OT snowy plover

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1216 Posts Portland BRACKISH

Just read an article in the Oregonian today. This summer the Habitat Conservation Plan for the Western Snowy Plover • August 2010 was released. I browsed it but Oregon St Parks hadn't rec'd the incidental take permit (allowed deaths of endangered species). This apparently has been issued, so beach use for kiting will likely see scrutiny at plover habitat areas for protection from human use. Here is my take of what to expect:

3 new unoccupied areas on the north coast will be monitored for whether the plovers will occupy (along with Bandon on the south coast): Ft. Stevens (north of the south jetty only, e.g. river beach), Necanicum spit (Gearhart side only), and Nehalem spit (basically all of the State Park beach). See pictures. The report lists several other sites that are either occupied already, or are on a wait list to see whether they will be selected as unoccupied/potential sites to include Netarts).

Monitoring of these sites through July 15th will result in an assessment of whether there are plovers there. If not, the enforcement of human use for otherwise authorized beach activities will stop for the season (March 15 - Sept 15).

Kiteboarding is listed as a recreational activity, but in general grouped with parasailing and remote control airplanes. Kiteboarding, specifically, is not listed as an unauthorized activity in unoccupied areas but "Kite flying" is restricted in occupied areas. The distinction is vague, however, whether kiteboarding and "kite flying" are different. They are classified as different now, however, I can see this becoming a potential issue as the dangers for plovers as described in the "Kite flying" sections could easily be attributed to kiteboarding.

This summer, be aware when you are kiting in these areas. Put your kites down near the water, pack them up quickly and minimize your visual footprint. On the north coast anyway, I don't see much risk with the exception of Nehalem where it is a popular pick up site for downwinders from Manzo. We'll have to keep an eye on the enforcement of dogs and horses there too. It is easy for rangers to key in on kiters because they are so visible. Again, if no plovers are found then the restriction will be lifted July 15. Again, kiteboarding is NOT specifically listed as unauthorized use but kite flying would be if there are plovers. Birders and other zealots (I think) could argue that kiteboarding should be categorized as kite flying if we give them a reason like landing kites in the dunes and generally kooking out or learning/beach flying in these areas.

Here are some selected excerpts from the report:

Section "3.3.1. Public Use/Recreation Management"
> Near Shore Activities/Surf Spots
"These activities are not likely to occur within or near most of the SPMAs or RMAs although some wind and kite surfing does occur near Bandon from the China Creek access point. OPRD is planning to move the access point at China Creek farther north to avoid the existing nesting sites. Where near shore/surf sports activities do occur, human movement to and from the water, the presence of dogs, and gear washing up on the shore could disturb snowy plovers. People engaging in these activities would be required to comply with existing and future recreational use restrictions."
> Kite-flying (pg 3-9)
"Kite flying is currently unrestricted on the covered lands (this means unoccupied but monitored). Hang gliding, parasailing, and use of
remote-control planes that originate or land over the beach are also included in this
category."

Section "5.3.1. Conversation Measures"
> Public Use/Recreation Management
Table 5-3 Public Use/Recreational Management Conservation Measures
Unoccupied Actively Managed Areas For unoccupied SPMAs/RMAs being actively managed for snowy plover occupancy the following seasonal (breeding) use restrictions will be imposed upon request from the landowner after OPRD coordination with USFWS:
- Dogs required to be on-leash;
- Vehicles prohibited on the dry and wet sand (except in limited circumstances, and under permit from OPRD,
and for administrative use); and
- Three full-time beach rangers provided as well as additional support as needed to facilitate enforcement
activities.
> Kite Flying – Kite flying is currently unrestricted on the Ocean Shore. Under the
HCP, kite flying will be prohibited during the nesting season at occupied
SPMAs/RMAs. Similar activities, such as parasailing, hang gliding, and use of
remote-control planes, will also be prohibited during the nesting season.

Section "6.2.1. Public Use/Recreation Management"
> Kite Flying
Biologists believe snowy plovers perceive kites as potential avian predators.
Reactions to kites have ranged from increased vigilance while roosting, to walking or running away (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2001a). Studies of other plover
species found them to be intolerant of kites compared to other human disturbances Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects on Snowy Plovers and Snowy Plover Habitat
August 2010 6-7 such as pedestrian movement or dogs. Kites caused the birds to flush or move a greater distance from the disturbance, to move the longest distance away from the disturbance, and to stay away the longest compared with other human disturbances (Hoopes et al. 1993). It is expected that stunt kites would cause a greater response from snowy plovers than traditional, more stationary kites because of the fluttering tails and noisy, rapid, erratic movements. Remote-control planes and other recreational flying craft that originate on, land on, or are controlled from the covered lands are also expected to result in similar responses from snowy plovers.

