Vandenberg SFB Beach Restrictions for Seasonal Snowy Plover Nesting Now Lifted

All sections of Surf, Wall and Minuteman Beaches on Vandenberg Space Force Base officially opened on September 19.

Seasonal restrictions are enforced annually on all Vandenberg beaches from March 1 through September 30 to protect the nesting habitat of the Western Snowy Plover, which is federally listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. 

Western Snowy Plover biologists have documented that all Western Snowy Plover chicks on Vandenberg beaches have fledged and are able to care for themselves without assistance from their parents. Therefore, beach restrictions may be lifted before September 30th.

Once numbering in the thousands, fewer than 2,400 breeding Western Snowy Plovers remain on the Pacific Coast, and Vandenberg SFB beaches are one of the few suitable breeding habitats remaining in the state.

Throughout the year, the SLD 30 environmental team at Vandenberg SFB collaborates closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other coastal land managers to manage, monitor, and assess the population and breeding success of Western Snowy Plovers on base beaches.

During the breeding season, Western Snowy Plover eggs hatch in approximately 27 days, and within hours, the chicks begin foraging for insects and other beach invertebrates. The chicks become independent about 30 days after hatching. However, surviving those critical first two months presents a significant challenge, one that the SLD 30 environmental team actively monitors and protects.

A crucial aspect of the Vandenberg Western Snowy Plover management program is educating beachgoers on how to enjoy these areas while adhering to seasonal beach restrictions. During the 2025 Western Snowy Plover breeding season, Vandenberg beach keepers and volunteer Western Snowy Plover docents interacted with over 20,000 visitors at Surf Beach and Ocean Park.

Additional year-round restrictions will continue to be enforced on all beaches and can be found here: https://www.vandenberg.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Environmental/