If San Luis Obispo County genuinely cared about the natural habitat of the Arroyo Grande Creek, it would oppose the Wildlife Habitat Protection Plan (WHPP) recently released by State Parks’ Off-Highway Vehicle Division. Vehicle crossings of the creek on Oceano Beach cause significant environmental harm, and the WHPP does nothing to mitigate these ongoing issues. During a public presentation, Ronnie Glick, the State Parks chief biologist, stated, “We do these projects to sustain OHV use,” a declaration that starkly contradicts the WHPP’s stated purpose of protecting wildlife. This statement reveals the true priorities of State Parks, underscores its failure in conservation, and undermines any hope for a better environmental stewardship.
In December 2023, the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (ODSVRA) gained national and international attention when vehicles and individuals became stranded and were rescued while attempting to cross the creek. This incident illustrates the dangers posed by unrestricted vehicle access and the lack of enforcement at this critical crossing. Despite the risks, State Parks rangers often stand by as vehicles cross the creek under hazardous conditions, demonstrating that signage alone is inadequate to protect the ecosystem or public safety.
A federal injunction now requires San Luis Obispo County to submit a plan to release water from Lopez Dam into the creek. Increased water flow at the creek’s mouth, where vehicles cross to access ODSVRA, will only exacerbate the environmental and safety challenges. The California Coastal Commission declared Oceano Beach off limits to vehicles in 2019, but the county failed to support this decision. In a subsequent legal case, Judge Coates ruled that the county—not the Coastal Commission—holds responsibility for setting land-use rules. By enforcing its Local Coastal Plan, the county could protect the creek’s mouth and ensure that endangered steelhead can reach the ocean.
In January 2024, the California Appeals Court issued a “stay” prohibiting creek crossings under high water conditions. However, this measure remains unenforced, and the county continues to acquiesce to ongoing destruction. For decades, San Luis Obispo County has been both a witness to and accomplice in the degradation of Arroyo Grande Creek’s natural habitat.
We urge the Off-Highway Vehicle Division and San Luis Obispo County to take immediate and decisive action. The most effective solution is to prohibit vehicle access south of Pier Avenue whenever Arroyo Grande Creek flows at or above 12 inches. This measure would reduce harm to the ecosystem, align with habitat protection goals, and ensure compliance with federal conservation mandates.
Bonita Ernst, Lucia Casalinuovo, and Allene Villa are Oceano Beach Community Association members. Send comments for publication to letters@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jan 2-12, 2025.
