Meeting with Councilwoman Daniela Salgado regarding ATV traffic on Lengüeta Arenosa (“The Spit”)
The steering committee of the Punta Banda Conservation Alliance has been meeting regularly to address conservation challenges related to All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) traffic on the beaches of Lengüeta Arenosa (“The Spit”). As described in our previous article, Shorebirds at Risk, ATV traffic in this area threatens the local dune ecosystem and a host of migratory and resident birds. Of immediate concern is the population of endangered Snowy Plovers now nesting on these beaches.
We are pleased to report some significant headway on this issue, thanks to four Punta Banda Conservation Alliance steering committee members: Iván Manríquez and Liliana Ortiz with Pro Esteros; and Hiram Moreno and Laura Ibarra with Universidad Autónoma de Baja California. These steering committee members met on April 12, 2025 with municipal Councilwoman Daniela Salgado and different representatives of government agencies and civil associations. The meeting included representatives of the departments of Dirección de Administración Urbana, Ecología y Medio Ambiente, Dirección De Seguridad Pública Municipal, ZOFEMAT, PROFEPA, SEMARNAT, Dirección de Comercio, Pacífica Ensenada, and Pronatura Noroeste. The purpose of the meeting was to to explain problems generated by the circulation of vehicles on Lengüeta Arenosa and its direct effects on protected species such as the Least Tern and the Snowy Plover, as well as marine mammals such as the harbor seals
During the meeting, Liliana Ortiz and Laura Ibarra presented a visual exhibit that included photographs of the vulnerable species that inhabit these beaches, their nesting seasons, and evidence of the passage of ATVs in critical areas. The presentation generated consensus among those present: this activity is illegal and the urgency of implementing effective measures to protect this ecosystem was recognized. Important points agreed up at the meeting are:
It is legally prohibited to access ATVs or any other motorized vehicles on the beach, although permits may have been granted to rent out ATVs in the vicinity of the local beaches.
Public Security has the power to issue infractions to anyone driving an ATV on the beach.
No permits or concessions have been granted for this activity on any beach.
Those present at the meeting agreed to the following:
The councilwoman committed to review with IMOS (Instituto de Movilidad Sustentable) the status of the permits granted to the ATV renters in the area.
PROFEPA is committed to carry out surveillance, especially during Holy Week, from Rincón Ballenas to Playa Hermosa.
SIGNAGE: 10 more 4“ x 8” signs will be installed from Playa Pacifica to Lengüeta Arenosa, stating that vehicle access to the beach is prohibited, indicating that 911 can be called, and also emphasizing that anyone driving a vehicle on the beach will receive a penalty. These will be made and installed with the help of Pro Esteros, Pacifica Ensenada, Pronatura Noroeste and ZOFEMAT.
PROFEPA commits to approach the ATV service providers and talk to them, emphasizing that it is forbidden for their users to access the beach with their vehicles, and that the ATVs of violators will be retained.
Public Safety is committed to carry out surveillance and attend to complaints.
The Punta Banda Conservation Alliance is deeply grateful to our Mexican steering committee members for approaching local municipalities to help prevent ecological damage from ATVs on Lengüeta Arenosa. We will continue to update the community on progress made in this respect, and on the status of endangered bird nesting populations on the beaches. Please check our regular newsletters for updates.
