On March 18, the California Coastal Commission will consider State Parks’ plan for the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). The plan includes maintenance improvements but also new development at the Oso Flaco Nature Reserve, including 320 campsites, 270 parking places, convenience facilities, residences for staff, and a new off-highway vehicle trail to the Oceano Dunes SVRA.
The League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County opposes this plan. We are committed to preserving the shoreline, conserving agricultural lands, and protecting open space. The plan as currently envisioned is a serious departure from the existing situation and not appropriate for the area. A new major access trail to the dunes riding area from Oso Flaco Lake would inflict damage on a unique designated environmentally sensitive area. The current riding area has generated the need for habitat conservation plans and particulate matter reduction plans. It is inappropriate to introduce disruptive uses into additional sensitive areas thereby exacerbating the impacts to the environment, habitats, and human health.
We urge State Parks to reconsider the scale, location, and timing of any new development proposed for the Oceano Dunes SVRA and to recognize that public policy concerns and our knowledge of the impacts at the SVRA have changed since vehicular use was first introduced to the dunes. We recognize the state directive to provide affordable access to the coast for the benefit of all residents, and we believe that there are other options that will provide a wide range of access while at the same time protecting the very resources to which affordable access is desired.
Ann Havlik and Cindy Marie Absey
co-presidents
League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County
This article appears in Mar 11-21, 2021.
Bravo!
After off-roaders destroyed the Arroyo Grande Thistle, they were given more space to roam. Now a new trail. There appears no end to the ways the Oceano Dunes can be destroyed and toxic plumes allowed to harm the community. May God have mercy on us all. It appears Mammon wins again.
Thank you, Ms. Havlik and Ms. Absey for your comments and your positions regarding the Oceano Dunes.
The Dune issue is a travesty and has been for a very long time. It must be dealt with to uphold the Coastal Act and to preserve this part of the California coast in a safe, and enjoyable way. OHV use causes destruction to the natural habitat; its use has been the cause of multiple deaths to both humans and wildlife; it is a detriment to the environment caused by pollution emitted from vehicles, particulates raised from OHV activity, and trash that overflows at the beach; it does not allow for non-OHV visitors the opportunity to enjoy the beach in a manner where they feel safe or can expect to have an enjoyable beach experience. Far from it!
State Parks’ Mission Statement says the following:
“Our Mission
To provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.”
How can State Parks uphold their Mission Statement by implying they provide for the”health of the people of California” when clearly OHV use has resulted to the contrary, as noted above?
How can State Parks claim to “preserve their most valued natural and cultural resources?” I wonder how the Snowy Plover and other creatures of the habitat might feel about this claim?
State Parks claims they are “creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.” Who in their right mind would consider OHV activity to be determined high-quality outdoor recreation? I think that statement requires serious clarification!
State Parks’ total disregard to what they claim, is troubling. I hope folks who are disturbed by this issue will write comments to the Coastal Commission before the March 18, 2021, Special Meeting.
HOW to PROVIDE WRITTEN COMMENTS to the COASTAL COMMISSION for CONSIDERATION
To submit written materials to the Commission for consideration regarding this matter, please either email OceanoDunesReview@coastal.ca.gov or submit such materials by regular mail (725 Front Street, Suite 300, Santa Cruz, CA 95060) to Commission staff by 5 pm on Friday, March 12, 2021. Staff will then distribute your materials to the Commission. Any materials received after this time will not be distributed by staff to the Commission. Alternatively, you may also submit such materials directly to Commissioners (a list of Commissioners with their contact information is available from Commission staff, or at http://www.coastal.ca.gov/roster.html) provided such materials are submitted to all Commissioners, all alternates for Commissioners, the three non-voting members of the Commission, and Commission staff. We request you summarize the reasons for your position in no more than two or three pages, if possible.
A form letter is provided in the link to the Sierra Club’s notice.
https://act.sierraclub.org/actions/Califor…
Tina Dickason
CambriA
We believe an informed public will agree with the League of Women Voters.
Please see our documentary series “What We Need to Know about Oceano Beach and Dunes” at http://www.safebeachanddunes.org. It contains historical footage including excerpts of meetings recorded by AGP video such as the California Coastal Commission, the San Luis Obispo County Planning Commission, and the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors. It includes our own footage of otherwise unfilmed public meetings, such as special San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District meetings that fully explain their study results. It also contains our footage of interviews, and beach and dune incidents.
Dr. Nell Langford
Safe Beach Now