject to a $5,000 fine in federal court, while those who harm plover chicks or eggs may face fines of up to $50,000 and imprisonment for up to one year.

"We have personnel who volunteer to monitor the areas, as well as base personnel who routinely surveil the area to ensure compliance with Fish and Wildlife Service standards," Jewell said. "(Violators) are subject to certain penalties. We hope people respect and understand the sensitivity of what we're trying to do so we can all work together as a team."

If violations reach a high level while restrictions are in effect, the entire beach may be closed to visitors.

"As stewards of more than 46 miles of coastline and 118,000 acres at Vandenberg Space Force Base, we take our responsibility to protect the land and its resources very seriously," Jewell said. "We look forward to partnering with the community so that we can all enjoy the vastness of Vandenberg Space Force Base."