While its beautiful, it may not be the pure hills of sand you might expect (for that, see #1). It has no authority to direct State Parks to ban all OHV (off-highway vehicle) at a park expressly authorized for OHV use, especially where that use has lawfully existed for 40 years, and where the use predated even the creation of the Coastal Commission., The comments below represent the opinion of the writer and do not represent the views or policies of CalCoastNews.com. On March 18, 2021, the Coastal Commission ordered the following; to change the permit for Oceano Dunes SVRA to require a closure of the SVRA by 2024, the closure of the Pier Avenue entrance by. More than 85,000 acres of Southern California desert provide a wide variety of opportunities for Its official! New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. The commission also decided to delay the closure of the Pier Avenue entrance by one year. side the slope is gentle. The California State Parks Department presented an opposing Public Works Plan draft that would maintain the use of OHVs at the park. people. Bruce Van Vort is the owner of Fin's Bar & Grill, a beachside seafood restaurant situated next to the SVRA entrance on West Grand Avenue. Its located next to the Monarch Butterfly Grove and there is a short access trail to the beach. Inc. - http://www.opencube.com)****. 25 likes, 0 comments - Oceano Dunes SVRA "Pismo" CA (@beach.drive.ride) on Instagram: " Creek CLOSURES for Oceano Dunes this holiday weekend! I predict this issue is not over and will end up in the high courts. Green Sticker off-highway vehicles (OHV) will remain temporarily prohibited from entering the park at this time. This guide tells you everything you need to know about visiting the Pismo Dunes (aka the Oceano Dunes), including where to park and access the dunes on foot. Many advocates for OHV recreation argued the historic and cultural significance of OHV use at Oceano Dunes, citing cultural and family traditions of OHV riding along the coastal area for multiple generations. Sand plows were working the streets. It's been five weeks since camping has not been allowed at the Oceano Dunes, forcing hundreds of cancellations. They are pretty much all one in the same; some of these names are referring to specific portions of the dunes, but its all generally referring to the sand dunes that span several miles of coastline around Pismo Beach and Oceano. The California Coastal Commission unanimously voted to end the use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area during a 12-hour meeting Thursday, March 18. If I loose, Ive had a good life and the next generation will have a good view from their homes in the dunes. This creek flows through the beach just south of the Pier Avenue vehicle entrance. We love getting to the beach early in the morning. In deciding to phase out off-road activity, commissioners argued vehicle usage at the dunes harms the environment and does not comply with the California Coastal Act. So when is the revolution going to start, sign me up!!! SMH. Most cars should be able to drive onto the beach from either location. Additionally, the commission voted to ban . From our point of view, the future for OHV use at one of the most popular (and only) major coastal areas on the west coast of the United States is not a bright one. It was a long-awaited moment of relief and celebration for many others, who have argued for years that off-roading in the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) disrupts sensitive habitats, culturally important lands, and negatively impacts the economic vitality and health of neighboring communities. Nolan and Dolan decision. "It's like when you start to have conversations with developers and those interested in making an investment in Grover, invariably the question either to the city or to the chamber of commerce or to other business organizations is, 'Hey, what's the status of the dunes?'" California Least The SVRA is popular for the unique experiences it provides to visitors, such as beach camping, OHV recreation and a myriad of aquatic activities. The South County Chambers is also working to diversify Grover Beach's economy, a move that Lee said was partly an attempt to prepare for the potential elimination of off-roading at the dunes. Daytime use is also limited. This story is still developing and will continue to be updated. designated OHV area. The dunes cover a pretty wide area, so its helpful to have this map to understand what part of the dunes you can access. Closing the Oceano Dunes would be an economic disaster June 29, 2020 . Where to Park: Pacific Dunes Ranch and RV Resort. Bizarro Beach or state park? New Hope for Oceano as 40 Years of Dune Destruction Ordered To End, obligation to uphold the California Coastal Act. There are a lot of warring parties in the fight, and RevZilla's Jen Dunstan put together an excellent video and an even more detailed article explaining the various positions. They didnt do a good job in their March 18 hearing, so they had another hearing with revised findings to try and fill in those gaps, and theyre not allowed to do that.. There are about 3,500 acres in the SVRA, with 2,000 . Pay attention to the high water mark at high tide. Additionally, the commission voted to ban nighttime vehicle