New lawsuit fuels battle over Oceano Dunes

New Lawsuit Criticizes Conservation Plan That Allows Off-Roading at Oceano Dunes

OCEANO, Calif. (KEYT) – On Thursday, California State Parks was hit with a lawsuit over its approval of a habitat conservation plan at Oceano Dunes. The Center for Biological Diversity and Northern Chumash Tribal Council claims State Parks has violated the Endangered Species Act by allowing off-road driving on the beach for decades – putting wildlife like western snowy plovers and California least terns in danger. In May 2026, California's Depar…

New lawsuit fuels battle over Oceano Dunes

For years, California State Parks and various environmental groups have clashed over the future of the Oceano Dunes. Now, just months after the last lawsuit settled, another has taken its place and this lawsuit says State Parks still isnt doing its part to conserve.The Oceano Dunes state vehicular recreation area was lined with visitors Friday to kick off the holiday weekend. Kenneth Mendez parked his truck near the waves with his dad and grands…