Vandenberg Air Force Base leadership temporarily closed sections of Surf, Wall and Minuteman beaches March 1.

Beach restrictions are enforced annually on all three beaches March 1 through Sept. 30 to protect the Western Snowy Plover, listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, and its nesting habitat.

"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."

Seasonal beach violations are limited to 50 for Surf Beach, 10 for Wall Beach, and 10 for Minuteman Beach. Entry into any posted closed area counts as a violation. If the specified violation limit is reached at a particular beach, that entire beach will be closed for the remainder of the nesting season.

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

Violators of the Endangered Species Act (Violations vary from entering a posted area to crushing eggs or chicks) can face fines up to $50,000 in federal court and imprisonment for up to one year.

During plover season, the general public can still find beach access

available at a portion of Surf Beach at the end of Highway 246. Recreational beach access is also available at portions of Wall Beach off 35th Street and Minuteman Beach on North base for the Vandenberg community. To ensure continued access to these beaches, observe and read the posted signage to avoid violations and beach closures.

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VAFB beaches close for plover nesting season - Santa Maria Times (subscription)