The Pismo Preserve could be open by this time next year.
On Wednesday, the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments approved $400,000 for the project.
The money will help pay for construction of a parking lot, roadway improvements, and pedestrian and bike paths that will allow people to access the preserve; however, the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County still needs to secure $3.5 million before that construction work can begin.
“The beauty of this is as soon as we get the money, it will be done in six months, so it can happen fast,” said Kaila Dettman, Land Conservancy of SLO County Executive Director.
Currently, the 900-acre preserve located on the east side of Highway 101 just off Mattie Rd. in Pismo Beach, is closed to the public.
The Land Conservancy aims to have the preserve fully open to the public by spring or summer of 2019. It’s expected to draw approximately 100,000 people annually.
A view from the Pismo Preserve looking toward Oceano. (KSBY photo)
