The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County says it’s about six to eight months away from opening the Pismo Preserve to the public, but it needs additional funding to do so.
Currently, work is wrapping up on the widening of Mattie Rd. and the construction of a sidewalk and retaining wall, a water and sewer line, and a fire hydrant – improvements required by the City of Pismo Beach and other agencies before the preserve can be open to the public.
That phase of construction is expected to be complete this month. Additional work to be done includes the construction of a parking lot, an ADA accessible trail, and restrooms.
The Land Conservancy says the second phase of construction may be delayed if it doesn’t receive the money needed to complete the project.
Since August of last year, the organization says it has received $2.2 million from the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG), the City of Pismo Beach, the State Coastal Conservancy, and individual donors, but it needs another $2.4 million.
The entire cost of the project, including the purchase of the land, is $18 million.
Donations are tax-deductible and can be made on The Land Conservancy’s website or by calling Executive Director Kaila Dettman at (805) 544-9096.
The 900-acre Pismo Preserve is located on the east side of Highway 101 just off Mattie Rd. in Pismo Beach
Once open, hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians will be able to access the preserve’s 11 miles of trails from dawn until dusk, seven days a week.
