Recent Progress - Municipal and Federal Authorities Listen and Actively Respond to Punta Banda Conservation Concerns

"Western Snowy Plover - in Danger of Disappearing" a mural in Ensenada (photo by John Kinabrew)

An alarming increase in illegal ATV traffic in protected areas of Punta Banda prompted several meetings with municipal and federal government authorities to protect the area's special biodiversity. 

At a meeting in April, numerous local conservation groups (including Alianza members ProEsteros, A.C) presented to Ensenada Councilperson Daniela Salgado and other municipal and federal authorities regarding the need for enforcement of regulations to protect the snowy plover and least tern from illegal motorized activities on beaches in Ensenada. A robust response followed from the government authorities including new signage on the beach highlighting penalties for violators, stepped up police enforcement, and specific warnings to commercial ATV rental companies to stay off the beach!

This was followed in May by an Ensenada City Council vote giving the Western Snowy Plover additional protection in city law. (The species was already protected by Mexican federal law.) Additionally, the city council unanimously decided that June 12 will hereafter be designated as "Snowy Plover Day" in the City of Ensenada! 

In a third meeting on May 27, Ensenada Councilperson Daniela Salgado had a working table with the Cantu UMA group to improve regulations regarding ATVs in protected areas in Punta Banda. The UMA group, led by Sr. Luis Serrano Ayala, manages and protects an ejido-owned Wildlife Management Unit encompassing much of the Punta Banda backcountry.

These recent events indicate the growing civic alliance is now successfully engaging with authorities to protect the special biodiversity of the Punta Banda peninsula.

Thanks to ALL who are helping with this effort! WORKING TOGETHER we can make a better future.