Restoring native dunes. Strengthening our coast. Engaging our community.

California State Parks and the Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District are leading a five-year effort to revive and protect the dynamic foredune ecosystem at Pismo State Beach. Supported by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response Grant Program, the project covers roughly 151 acres of coastal habitat within the California Coastal Zone.

Why the Dunes Matter

Coastal dunes are a living barrier between land and sea. Their deep-rooted vegetation traps sand, absorbs wave energy, and helps buffer inland areas from erosion, flooding, and sea-level rise. These sandy ridges also support a rich community of plants and animals—many found only along California’s central coast. Over decades, invasive plants such as ice plant (Carpobrotus spp.), European beachgrass (Ammophila arenaria) and golden wattle (Acacia spp.) have crowded out native vegetation. These non-native species create dense monocultures, alter soil chemistry, and prevent dunes from shifting and renewing naturally. As a result, the system has lost biodiversity and its natural resilience.

Our Goals

Over the life of the project (through September 2029), we aim to:

• Reduce invasive plant cover across all restoration plots.
• Reestablish native dune habitats using locally collected, site-adapted seed to maintain genetic integrity. Key species include yellow and red sand verbenas, beach evening primrose, Indian paintbrush, and sand aster.
• Improve habitat quality and ecological resilience to benefit sensitive wildlife such as the Western monarch butterfly, the Northern California legless lizard, and rare plant species.
• Reinforce the protective function of foredunes so they can better absorb wave energy, reduce storm impacts, and adapt to rising seas.

Project Areas

The site is divided into four major restoration areas, each with unique challenges:

• Area 1 (28 acres): Heavily dominated by ice plant with very limited native cover.
• Area 2 (40 acres): Mix of ice plant and beachgrass with scattered native lupine and California sagebrush.
• Area 3 (50 acres): Similar to Area 2 but with slightly more beachgrass and a few woody invasives.
• Area 4 (33 acres): Dense stands of golden wattle and non-native eucalyptus forming a closed canopy that excludes native plants. Semi-natural stands of cypress, pine, and riparian species will be retained where appropriate.

Restoration Approach

Work begins with invasive plant removal, using best management practices to protect sensitive habitats and cultural resources. Then we will propagate and plant native species grown from seed collected onsite. This approach ensures plants are genetically suited to local conditions and supports long-term ecosystem stability. Ongoing monitoring and adaptive management will track vegetation recovery and allow for adjustments as needed to meet project success.

Community Connections

Because the dunes are a beloved public space, community engagement is central. Visitors will see interpretive signage near access points such as the Grand Avenue boardwalk, and there will be community outreach events in town prior to the start of work.

Building a Resilient Shoreline

By restoring native vegetation and natural dune dynamics, the Pismo State Beach Foredune Restoration & Improvement Project strengthens the coast’s ability to adapt to climate change while supporting rare wildlife and enhancing the natural beauty of one of California’s most iconic beaches.

Funders:
RCD Contact: Samantha Alvarez, salvarez@coastalrcd.org