How are you choosing to celebrate Fourth of July this year? Are you breaking out the cornhole board and BBQ, spending time with friends and family, watching a firework show, or enjoying public lands?
If you find yourself celebrating at one of California’s North Coast beaches this year, please be aware of its wild residents. Threatened western snowy plovers, amongst other critters, live and depend on these beaches. Right now, plovers are breeding and focused on creating the next generation of small, feathered beachgoers.
Fourth of July can be an especially perilous time for plovers. Use of fireworks and increased human presence on beaches are serious threats to these birds and their offspring. Fireworks are known to cause nest, chick, and territory abandonment. This abandonment leads to increased vulnerability to predators, nest and chick failure, and impacts to adults’ health. Increased human presence can have these effects and result in accidental trampling of eggs and chicks if people (and their pets) walk through dry sand areas that represent good plover nesting habitat.
You can help these plover parents and their chicks survive by taking a few simple actions:
Fireworks - Check beach-specific firework regulations before you plan your Fourth of July weekend activities. Fireworks are not allowed on most public beaches.
Dogs - Know beach-specific dog rules before you go. If dogs are permitted, follow the leash rules. Do not allow your dog(s) to chase birds.
Leave space for wildlife and enjoy the birds from afar - Leave birds alone; don’t approach or chase them.
· Avoid prolonged picnicking or sunbathing in plover nesting habitat (dry sand areas above the wrack line.)
· Walk on the wet, hard-packed sand below the wrack line to avoid nesting habitat.
· Respect all posted signs and/or roped-off areas for the protection of wildlife.
Camping - Camp or build fires only in designated areas.
Trash - Pack out trash, don’t leave or bury it. Garbage attracts predators such as ravens, crows, ravens, gulls, and skunks. Please dispose of all trash properly and do not inadvertently or intentionally feed wildlife.
Vehicles - If you’re on a beach that allows vehicles, drive ‘low and slow’, staying on the hard- packed sand below the high tide line where plovers forage.
· Avoid driving over old vehicle or foot tracks as plovers like to rest or “loaf” in these and become extremely hard to see.
Kites - Avoid flying kites or other hovering objects near plover nesting habitat.
To balance recreational opportunities and wildlife protection along the North Coast, beach activities may be restricted to certain areas during the breeding season, March 1- September 15. You can do your part in protecting adults, chicks, and eggs by knowing and adhering to location- specific rules and regulations. For more information on the “snowy plover and you,” beach rules and regulations, beach access, and a user-friendly dog guide/map, explore the following links:
· "The Snowy Plover and You" Video
· California Department of Parks and Recreation
· "Enjoying Humboldt’s Wild Places with Your Dog" Map
· 29 Awesome Dog-Friendly Redwood Parks Guide
· South Humboldt Bay and Ocean Beach Access Information
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information about our work and the people who make it happen, visit the Arcata Fish and Wildlife Office Webpage or connect with us via Facebook, YouTube, and Flickr.
The Bureau of Land Management's mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Friends of the Dunes is dedicated to conserving the natural diversity of coastal environments through community supported education and stewardship programs.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation’s mission is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high- quality outdoor recreation.
Original source can be found here.
