Oceano Dunes Remain Gateway to Recreation, Locals Say

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In an opinion piece, Jim Suty, the president of Friends of Oceano Dunes, pushes back against claims made by Charles Varni that the town of Oceano is being "sacrificed" for the Oceano Dunes vehicle recreation area. Suty argues that the Oceano Dunes is a state-designated recreational area that welcomes all visitors, and that closing access to the dunes would not necessarily lead to economic growth in Oceano like what has been seen in Pismo Beach.

Why it matters

The Oceano Dunes has been a source of contention, with some calling for restrictions on vehicle access to protect the environment, while others argue that the dunes are an important recreational resource that should remain open to the public. This debate highlights the ongoing tensions between conservation and public access in California's coastal regions.

The details

Suty argues that the Oceano Dunes is a state-designated recreational area, not a local park, and that the state legislature created the California Coastal Commission to protect public access to beaches and dunes. He says that closing access to the dunes, as some have suggested, would be a form of discrimination against certain recreational users. Suty also points to the example of Guadalupe, where closing the dunes did not lead to the expected economic growth from ecotourism.

• The Oceano Dunes have been used by families for beach and sand dune recreation for over 100 years.

What they’re saying