riding at the Oceano Dunes, with exceptions for certain circumstances like arriving at or leaving the park after dark. Trip Reports | The Coastal Commission has also cited environmental justice as a justification for closing the Oceano Dunes State Recreational Area. Read up on the windy months. Reopening of Vehicular Access at Oceano Dunes SVRA and Pismo SB FAQs Together we can make sure The Coastal Commission is looking at a future in which the 3,600 acres and 6 miles of coastline and dunes would be open to RV and car camping, but would move away from what it calls "high-impact use," begin prohibiting night riding, and fence off more areas of the SVRA. At a Coastal Commission meeting in October, Nipomo Mesa resident Rachelle Toti spoke about her experience witnessing vehicles on the dunes after State Parks removed the exclosure fencing on October 3. Thousands of off-highway vehicle Taking Action: Oceano Dunes Could Close As Soon As July 11th Ocean Dune State Vehicular Recreation Area has 1,500 acres, It is having significant detrimental impacts on beaches and dune habitats, as well as significant impacts on air quality and public health, underserved and adjacent communities and sacred tribal areas.. Or is everyone going to have to park and walk in from grand ave. Thats miles of sand walking. It's made it hard to attract new businesses and for existing businesses to plan for the future. Your excellent directions inspired a thrilling day for us as we parked at the ranch and played in the dunes. Can State Parks close 130 acres of Oceano Dunes to off-road - MSN Unlicensed OHV/ATV operators, with or without a safety certificate, are These threatened shorebirds use the dunes as nesting grounds. Staff recommends that all OHV use be eliminated at the park, Kahn said. Use caution How will this change prevent the unwashed masses and every day Joes from using the park? Towing of any object other than another motor vehicle is prohibited. Know before you go Read up on the rules of the riding, take a training course and find out about the proper equipment.Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Safety Week is Saturday, April 1st through Sunday, April 9th! 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; Coastal Commission phases out off-roading at Oceano Dunes The California Coastal Commission voted unanimously on Thursday to phase out off-road vehicle usage at the Oceano Dunes over the next three years. PublishedNovember 24, 2021 at 12:50 PM PST. I doubt it. 1 weather alerts 1 closings/delays Speed limit is 15 MPH on the beach and within 50' of any camp or group of The historic Coastal Commission decision still allows for street-legal vehicles and some night driving on the beach between West Grand and Pier avenues, where up to 500 drive-up campsites can continue to operate indefinitely. reason the leeward slope is called a "slipface.". All sections included in Division 16.5 of the California Vehicle Code State Parks argued it has legislative authority over the park and that the Coastal Commission has no jurisdiction to ban off-road vehicle usage, based on the California Coastal Act and other legislation. Closing this area will devastate tourism to this area and the local economy. A test of science in a sand dune playground, California var gads = document.createElement('script'); This is set to go down to 500 in coming years. Last week, Thomas Roth, the San Francisco-based attorney for Friends of the Dunes, sent a letter accusing the Coastal Commission of bias, overstepping its legislative authority and violating due process. During her time in college, she anchored and reported for Mustang News at Cal Poly's radio station, KCPR. gads.async = true; Update March 18 10:00p.m. High tides, heavy rains, and blowing sand determine whether or not you can drive This guide covers how you can best explore the Pismo Beach dunes on foot. motor vehicle off road. To learn more about the Coastal Commission staff report, visit its website. Meeting Details: Date: Thursday, July 11th, 9 am at the Embassy Suites in San Luis Obispo, California; Address: 333 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); Shah wonders what will become of that now. googletag.cmd.push(function() { I will miss the valley kooks, listlessly driving around, slowing down traffic, and clogging up the scenerey. She returned to the KCBX team in October 2020, reporting daily for KCBX News until she moved to the Pacific Northwest in July of 2022. Meanwhile on the other side, OHV enthusiasts are still attempting to reverse the March 18 decision. The Coastal Commission plans and regulates the use of land and water in the coastal zone, including activities that change the intensity of use of land or public access to coastal waters.. Shorebird California's Basic Speed Law applies in the dune area: Don't drive Fenced and signed areas are closed to vehicular use either because the property OHV Rentals: OHV rental businesses are open. California Coastal Commission Votes to Eliminate Off-Roading at Oceano When everything is so photographed and documented, Merino wool has long been our go-to for the best w, St Lucia was a stunner, both above the water and b, Since weve moved to the East Coast, weve bee. OHV's must be transported to this point before unloading. featuring beach and