Oceano Dunes

Save the Dunes: Protect Oceano's Fragile Ecosystem

 

 Threatened Ecosystem 

 The Oceano Dunes are a critical part of an 18-mile stretch of the Central California coastline that comprises the world’s largest intact coastal dune ecosystem. The dunes are sacred to the Indigenous Northern Chumash and are home to many rare and endangered species. The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (ODSVRA), part of California’s State Parks system, is a unique and beautiful landscape facing a critical decision: To allow off-road vehicle (OHV) use or not. Currently, OHVs are allowed, which has had significant environmental and social consequences, threatening the delicate dune ecosystem, air quality, and the well-being of nearby communities. Fortunately, after decades of local activism, the California Coastal Commission ordered a ban on OHVs by January 2024. The Commission was immediately sued by the off-road lobby group, so this decision is now tied up in the courts. Wondering how you can help?

Take Action:

  • Stay Informed: Follow our social media and the People for the Dunes website for updates on the Oceano Dunes 
  • Contact Your Representatives: Let the California Coastal Commission and local officials know you support protecting the dunes and banning OHVs
  • Donate to the Sierra Club to help us support the Coastal Commission in its ongoing court case against Friends of the Oceano Dunes
  • Support Sustainable Recreation: Explore alternative ways to enjoy the beauty of Oceano Dunes, such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching. Go on a guided hike with the Dunes Center

(Photo from the People for the Dunes website) 

Why are OHVs a Problem?

  • Environmental Damage: OHVs harm sensitive dune habitats, kill endangered species like snowy plovers and least terns, and contribute to coastal erosion.
  • Air Quality: Dust from OHVs pollutes the air, worsening air quality in nearby communities already struggling with respiratory issues.
  • Social Impact: Noise and traffic from OHVs disrupt residents in Oceano and Nipomo. Additionally, a high percentage of emergency calls involve visitors, straining local resources.
  • Cultural Significance: The Oceano Dunes hold deep cultural significance for the Chumash Tribes.

 

 

Sacred to Indigenous People 

“Chumash peoples have been stewards of the Oceano Dunes for thousands of years,” Violet Sage Walker, chairwomen of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council said. “Together with my father, the late Chief Fred Collins, we fought for many years to protect this sacred place from the destruction caused by vehicles. The Coastal Commission's decision to phase them out must stand, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that it does and that these lands are once again protected.”

What We Advocate For :

We urge the California Coastal Commission to continue its efforts to phase out off-roading at Oceano Dunes and we support the ongoing legal battle to uphold that decision. 

A healthy ecosystem benefits everyone:

  • Wildlife Protection: Reduced OHV activity allows for the restoration of native vegetation and dune structures, creating a safer haven for endangered species.
  • Improved Air Quality: Less dust means cleaner air for residents and visitors alike.
  • Environmental Justice: A shift away from OHV recreation creates opportunities for more sustainable tourism that respects the local community's needs. 
  • Economy: California Polytechnic State University professor, Pratish Anikumar Patel, conducted an Economic Impact Report when OHV activity was suspended in March 2020. He found there was no significant economic decline due to the OHV ban and that OHV access is a small fraction of what is drawing tourism in the area. Patel was quoted in this Tribune article saying that lodging revenue in Oceano increased during the closure. 
  • Cultural Preservation: Protecting the dunes allows for the preservation of the Chumash Tribe's cultural heritage

Together, we can ensure a future where the Oceano Dunes thrive for generations to come.

 

 

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