BLM release – The nesting season for the western snowy plover, a small shorebird that lays its eggs and raises its young in the open dry sand, begins on area beaches March 15 and runs through September 15. As stewards, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages public lands for the benefit of current and future generations, supporting conservation to help protect the nests, eggs and chicks of the threatened birds. The BLM asks beach visitors to plan their trip to ensure their visit is enjoyable and protects the threatened shorebird. From March 15 to September 15, beachgoers will have access to the wet sand portion of the beach on the North Spit of Coos Bay and at New River/Floras Lake, south of Bandon, Oregon, but should keep off of the dry sand so the plovers can nest undisturbed. No dogs, vehicles, bicycles, camping, fires, or kites are allowed on BLM lands in these areas during the nesting season. The US Forest Service, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and Army Corps of Engineers manage additional western snowy plover nesting areas in Oregon. In total, the access restrictions are in place along approximately 18 miles of Oregon’s 362 miles of shoreline. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the Pacific coast population of the western snowy plover as threatened in 1993. The primary threats to snowy plover survival are habitat loss, urban development, European beachgrass growth, and predators such as crows, ravens, foxes and skunks. The population has increased dramatically in the last 30 years thanks to management efforts and the cooperation of the beach-going public. More information on the BLM beach restrictions can be obtained from the Coos Bay District Office at 541-756-0100. Visit http://www.fws.gov/oregonfwo/Species/Data/WesternSnowyPlover/default.asp to learn more about the western snowy plover.
