Wall Beach near Vandenberg Space Force Base will remain closed for several weeks following violations committed by beachgoers, base officials announced on Wednesday.
Officials stated that the closure, initially set to end in October, was prompted by ten individuals entering restricted zones intended to safeguard snowy plovers during their nesting season. As a result of these illegal entries, authorities have opted to shut down the beach entirely throughout the nesting period.
Those found breaching these restrictions may face fines in federal court, as per authorities.
The snowy plover, classified as threatened by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, has seen its Pacific coast population decline due to habitat loss and disturbances caused by development, recreation, and other human activities, according to California State Parks.