Pismo Preserve trails closed after crowds create coronavirus concerns
Officials on Monday closed the popular Pismo Preserve coastal trails indefinitely after crowds flocked to the destination over the weekend — creating concerns about coronavirus transmission.
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County — the nonprofit that oversees the 11 miles of trails that opened on Jan. 25 — opted to close the hiking area after issuing warnings urging visitors to maintain proper social distancing protocol.
San Luis Obispo County officials on March 19 enacted a shelter-at-home order that prohibited all gatherings outside households, except under limited circumstances.
Residents are allowed to take part in outdoor activities, but they must stay six feet away from people who aren’t members of their households.
California State Parks and San Luis Obispo County Parks campgrounds are currently closed, although most local open spaces remain available to the public.
The county Public Health Department on Monday posted a notice on Facebook suggesting more public outdoor spaces could close if visitors fail to follow social distancing guidelines.
“Some parks, trails, and beaches are open, but that can change,” the post reads.
Deciding to close the Pismo Preserve
On Saturday, a Friends of Pismo Preserve Facebook post urged visitors to follow signs laying out social distancing rules. It advised people against mingling and suggested hiking the trails in specific ways to avoid passing others.
However, the Land Conservancy eventually came to the conclusion that it would be too challenging to keep the trails open while separating visitors.
“The Land Conservancy has determined that, due to the design of the trails, constraints of the parking lot and restrooms, and the numbers of visitors we have seen in the last few days, the Pismo Preserve does not provide adequate opportunity for social distancing,” the nonprofit announced in a news release. “We have worked closely with county and city of Pismo leadership and they support our decision.”
The Pismo Preserve team will continue to monitor the coronavirus outbreak and will open the trails at a safer time, likely when the shelter-at-home order is lifted, the release says.
“In the meantime, our team is still working on important restoration and conservation work throughout the county,” the release says. “We will continue to update you on exciting new conservation on the horizon, and more ways we can explore the trails with you through social media and video streaming.”
This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 12:52 PM.
