Sections of Lompoc-area beaches were again closed off on Wednesday as they are on March 1 every year by Vandenberg Air Force Base in what officials say is an attempt to protect the Western snowy plover.

The restrictions have been enacted at sections of Surf Beach, which is open to the public, as well as Wall and Minuteman beaches, which only are accessible by entering VAFB.

The closures will remain in effect through Sept. 30.

The Western snowy plover islisted as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The closures, according to base officials, are meant to protect the birds, as well as their nesting habitats.

"It's a priority to protect the snowy plover by enforcing beach closures and habitat restoration to reduce negative effects of recreational beach use during their season of breeding," said Samantha Kaisersatt, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron biological scientist. "Dogs, horses and kites are prohibited during this time."

Violations are monitored by VAFB Civil Engineering personnel.

If violations exceed 50 for Surf Beach, 10 for Wall Beach or 10 for Minuteman Beach, that respective beach will be closed for the remainder of the nesting season, which lasts through Sept. 30.

Entry into any posted closed area counts as a violation, officials said.

Violators of beach restrictions can be fined up to $5,000 in federal court.

Violations of the Endangered Species Act, like crushing eggs or chicks, can lead to fines of up to $50,000 in federal court and imprisonment for up to one year.

During plover season, the general public still can access portions of Surf Beach at the west end of Ocean Avenue, which is also Highway 246.

Willis Jacobson covers the city of Lompoc for Lee Central Coast Newspapers. Follow him on Twitter @WJacobsonLR.

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Annual plover restrictions lead to closures at Lompoc-area beaches ... - Santa Maria Times (subscription)