Oceano Off-Road Vehicle Area

Background:
In March 2014, the California State Parks and the SLO County Air Pollution Control District entered into a Consent Decree, which was intended to serve as an agreement with State Parks on how to implement District Rule 1001 (Coastal Dunes Dust Control Requirements) and achieve air pollution reductions at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (OHV).  Various dust mitigation measures have been undertaken since then. 

On March 18, 2021, the Coastal Commission adopted revised conditions to the permit to prohibit OHV use of the dunes within three years; to close the Pier Avenue entrance to the Dunes to vehicular traffic by July 2022; and to make some minor changes to existing camping opportunities.

There are numerous lawsuits filed regarding various aspects of the Coastal Commission’s and State Parks’ actions.

Several organizations representing off-roaders have initially prevailed against the Coastal Commission in court, causing a significant retreat from the conditions imposed by the Coastal Commission a year ago.  Vehicle access through Arroyo Grande Creek when it is flowing has been allowed;  and the closure of the Pier Avenue entrance is delayed.  One court action has allowed the closure of about 130 acres of the dunes to off-highway vehicles in an area considered critical to reducing dust emissions.  However, the long term fate of the site remains in litigation.

The most recent court ruling eliminated a number of groups opposed to vehicle use from “friend of the court” status, thus narrowing the scope of anti-vehicle arguments that can be admitted or considered.  Since these decisions do not occur in administrative public hearings, the ability of the public to influence events is limited. 

Action: 
The Natural Resources Committee will continue to monitor progress and report.