Silence on the Dunes
March 2021 brought significant changes to the Oceano Dunes Vehicular Recreation Area, as the California Coastal Commission (CCC) banned off-road vehicles (ORVs) in the popular state park near Pismo Beach, California.
An off-road vehicle tracks over the dunes flying U.S. and Mexico flags
The long-simmering dispute between the CCC and the California State Parks and Recreation over the use of thrillcraft at the Oceano Dunes has been on-going for 40 years and stems from the 10 endangered animal species that reside within the park that State and Federal law state the Park agency is obligated to protect. Surrounding communities also have complained of dust and noise from the thousands of vehicles within the park, at times registering the worst air quality in the country. Locals have also had concerns as crime has been increasing, with Park Rangers making 49 felony arrests and having to respond to a mass shooting where a gunman opened fire with a semi-automatic weapon, injuring 5 people.
A lone jeep explores the Oceano Dunes, which are covered with tire tracks from thrillcraft enthusiasts
The California Coastal Commission issued a cease-and-desist and in March 2021 the CCC voted 10-0 to approve the park's coastal permit as long as the off-road vehicles are prohibited. The Oceano Dunes State Park has until 2024 to comply with the order and opponents of the ban have stated they will be filing a lawsuit, which may invalidate or delay the ban.
Pismo Beach, California, located just north of the Oceano Dunes
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Camping at the Beach
Camping at the Beach
Families gather at the Oceano Dunes Vehicular Recreation Area, setting up tents and their RVs, quads, buggies, dirt bikes and other thrillcraft
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A Recreational Vehicle Paradise
A Recreational Vehicle Paradise
The only state park that borders the Pacific Ocean, Oceano Dunes State Park is a paradise for the 1.5 million visitors with off-road vehicles that come to explore the dunes each year
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Oceano Beach
Oceano Beach
Oceano Dunes State Park hosts 1.5 million visitors each year, many of which visit with off-road vehicles to explore the dunes and camp at the beach
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Oceano Dunes State Park
Oceano Dunes State Park
Oceano Dunes State Park is battling with the California Coastal Commission over the use of off-road vehicles that disturb the 10 endangered species that call the dunes home