Shorebirds Stewards Program

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Promoting recreation and preserving wildlife are often dual objectives for land managers; however, recreation may impact wildlife (Lafferty et al. 2006). Partially due to the diminutive size of the California least tern and the fact that it nests on the ground, it is sometimes difficult to convince the public that there is conservation value to restricting or modifying their beach behaviors; disturbances may be perceived as inconsequential. Reduction of nest disturbance through signage and fencing are not effective alone in reduction of human-related nest disturbances. Permanent chain-link fencing is impracticable because of changes in tide and because terns and other wildlife need to move between nesting areas and the wrack line. Concomitant public outreach, volunteer patrols and rigorous monitoring efforts are needed, especially as CLT breeding and nesting coincides with increased beach visitorship during the summer months. Modeled after a successful, similarly-conceived program at Oceano Dunes (Morro Bay, California), this program, will contribute to a reduction in numbers of human-related disturbances, which may contribute to higher CLT nesting rates and success in an important CLT area, within the Greater San Diego area. This program will provide support for a dedicated staff member during essential breeding time to educate beach users about the California least tern and other shorebirds and the impacts of off-leash dogs and trespassers can have on the CLT success during the summer when the public is using the beach and the birds are breeding at specific beach sites within the Tijuana Estuary.

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