Vandenberg AFB Surf Beach Rules, 2002
Endangered Western Snowy Plover Nesting Season
March 1 Through September 30
-- Courtesy of Ron Fink

Vandenberg AFB will temporarily close all access to Surf beach on March 1 for about 30-days to allow fences to be erected at the boundaries and hire enforcement officers. Surf beach will reopen about the 5th of April and be open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday between 8 am and 6 pm.

Beach access rules agreed to by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Vandenberg AFB are:

· Approximately 1/2 linear mile of beach is accessible to the general public at Surf beach. The boundaries are clearly marked by fences and signs.

· Surf beach will be closed for the remainder of the nesting season when the limit of 25 violations is reached. Violations are tabulated to include all persons as "violators" who are with the party committing the violation (e.g. one dog, three people equals four [4] violations). A Federal Magistrate may fine violators of beach rules up to $5,000.

· Pets (including dogs on leash), camping, beach fires, fireworks, flying kites, feeding wildlife, horse back riding and ATV's are prohibited at Surf beach.

· If you see a Western Snowy Plover or a WSP nest LEAVE IT ALONE. Harassment, harm, or destruction of snowy plovers, their nests or chicks may be punished by civil penalties up to $25,000 or criminal penalties up to $50,000 and/or one year in prison.

· Please do not feed wildlife under any circumstances. Coyotes and other wildlife that receive "handouts" will become accustomed to them and can become aggressive. For your own safety, and to help protect the plovers, pack all food, bait, fish remains, and other litter off the beach and place in a trash receptacle at beach entry points.

A community volunteer docent will be frequently available near the beach entrance to explain these rules and answer questions concerning the history of the area. The rules of the beach are clearly posted at the entrance to Surf beach in several languages.

A Vandenberg AFB enforcement officer will be on the beach during all open periods.