San Luis Obispo Court Decision on Oceano Dunes Threatens Many of California’s Rarest Birds 

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Yesterday, a San Luis Obispo County Superior Court judge reversed a 2021 decision to reduce off-highway vehicle access at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreational Area. The Oceano Dunes contain rare coastal dune habitat for federally endangered species like the Western Snowy Plover and California Least Tern. 

“This ruling imperils a who’s who of rare and endangered coastal birds, including the Western Snowy Plover and California Least Tern,” said Andrea Jones, director of bird conservation for Audubon California. “Audubon will continue to advocate for the birds, wildlife, rare coastal dune habitat, and air quality issues in the surrounding communities, as well as equitable access to nature.” 

The Oceano Dunes are some of the best-remaining breeding and migratory habitat for the western Snowy Plover and California Least Tern in the state. 

In 2021, the California Coastal Commission voted to close most vehicle access to Oceano Dunes SVRA by 2024 due to environmental and air quality impacts. Audubon California and Morro Coast Audubon Society continue to support the 2021 decision made by the Commission and stand by our statement. We await further comment from the Commission at its August meeting.  

Contact: Nicolas Gonzalez, nicolas.gonzalez@audubon.org, (310) 897-9836. 

About Audubon 
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.