Chapter 3 - Natural Resources - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Chapter 3 - Natural Resources - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Chapter 3 - Natural Resources - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
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Integrated <strong>Natural</strong> <strong>Resources</strong> Management Plan [March 2012 - Update]<br />
3.2.4.8. Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus)<br />
The western snowy plover<br />
(Charadrius alexandrinus<br />
nivosus) is a small shorebird<br />
(length 6 inches), pale in color,<br />
with a thin dark bill, dark or<br />
grayish legs, partial breast band<br />
and a dark ear patch. They forage<br />
above the mean high-water line<br />
of coastal beaches, gathering<br />
invertebrates from sand surface,<br />
kelp, marine-mammal carcasses,<br />
or low foredune vegetation<br />
(USFWS 2005a). Typical<br />
FIGURE 3-19. WESTERN SNOWY PLOVER<br />
breeding season occurs within<br />
the Special Management Season<br />
(PHOTO SOURCE: STEPHEN J. DAVIES, USFWS)<br />
from 1 March through 15<br />
September. Factors contributing<br />
to the decline of the western snowy plover are attributed to predation, loss of habitat and<br />
human disturbance.<br />
MANAGEMENT STATUS<br />
Federal Status<br />
The western snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) was listed by the USFWS as<br />
threatened on 5 March 1993 (USFWS 1993b). Critical habitat for the western snowy plover<br />
was published on 7 December 1999 (USFWS 1999c), and no critical habitat was<br />
designated within the <strong>Base</strong> boundary at that time due to anticipated completion of the <strong>Base</strong><br />
INRMP. On 17 December 2004, the USFWS published a proposal to designate critical<br />
habitat for the Pacific coast distinct population segment of the western snowy plover,<br />
pursuant to a court order issued in July 2003 (USFWS 2004d). The court order partially<br />
vacated critical habitat established for the Pacific coast population of the western snowy<br />
plover and remanded the previous designation of critical habitat for preparation of a new<br />
analysis of the economic impacts (Coos County Board of County Commissioners et al. v.<br />
Department of the Interior (DoI) et al.). On 29 September 2005, the USFWS published a<br />
final rule designating critical habitat for the Pacific coast population of the western snowy<br />
plover, and approximately 40 acres of critical habitat was designated on <strong>Base</strong> within State<br />
Park leased lands (Unit CA 24, San Onofre Beach) (USFWS 2005j). This unit stretches<br />
roughly 0.8 miles from the mouth of San Mateo Creek to the mouth of San Onofre Creek<br />
(USFWS 2005j). An additional 49 acres on <strong>Base</strong>, outside of the State Park lease area, were<br />
excluded from critical habitat designation pursuant to Section 4(a)(3) of the ESA because<br />
the USFWS review found that the <strong>Camp</strong> <strong>Pendleton</strong> INRMP provides a benefit for the<br />
species (USFWS 2005j). The snowy plover is protected by the MBTA.<br />
On 20 February 2004, the USFWS announced a 90-day finding on a petition to remove the<br />
Pacific coast population of the western snowy plover from the Federal List of Threatened<br />
<strong>Chapter</strong> 3 – <strong>Natural</strong> <strong>Resources</strong> 3-51