Crews have broken ground on required roadway improvements to make the Pismo Preserve more accessible to pedestrians.
The Land Conservancy is working on two projects at the entrance of the 900-acre preserve off Mattie Road. The first project is a new sidewalk that will extend from the northbound freeway exit to the entrance of the preserve.
In August, the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments approved $400,000 toward the sidewalk project. Construction is expected to last three to four months.
The Land Conservancy is still trying to raise $3 million to construct a parking lot at the entrance of the Preserve, to give drivers access to the area.
“Currently, we have enough funding to complete the Mattie Road improvements up to the entrance of the Pismo Preserve,” said Kaila Dettman, Executive Director. “Once that phase is complete, construction may halt temporarily if we haven’t secured the remaining $3 million to finish the project.”
The Land Conservancy expects to receive additional help from state and local agencies but is looking toward private donations to fund the majority of the project.
The Pismo Preserve is not open to the public at this time.
Once completed, walkers, hikers, bikers and equestrians will be able to visit the preserve from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week.
