VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Wall Beach will be closed for the remainder of the Plover nesting season and will reopen Oct. 1, 2024.
Beach restrictions are enforced annually on all three Vandenberg beaches (Surf, Wall, and Minuteman) from 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.
Seasonal beach violations are limited to 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 (e.g. crushing eggs or chicks) can face fines up to $50,000 in federal court and imprisonment for up to one year.
“We have a responsibility to protect species determined to be threatened or endangered as stewards of our environment on Vandenberg. Compliance with environmental regulations is also a fundamental enabler of launch operations activities on Vandenberg as defined in our agreements with Federal and State agencies,” said Col. Mark Shoemaker, Space Launch Delta 30 commander. "It is disheartening that despite posted regulations, 10 beachgoers failed to follow the rules, resulting in the closure of one of our best base beaches for everyone."
To ensure continued access to these beaches, observe and read the posted signage to avoid violations and future beach closures.
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To check current beach statuses at Vandenberg, visit https://www.vandenberg.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Environmental/
For more information about Vandenberg Space Force Base email SLD30.PA.workflow@spaceforce.mil or call (805) 606-3595