A California Coastal Commission staff report released this week recommends some major changes to the State Parks' proposal for the Oceano Dunes.
State Parks' plan includes the development of the Oso Flaco Lake Area and the Phillips 66 Refinery site once it shuts down in 2023, adding campsites, parking, and trails for off-highway vehicles (OHV).
The plan would reduce the number of vehicles allowed into the park; however, the Coastal Commission is calling for OHV use to be phased out completely over five years starting this March.
The Commission also wants to close the Pier Avenue entrance to the dunes in Oceano and make a series of changes to protect natural resources in the park, including dune restoration and protecting plover and tern habitat areas. Beach camping and street-legal vehicles would be allowed but only between West Grand and Pier avenues.
State Parks will officially present its plan at a virtual Coastal Commission special meeting on March 18 and public comment is now being accepted.
Click here to read the Pismo State Beach and Oceano Dunes SVRA Public Works Plan.
Click here to read the California Coastal Commission's staff report.
To submit written comments by mail to State Parks:
California State Parks
Strategic Planning and Recreation Services Division
1725 23rd Street, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95816
To submit written comments by email to State Parks: OceanoDunes.PWP.EIR@parks.ca.gov
For details on how to participate in the March 18 meeting, click here.
