"The sands of Oceano Dunes are unusually quiet right now, as off-road vehicles and beach camping have been temporarily banished since April 14. Many locals express concern over the silence, while others support the closure for the benefit of the western snowy plover, a threatened sea bird species."
"Business is slow along Pier Street in Oceano, with local establishments like Sun Buggy Fun Rentals and Pier Street Deli y Mas reporting significant drops in customer traffic and layoffs. Owner Randy Jordan and manager Chelsea Nava emphasize the reliance on visitors from out of town, particularly for the dunes."
Oceano Dunes State Park, known for allowing beach driving, is currently closed to off-road vehicles and camping due to a federal judge's order aimed at protecting the threatened western snowy plover. This closure has led to significant economic impacts on local businesses, with many reporting layoffs and reduced customer traffic. State parks officials hope to reopen the area by May 23, contingent on obtaining necessary permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which has not yet responded to inquiries.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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