Another bird that would probably vote for Proposition 21 if it could would be the Western Snowy Plover. This sparrow-sized Pacific Coast shorebird was listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act 1993 because of dramatic population declines. California beaches provide essential breeding and wintering habitat for the Western Snowy Plover, and this places a premium on beaches that are publicly protected and managed. Since the list, California State Parks has played a key role in Western Snowy Plover conservation, so much so that it is difficult to imagine the bird’s survival without the agency’s contribution. A fully funded California State Parks ensures that this important work will continue, and that the Western Snowy Plover will remain a part of California’s natural landscape well into the future. (photo by Mike Baird)

So what does California State Parks do for the Western Snowy Plover? For starters, at beaches where the birds breed – such as Morro Bay State Beach and Silver Strand State Beach (San Diego) – park staff fences off the sites and educates the public about the bird’s plight. Staff also conducts important habitat restoration and maintenance, monitors the nests, and collects vital breeding data. Park staff also maintains habitat at wintering sites and collects data. This is important work, not only to helping the species survive, but to assessing its progress.

Many experts agree that without the contribution from California State Parks, the state’s populations of the Western Snowy Plover would plummet. One way to ensure that this effort continues is to make sure that the agency remains fully funded through the California State Parks Initiative.