Staff Report

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE — Seasonal restrictions for Surf, Wall and Minuteman beaches began Monday, March 1, as part of the annual program to protect the Western Snowy Plover and its nesting habitat.

Under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Biological Opinion requires the 30th Space Wing Commander to enforce restrictions on all three beaches annually, March 1 through Sept. 30, to protect the threatened Western Snowy Plover and its nesting habitat.

“During plover season, the general public can still access much of Surf Beach, but must be careful to avoid the designated restricted areas,” said Col. Anthony Mastalir, 30th Space Wing commander. “Our goal is to maximize beach access for the local community, while still adhering to environmental requirements and safety measures. If everyone does their part, I believe we can protect the snowy plover while we enjoy our beautiful coastline.”

The section of Surf Beach available for recreational access during the nesting season has not changed, but will remain open year-round.

“Violations will continue to be counted and staying out of posted restricted areas is critical to ensuring public beach access. Together we can protect Surf Beach for current and future generations in our local community,” said Samantha Kaisersatt, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron biological scientist. “A trail is available to walk between Surf Beach and Ocean Park behind the restricted nesting area for all to enjoy and plans are in place to construct a permanent boardwalk in the near future.”

Violation limits for Vandenberg’s beaches are imposed per the terms and conditions of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Biological Opinion for Beach Management. Entry into posted restricted beach areas counts as a violation and violators can be fined up to $5,000 in federal court. Violators of the Endangered Species Act (e.g. crushing eggs or chicks) can face fines up to $50,000 in federal court and imprisonment for up to one year.

“We protect the snowy plover by restricting specific areas of the beaches, managing predators, and restoring plover habitat to compensate for the effects of recreational beach use during the breeding season,” said Kaisersatt. “Beach restrictions also include the prohibition of dogs, horses and kites.”

To ensure continued access, the community is asked to take care of the beaches and abide by the requirements to maintain recreational access for everyone. Visitors are also asked to read and follow the rules on the posted signage to avoid violations and beach closure.

Open hours at Surf Beach are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Beach access at Wall and Minuteman is allowed from sunrise to sunset.

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The Valley Oak Gallery at the Wildling Museum of Art & Nature has gone to the birds.

George Lockwood, The Settlers, acrylic

“Our Feathered Friends: Birds of the Tri-Counties” features the paintings of Jim Hodgson, René C. Reyes and George Lockwood, who share their unique artistic perspectives of bird species that can be found in Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties.

Santa Barbara County and the region are renowned for bird diversity and are a hotspot for birders with the Central Coast a stop along the migratory Pacific Flyway.

Also in the gallery a monitor will be showing a short film by Michael Love, “The Snowy Plover and You.” Featured in the NatureTrack Film Festival, this film documents the decline in population of the snowy plover and how it can be reversed.

During the exhibition there will be birding lectures and excursions to expand patrons’ knowledge of local birds.

For more information, go to www.wildlingmuseum.org or call 805-686-8315.

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Caltrans has replaced concrete slabs, repaved shoulders and ramps, and restriped pavement along a two-mile section of Highway 101 through Buellton, the first Central Coast project completed with funding from Senate Bill 1.

“Caltrans is quickly moving ahead with improving major infrastructure across the state as a result of this new funding source.  Over the next year, motorists throughout the state will benefit from more efficiency, not only on the state highways but on local surface streets as well due to SB 1,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty.

“I am very pleased that our first project under SB 1 has been completed.  This is the first of several projects that will repair our highway bridges, pavement and drainage systems in many locations, improving travel for everyone,” said Caltrans District 5 Director Tim Gubbins.

The contractor for the $4 million project was Papich Construction of Grover Beach.  For more information, visit rebuildingca.ca.gov.

Volunteers sought for county boards

County Supervisor Joan Hartmann is seeking residents in Santa Barbara County’s 3^rd District to volunteer for the county’s Behavioral Wellness Commission (two openings), Central County Board of Architecture Review, Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, Human Services Commission, Civil Service Commission and Veteran’s Services Advisory Committee.

“Volunteer service on a commission or board is a great opportunity to learn about county government while also providing public service by advising the Board of Supervisors on important policy issues affecting our communities,” Hartmann said.

The Third District includes UCSB, Isla Vista, western Goleta and the Gaviota Coast; the Santa Ynez Valley; the unincorporated parts of Lompoc; and Vandenberg Village, Casmalia, Tanglewood and the city of Guadalupe.

For some positions, volunteers may need to meet specific eligibility requirements to serve. The following is a brief description of these boards and committees:

To apply online or learn more about boards and commissions, go to countyofsb.org/ceo/boards-commissions/apply.sbc.

Application forms are also available at the Office of the Clerk of the Board at 105 E. Anapamu St., Room 407, on the fourth floor of the county administration building in Santa Barbara. For more information or assistance with submitting an application, contact Gina Fischer at 805-568-2192 or gfischer@countyofsb.org.

Part of Surf, other beaches closed for plover breeding

Vandenberg Air Force Base closed parts of Surf, Wall and Minuteman beaches on March 1 as part of its annual program to protect the Western snowy plover and its habitat during the breeding season.

Only Surf Beach, at the end of Highway 246 west of Lompoc, is available to the general public. Base personnel have access to Wall and Minuteman beaches.

Restrictions are enforced on all three Vandenberg beaches from March 1 through Sept. 30 to protect the plover, which is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

“We protect the snowy plover by closing specific areas of the beaches, managing predators and restoring plover habitat to compensate for the effects of recreational beach use during the breeding season,” said Samantha Kaisersatt, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron biological scientist. “Beach closures also include a prohibition on dogs, horses and kites,” in addition to the complete closure of certain sections.

Beach restriction violators can be fined up to $5,000 in federal court. People who destroy eggs or chicks can face fines up to $50,000 in federal court and imprisonment for up to a year.

Each entry into posted closed beach areas counts as a violation. If violations exceed 50 for Surf Beach, 10 for Wall Beach, and 10 for Minuteman Beach, that entire beach will be closed for the remainder of the nesting season.

During plover season, the public has access to the designated portion of Surf Beach from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

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