The beaches at Vandenberg Air Force Base officially opened Tuesday.
Surf Beach was closed last month after it exceeded the number of allowed Snowy Plover Restriction violations.
Restrictions are put in place at all Vandenberg beaches starting each March to protect the threatened bird during its nesting season. The season usually ends on September 30, but this year base officials say all the Plover chicks fledged a little early, which means their feathers and wing muscles are developed for flight.
“I love the little Plovers. They’re good birds. The way they handle it is a little bit confusing. The beach is for everybody. The beach belongs to the world, but we lose it seven months out of the year,” said Linda Wollett, who lives in Lompoc.
Wall and Minuteman beaches are also open to the public. Boundary fences and signs were removed from the beaches.
