Vandenberg opens all beaches

  • Published
  • 30th Space Wing Public Affairs

Surf, Wall and Minuteman beaches will be open to beachgoers without Western snowy plover restrictions Friday, Sept. 20.

Under the Endangered Species Act, the United States 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. Per the Biological Opinion, since all snowy plover chicks have fledged, the 30th Space Wing Commander has directed all beaches be re-opened and all boundary fences and signs be removed.

"Vandenberg remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the beach habitat," said Col. Anthony Mastalir, 30th Space Wing commander. "This year, I challenged our conservation team to both protect the natural environment and keep the beaches open for our local communities to enjoy. Their efforts, along with our partnership with Mayor Osborne and the citizens of Lompoc, have paid huge dividends. For the first time in three years, we were able to preserve public access to our area's most cherished oceanfront throughout the entire summer. I'm so proud of all who worked so hard to make this happen."

Certain restrictions still apply during the winter season, so while visiting the beach, please remember the beach rules:

  • No littering (including fishing bait and fish remains). Please use trash containers located at beach entry points.
  • No pets off-leash
  • No camping
  • No beach fires
  • No fireworks
  • No kite flying
  • No feeding wildlife
  • No horses or ATV's (except for authorized enforcement personnel)

Lifeguards are not present at the beach, so remember to never swim alone and be cognizant of your surroundings for safety.

For questions regarding the beach management plan, please contact 30th Space Wing Public Affairs at (805) 606-3595.