Pismo State Beach Foredune Restoration Project

Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District (CSLRCD), in partnership with California Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR), propose to conserve, restore, protect, or enhance, and assist in the recovery of California native fish and wildlife, and the habitat upon which they depend and restore or provide habitat for California native fish and wildlife. The Project includes the following restoration activities: • Removal of invasive plant species with manual, mechanical, pile burning, and targeted herbicide application methods. Target species include, but may not be limited to, iceplant (Carpobrotus edulis), European beachgrass (Ammophila arenaria), golden wattle (Acacia longifolia), Australian tea tree (Leptospermum laevigatum), and spider gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus conferruminata). • Collection of seeds from native species and propagation of seeds in CDPR greenhouses. • Revegetation with a palette composed of locally native dune-specialized species, including, but not limited to, yellow sand-verbena (Abronia latifolia), beach evening primrose (Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia), dune ragwort (Senecio blochmaniae), and beach bur (Ambrosia chamissonis). • Installation of interpretive signage and fencing. • Adaptive management, including follow-up herbicide treatments, supplemental revegetation, and other activities as needed. Restoration activities will be carried out amongst four management areas, totaling 151 acres of foredune habitat within Pismo State Beach. Invasive plant species removal methods will be tailored to specific conditions within management areas. Plantings will be installed in a manner which varies by density and species composition, largely depending on the proximity to wind and sand exposure, dune elevation, and the presence of pre-existing native vegetation. These efforts are intended to restore dune form and function, resulting in a more diverse native plant community and improved habitat quality for native wildlife. The Project will result in long-term net benefits to climate resiliency, biodiversity, and sensitive species recovery; and includes procedures and ongoing management for the protection of the environment. Funding for planning and implementation of the Project is provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Office of Spill Prevention and Response Environmental Enhancement Fund. Additional funding and in-kind services will be provided by CDPR. Anticipated project implementation: Start date: upon Project approval. Completion date: October 31, 2035.