COMMISSION

Western Snowy Plover and Least Tern Nesting Program
Each year, the federally threatened western snowy plover
(Charadrius alexandrines) and California least terns (Sterna
antillarum browni) breed at Oceano Dunes SVRA from March to
September. Oceano Dunes SVRA continues to be an important
breeding site and approximately 250 acres of the park are closed
to the public during the birds’ breeding season.
Oceano Dunes SVRA resources staff intensively monitor the
nesting and fledgling success of these two species seven days
per week. An effort is made to locate every nest within the park.
Since 1998, Oceano Dunes SVRA staff attempt to band and
search for all chicks that hatch from the site in order to track
their movement and survival. In addition, Oceano Dunes SVRA
management efforts include:
Western snowy plover juvenile
California least tern juvenile
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maintaining the six-foot “no-climb” fence that surrounds the 300 acre closure;
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enhancing nesting habitat with driftwood, wood chips, and least tern shelters (for
added protection from predators and the elements);
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predator management;
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monitoring and enhancement of beach invertebrate communities;
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educating park visitors; and
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enforcement of resource protection regulations.
This program has gathered important information on breeding activity, factors influencing
breeding success and chick survival, and changes in adult breeding populations.
Environmental scientists analyze the monitoring data and
trends and adapt management actions to improve the nesting
program. Thanks to these monitoring and management
activities, Oceano Dunes SVRA has been able to document
stable and growing trends in breeding bird populations and
chick survival. These efforts help in the recovery of the least
tern and snowy plover while keeping OHV use and other
recreational opportunities available to the public. Oceano
Dunes District employs up to eight seasonal snowy plover and
least tern monitors each year. The staff members are often
local biologists recruited as recent Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
graduates and several of them have been hired from other
parts of the state or country.
Six-foot “no-climb” fence
2017 Program Report 105