Oceano Dunes

A person kneels on sandy terrain with planting tools and containers around, suggesting an outdoor planting activity. — Restoration Technician, Kaitlin Cartwright, plants native vegetation in a key dune area.

In 2018, State Parks and the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District agreed on a long-term plan to improve air quality downwind of Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (ODSVRA). This adaptive management plan aims to reduce sand movement and dust emissions within the Park through a series of ongoing dust control projects. State Parks' Natural Resources team leads the effort, with on-the-ground support from the Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District (CSLRCD).

As part of this work, dust control efforts have included installing wind fencing, applying surface straw, and planting native vegetation in key dune areas, such as the foredunes, backdunes, and other targeted sites. These methods help stabilize the sand and significantly reduce the amount of dust carried by the wind, improving air quality for nearby communities.

Oceano Dunes SVRA spans 3,490 acres in size, with approximately 25% designated for off-highway vehicle use and the remaining area closed off to vehicle recreation.

A person in a hat and sunglasses stands among tall, flowering plants in a sandy landscape. — Restoration Specialist, Samantha Vitt, collects native *Lupinus chamissonis* seed for restoration efforts.

Each year, State Parks, the CSLRCD, and Cal Poly’s Horticulture Unit work together to meet seasonal project goals. From spring through summer, the team collects local native seeds and grows the plants needed for the upcoming planting season. In the fall, State Parks’ staff spread straw over the project site to temporarily stabilize the dunes and reduce sand movement, helping new plants take root. Between December and February, planting is carried out with the help of crews from American Conservation Experience (ACE) and the California Conservation Corps (CCC). Finally, local native seeds are scattered over the site after planting to complete the restoration process.

To date, dust control projects have occurred within 412 acres, and approximately 854,000 plants have been installed. These efforts support dune recovery, improve native habitat, and reduce dust emissions, helping to protect natural resources and public health.

Person handling plant racks under a clear blue sky. — Restoration Project Manager, Kelli Carlisle, helps unload plants grown by Cal Poly's Horticulture Unit.

Expansive sand dunes with visible vehicle tracks and patches of vegetation, stretching towards a distant coastline under a clear sky. — This south-facing aerial image from the 2024-25 planting season showcases the broad landscape, existing vegetation islands, and a newly planted area, which appears grey due to straw application.

Check out the news clip below done by Community News Reportor, Makayla Richardson of KSBY!

-Sept. 8th, 2025

Funders: California Department of Parks & Recreation, Oceano Dune District

RCD Contact: Kelli Carlisle, kcarlisle@coastalrcd.org