EHL and allies secured fencing that will help shorebirds survive in urban Southern California.

The Santa Ana River meets the sea in Newport Beach. The sandy beaches support nesting Western snowy plovers, an endangered species. California least terns, another endangered species, use the shallow river channel for foraging. Unfortunately, intensive human use, unleashed dogs, and even hang gliders wreak havoc for the birds. Frequent flushing causes loss of energy needed for long migrations. While these activities are technically not allowed, trespassing laws are weakly and sporadically enforced.

For years, EHL, Sea and Sage Audubon Society, Orange County Coastkeeper, and the local Sierra Club task force have written to regulatory agencies and testified at hearings to little avail. Finally, the Orange County Dept. of Public Works (OCPW), in the context of a permit from the Coastal Commission, agreed to work with us. In July 2025, the Commission incorporated fencing and signage along the channel which OCPW will install. It will deter some people and aid law enforcement for others. The fence design was developed by Hamilton Biological. 

We appreciate the roles of OCPW and the Coastal Commission, as well as the state and federal wildlife agencies which lent their support. Our next step will be to increase the resources available for trespass enforcement.