Live Oak beaches are home to an incredible diversity of on-shore wildlife. These birds and other animals come to this sensitive natural habitat for feeding, resting, breeding and nesting. Numerous shorebirds successfully raise their young on Live Oak beaches.
A proposal before the Santa Cruz County Parks and Recreation Commission is asking for an all-day off-leash dog beach at the Corcoran Lagoon outflow, where these animals make their home.
Off-leash dogs are perceived as predators by shorebirds, causing them to flee in alarm and interrupting their natural activities.
In recognition of these sensitive beach habitats, Santa Cruz County Code, General Plan and Local Coastal Program protect Live Oak beaches against disturbance and harassment of wildlife by dogs.