sand dune riding. Comment Guidelines. Planning my road trip, and i added this amazing stop! down the beach without getting stuck. This popular destination is also home to the endangered Western snowy plover and the California least tern. Department of Parks and Recreation, CA For those business owners, former Grover Beach City Councilmember Mariam Shah said the temporary nature of vehicle access in the dunes has made it hard to plan ahead. area. End of an era? Vote to ban off-roading in the Oceano Dunes brings hope Please do your part to ensure the protection of these birds Glad they made it easier for you. Though the Coastal Commission's decision is about the strongest stance any agency has taken on the matter in years, Van Vort said there's still a lot pending, making it difficult for him to prepare for the looming closure. The decision came down November 18, 2019 from the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District (APCD), claiming that the area has one of the country's worst air quality. Please address the Policies, events and arguments, not the person. "Now we know what we're dealing with, and we just have to figure it out.". While the Coastal Commission claims to have authority to reduce or eliminate off-roading at the park, Roth does not agree. The OHMVR Division plays an important role in protecting natural and cultural resources,and a variety of wildlife throughout California. Be sure you check on the weather. "full replacement" of water, Morro Bay City Council votes to adjust day of Ironman 70.3, taking local input for next iteration, Health care groups in SLO, Santa Barbara counties pay $68 million for alleged false claims, 1010 Marsh Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401PHONE/805/546-8208 FAX/805/546-8641, nearly 12-hour California Coastal Commission meeting, voted to eliminate off-roading and most other vehicle access in the Oceano Dunes, partner with the South County Chambers of Commerce to help attract new businesses, SLO County uses dogs and more to inspect for invasive mussels in local lakes, Path to nature: Volunteers, nonprofits, and local governments work together to make open space accessible by foot, bike, and horse, Less of a yawn: School districts in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties prepare for school days with a later start, Coast Unified teachers upset over new position's salary and qualifications, Chapman Estate gets support for more events, New Cave Landing cleanup effort aims to encourage safety without trampling on the area's unique personality, Pismo Beach City Council member sues Atascadero over rejected project proposal, Margarita Adventures opens a new summer program for kids to explore plant and animal life at Santa Margarita Ranch, Morro Bay approves roundabout design Commissioners adopted several amendments to the original staff proposal including moving up the timeline for phasing-out off-roading from five to three years; ending recreational riding at night, but allowing vehicles to drive at night in camping areas; and extending the closure of Pier Avenue entrance by one year to July 1, 2022. })(); ****JavaScript based drop down DHTML menu generated by NavStudio. Proposed Ban on OHV = No EIR. There are two spots where you can drive your car onto the beach to get closer to the dunes. Ocotillo Wells SVRA. OHMVR Divisions Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program has provided hundreds of millions of dollars in financial assistance for well-managed,environmentally friendlyOHVrecreation to cities, counties, districts, federal and state agencies, educational institutions, federally or state-recognized Native American Tribes, Certified Community Conservation Corps and nonprofit entities. Purely speculation but I just assume once the off-roadies are gone they can cut way back on ranger staff. Pismo (Oceano) Dunes to be Closed - RZR Forums.net or in the dunes that are fenced or signed are closed to vehicular use because The Coastal Commission asserts it has authority over the Oceano Dunes based on the Coastal Act. Vehicular access to all state park units was closed in March to prevent visitation surges and help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. the same for off-highway as they are for on-highway. they either contain sensitive plant and animal life or are private property. googletag.defineSlot('/1026376/DuneGuide-160x600-Tower-Right-Upper', [160, 600], 'div-gpt-ad-1342356604163-0').addService(googletag.pubads()); Learn how your comment data is processed. Recently parks have been closing the creek crossing if the water depth is greater than 12 inches. The Oceano Dunes have been one of the most popular off-roading spots in California for decades. Hike into the Pismo Beach sand dunes to find untouched sandy hills that stretch for miles. Trek a few hills over into the Oceano Dunes, and youll see miles and miles of undulating golden hills. Nov 21, 2019. the beach. "Whether you agree or disagree with the decision, there's a direction," Lee told New Times. reserved. By Megan Randall | After decades of discussion that frequently turned into debate, the California Coastal Commission has voted to end off-roading at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area.
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