Western snowy plovers are raising chicks at Point Reyes National Seashore/NPS

A temporary beach closure is coming to Point Reyes National Seashore in California for the busy Fourth of July weekend so chicks of the western snowy plover, a threatened species, will have some solitude.

The plovers, which nest between the tidal zone and upper reaches of coastal beaches on the West Coast, are faced with habitat loss, disturbance and predation, all of which have taken a toll on this species. Point Reyes National Seashore, one of the few remaining nesting grounds for this rare bird, typically supports 15'“20 adult breeding plovers.

In partnership with the Point Reyes National Seashore Association and Point Blue Conservation Science, the snowy plover population has been monitored annually since 1995. To ensure success occurs this nesting season, the temporary closure from Friday July 4 through Sunday July 6 of a small stretch of the Point Reyes Beach will be enforced. The closure will be established between 0.5 miles north of the North Beach parking lot and 0.35 miles south of the mouth of Abbotts Lagoon.

Closing a portion of the Great Beach to public access is important to minimize disturbance to nests, chicks and breeding adults during this critical time, say park officials. The closure over the busy holiday weekend will help chicks stay warm, have enough food and stay hidden from predators. In 2013, of the 11 newly hatched chicks in this area, only three survived past the July 4th weekend.

'œFollowing a significant low point in 2012, plover breeding success was stronger in 2013 but not nearly where we would like to see it,' said park biologist David Press. 'œThe plovers face an uphill battle and a productive 2014 season is essential to their persistence on Point Reyes beaches."

Superintendent Cicely Muldoon added, 'œWe have seen a growing understanding by the community and visitors of how important it is to protect plovers with some beach restrictions. We appreciate everyone'™s support for these temporary closures.'

Along with the July 4th weekend closure, the portion of the Great Beach from the intersection of Kehoe Beach trail and Kehoe Beach to the North Beach parking lot (as signed) is closed annually to dogs from March 1 through September 30. As alternatives for park visitors with dogs, other popular beaches such as east Limantour Beach (to the right as you approach the beach) and Kehoe Beach remain open. All dogs in the park are required to be on a leash no longer than six feet. Check-in at any visitor center for current information

Further efforts to protect the plovers include roping off breeding habitat on upper sections of beaches and the construction of 'œexclosures' around their nests immediately after an egg is laid. Plover exclosures are erected at the nest site and made of wire fencing. Plovers have easy access in and out of the wire mesh but the eggs are protected from disturbance and predators. Habitat restoration efforts will continue throughout the season with hand pulling of invasive European beachgrass (Amophila arenaria) and monitoring native dune plants.

The bulk of the restoration was done in 2011 to restore 250 acres of plover and rare plant habitat near Abbotts Lagoon. Plovers have moved into the restoration area with nine nests established there this year, six of which have hatched. By contrast, in the past three years, only three nests have occurred but none have hatched. You can learn more about western snowy plovers at the park's website.