California Coastal Commission looks to close beloved beach park over threatened bird

A California beach road repair project has erupted into a bitter local fight after state regulators approved the long-awaited fix only if the county permanently bans vehicles from the beach to protect a federally threatened shorebird.The California Coastal Commission voted unanimously earlier this month to grant Humboldt County a coastal development permit to reconstruct a 900-foot stretch of Centerville Road in Eureka.The low-lying coastal route frequently floods with ocean water and sand during high surf, threatening to leave eight nearby homes completely cut-off.The county’s proposed solution would raise the roadbed and add a designated parking lot.But the commission attached a major condition that Centerville Beach must be permanently closed to public vehicle traffic.

The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story Coastal Commission staff argued the driving ban is necessary to protect the western snowy plover — a federally threatened shorebird that nests in the area’s coastal dunes — and to curb reports of off-roaders trespassing onto adjacent private property.

Centerville Beach is one of the only places in the state where vehicles were allowed to access the beachThe conditional approval immediately ignited outrage among local officials and residents who view the requirement as an overreach that penalizes recreational beachgoers.First District Supervisor Rex Bohn voiced his frustration on social media after the Wednesday meeting last week.“They did do an Amendment saying the County can come back with a plan to address their perceived issues and they will reconsider.

No one spoke for the ban but it was pretty obvious what commission and staff had already decided,” he said.Humboldt County Planning Commissioner Iver Skavdal, who represents the district ...