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Public meeting on the future of Oceano Dunes to be held Wednesday night in Bakersfield

Posted at 3:28 PM, Dec 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-12 02:26:51-05

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Residents along the Central Coast weighed in on what they hope for the future of the Oceano Dunes Tuesday night, KSBY reported.

This was California State Park's third public workshop on the future of the dunes. Officials said they want to give people a chance to comment before the Public Works Plan gets reviewed and approved by the California Coastal Commission.

This year the Coastal Commission listedseveral proposed changes to the Dunes that included camping, recreation and other activities.

"From here we have a public comment period that's going to open until January 24. We're continuing to receive that information through the mail or email if you want to reach out to us through our website,” said Kevin Pearce, Chief Ranger for California State Parks.

State Park and Recreation officials introduced Bakersfield residents to new concepts they are working on including enhancements to the Butterfly Grove, improvements to the Pismo Beach Boardwalk and camping improvements to the Oso Flaco Lake area. These concepts are part of their Public Works Plan (PWP).

Some residents expressed concerns that camp ground on the popular destination would be effected. Chief Ranger for the Oceano Dunes District Kevin Pearce said, "Our department agreed to a do a project on the beach area of Oceano Dunes which is the primary camp area," however that project is seperate from the PWP. He says they are reducing 48-acres to reduce harmful emissions and working with the San Luis Obisbo County Air Pollution Control District. This project is set to begin in January 2020.

The "brief presentation" is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center, 801 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301.