Appendix D, Recreational Activities Occurring on the Covered Lands (note that "Kissing" is listed second to last; last being Kiteboarding" Laughing

> All Activities
1. Walking for pleasure
2. Exercise; jogging; running; walking
3. Picnicking, relaxing at stationary position, includes sunbathing
4. Camping
5. Exercising dogs
6. Swimming: wading, jumping waves, chasing waves, getting feet wet
7. Kite flying: remote-control planes
8. Driftwood fires
9. Surfing
10. Informal driftwood collection
11. Bike riding
12. Boogie boarding
13. Birding
14. Participating in special events
15. Kayaking
16. Clamming
17. Fishing from the beach
18. Windsurfing from the beach
19. Horseback riding
20. Crabbing from the beach
21. Hang gliding (landing on the beach)
22. Scenic enjoyment
23. Fireworks
24. Beachcombing: Shells, rocks, sand dollars, agates, floats, beach glass, fossils,
seaweed, kelp, metal detecting, gold prospecting, collecting flowers
25. Sandplay: Sand castles, sand sculpting, digging holes, climbing on dunes
26. Family activities: Playing with kids, entertaining kids, out of town visitors or
grandkids
27. Beach vehicle recreation: ATVs, cars, motorcycles, four wheelers, sandrails,
jeeps, dune buggies
28. Artistic pursuits: Painting, sketching, drawing, writing
29. Sports: Frisbee, soccer, baseball, football, volleyball, bocce, croquet, golf
30. Photography
31. Spiritual endeavors: Tai chi, yoga, meditation, praying, church activities
32. Reading
33. Tidepooling: Viewing tidepools, anemones, crabs
34. Beach cleanup: Pickup litter and dead animals
35. Remote control vehicles / cars
36. Wildlife viewing: Whales, sea lions, birds, plants
37. Skim boarding
38. Land sailing
39. Jet skiing
40. Paragliding
41. Dory fishing/landing/launching
42. Rock climbing
43. Kissing
44. Kiteboarding

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

This seems pretty on topic to me (I guess that's still OT)... No mention of the birds at south beach newport? Plenty of dunes there.

consumer · Since 28 Nov 2010 406 Posts banned Obsessed

We've lost some of the best kitespots in the bay area because of plover closures. So sad.

beech · Since 21 Aug 2010 486 Posts Longview, WA Obsessed

I knew it was just a matter of time till kiting,surfing and reading were deemed bad for the environment. Hopefully looming budget cuts will put the folks who write such nonsense out of work.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

The troll better bust out the wing sauce before its too late

scottnorby · Mon Dec 27, 10 6:42 pm

It's ridiculous.
I love nature...but conservationists choose that as their HOBBY.
They want to have snowy plover beaches just as bad as you want to kite them.

And they devote a lot of time and money to their passion.

Welcome to the world of commercial fishing and natural resource industry.

...

consumer · Since 28 Nov 2010 406 Posts banned Obsessed

All species are destined to become extinct - I've also heard plover numbers have always been low due to their idiotic nesting strategy. Apparently they just plop eggs right in the middle of the beach.

Chooch · Mon Dec 27, 10 7:06 pm

This has been a huge issue for the majority of east coast beaches for some time now. Really scary to think how one small group of douche bags has controll over all the beaches.

Link

pjc · Since 06 Mar 2005 649 Posts Addicted

Now you see why the loggers have been complaining about the spotted owl regulations for the last 30 years.

At some point the environmental movement stopped being about basic things like clear air to breathe and clean water to drink. Instead, it's about shutting down other peoples hobbies and livelihoods.

Honestly, I think the greenies are in it for the power trip.

Rant off.

Mark · Mon Dec 27, 10 10:05 pm

Take that video and swap plover for spotted owl. Fisherman and ATV people for loggers and its the same story from 1990.

Didn't go well for the logging industry. Hope it goes better this time around.

jackZ · Since 13 Apr 2008 355 Posts Devon Alberta ca. Obsessed

send those conservationists here to Alberta where we soak up polluted tar sand tailings ponds with ducks , I think there was even a covert mission to brainwash the ducks to migrate to the gulf oil leak to take the load off the native waterfowl .
I think they would see that your Snowy Plover has it pretty good if a few kites are it's only worry .
JackZ

kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

I don't give a crap about a damn bird with the brain of an ant. Closing down the most heavily visited and used beaches is by far a power trip and dictatorship at its finest. Let the stupid birds move to other areas of the beach that are not so heavily used. If they are too stupid to miggrate to a safier area of the beach then they can go extinct by the laws of nature itself. Envirometalism is ruining this state and these wako's need to go. Get back to common sense people....................

Close the beach and I'll just have BBQ wings everyday for dinner with some scrambled eggs.....

Beech, I hope your right...

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2624 Posts The 503 METAL

beech · Since 21 Aug 2010 486 Posts Longview, WA Obsessed

Things get trickier when your activities are actually extracting resources or dramatically altering the landscape. This plover thing could restrict the mere "presence" of people, doing whatever: kiting, building sandcastles, picking your nose... on those beaches. Thats what seems nuts to me.

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

Remember that these are state parks & beaches - it's always fun to pay for stuff that you can't use. Smile

I wonder if the whole oregon beaches as highways thing would play into this.

kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

mschulz · Since 29 May 2007 530 Posts Reno, NV Addicted

We need to remember this is all about balance. Each species depends on another for survival or population control. We loose too many of these species and we will not have to worry about kites - Not that I am in favor of loosing any of these spots.