New vehicle trails and camping at Oso Flaco? State proposes big changes at Oceano Dunes
The state is proposing big changes for the parks at Oceano Dunes and Pismo Beach — including converting agricultural land to tent and RV camping and adding an off-road vehicle trail near the Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area.
That’s got the attention of local environmental groups concerned about potential impacts to what is now pedestrian-only day use.
Those are just some of the ideas considered in the agency’s ongoing public works planing process, which essentially creates a new general plan to guide long-term use of the 2,500 acres the state manages as Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area and Pismo Beach State Park.
Also under consideration is adding a potential southern entrance to the off-highway vehicle park and staging area.
Public comments on the proposed project concepts will be accepted until Jan. 24. You can fill out a form online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PismoOceanoPWP, or print and mail a comment card at https://bit.ly/2NPPI5t or scan and email it to info@oceanodunespwp.com.
The next step will be an official proposal and an assessment of environmental impacts.
Here are some of the concepts:
Development in Oso Flaco Lake area
Stated goal: “Create southern destination spot; balance camping, and expand visitor amenities.”
- Add a new entrance to the park and kiosk.
- Widen Oso Flaco Road to allow large RV access and increased traffic.
- Convert agricultural land to provide camping accommodations that include RV sites, tent camp sites, cabins and hike and bike sites.
- Build campfire area and environmental education center.
- Add new hiking trails and group gathering areas.
- Provide a lifeguard tower, restrooms and a gathering area at the beach.
- Add a boardwalk extension to create a complete loop.
- Open 40 acres of OHV trails in what is now vegetated area near Oso Flaco.
Pismo State Beach Boardwalk Project
Stated goal: “Create an ADA-compliant, pedestrian boardwalk that will connect Grand Avenue with Pier Avenue and continue beyond.”
- Develop an elevated boardwalk between West Grand Avenue and Pier Avenue.
- Create beach access points along boardwalk with seating, tables and gathering areas.
- Add new maintenance road north of Pier Avenue.
Butterfly Grove Public Access Project
Stated goal: “Improve access and avoid conflicts between pedestrians and vehicular traffic along Highway 1, while protecting the ecological value of the site.”
- Plant new eucalyptus trees to replace deteriorating trees.
- Close northern pedestrian entrance and plant vegetative buffer.
- Enhance native plant garden.
- Move power lines underground.
- Build flush restroom with at least two stalls.
- Improve bike connection from Butterfly Grove to nearby trails.
- Add 12 parking stalls that include ADA and better parking at Grover Beach.
- Create a lighted crosswalk across Highway 1.
To learn more about the proposed changes, visit oceanodunespwp.com.
