The Western snowy plovers were on the Central Coast beaches, nesting and rearing young at least 100 years before dune buggies or motorcycles were invented. A recent New Times article describes the plovers leaving their enclosure and State Parks staff trying to shoo them back (“Snowy plovers are nesting in Oceano Dunes riding areas amid COVID-19 closures, leading to concerns about reopening,” June 11). Another way to look at it is that the birds’ nesting territory was taken away by humans and vehicles, and they were pushed into a small fraction of their nesting area.
Trying to make them stay in an ever more crowded fenced enclosure is futile when their instincts are to spread out. Plovers’ nests are usually 100 feet apart or more. That way, there is enough space for foraging and wandering without running into another adult male and his brood. Crowding means less food, more stress, and aggression from other birds. They have been in the same 300 acres for more than 15 years.
The harassment of the plovers demonstrates that California State Parks Off-Highway Vehicle Division ought not be in charge of the Western Snowy Plover Recovery Plan. An independent third party that would actually protect the birds is needed. Perhaps if the state and federal fish and wildlife agencies wake up and leap into action, better management of the threatened and endangered species might occur. It is long overdue.
Rachelle Toti
Arroyo Grande
This article appears in Jun 25 – Jul 5, 2020.
While the Snowy Plover is important, the lives of those affected by the long-term use of vehicles on the Oceano Dunes is more pressing. As these vehicles ride along the area, they grind the sand into small particulate, which is easily pulverized and made airborne carrying with it years of petrochemicals. The combination is toxic leading to a significant risk on respiratory illnesses in the surrounds and on the Mesa (i.e., allergies, sinusitis, COPD, cancers, and even death). It appears that many want to kill the messenger and the scientific medical facts behind the messengers warnings. FOOD (Friends of the Oceano Dunes) is a misnomer for a group intent on their personal pleasure without regard for this community. The Dunes are the only place on the California Coast allowing vehicles on the Beach. The beach and Dunes can be a source of pleasure for those who wish to walk at a leisurely pace, run, or just enjoy the beauty of the Dunes. Unfortunately there are many enablers in this tragedy including some State of California employees who Kow Tow to the needs of the more venturous among us. Since they are thrill seekers who thrive on danger, let them take their persons an their attitudes somewhere so we can be safe in Oceano and surrounds.
Could not agree more!!!! The state parks people BROKE FEDERAL LAWS protecting Endangered and Threatened species by harassing these birds and destroying their nests!! I think they should be charged. Why is this swept under the rug?! Shut it down. Get rid of these machines of destruction. Time for sanity to prevail!! We don’t need or want this horrendous destruction in the name of money! There’s more than enough tourist dollars with quiet nature appreciation – the highest and best purpose of this property!