COMMISSION

an ear tag. Ear tagging individuals allowed the park to estimate abundance of each
species, the probability of detection for each species, and survivorship for each species
using Program Mark. Ultimately, the program goal is to determine if there are effects of
certain management actions or treatments (such as OHV use) on these animal populations.
Oceano Dunes SVRA staff prepared for the fifth trapping session (since October 2014), and
data analysis will begin shortly thereafter. This project would not have been possible without
the volunteer assistance received from several Cal Poly students and has resulted in a very
beneficial relationship between Oceano Dunes SVRA and the University.
Oceano Dunes District Restoration Program
The restoration program at Oceano Dunes District was established in 1989 in an effort to
protect the natural and cultural resources found within the park. The program is vital to the
long-term preservation of habitats and the protection
of the unique flora and fauna in the park. Oceano
Dunes uses various restoration methods including
sand stabilization to prevent soil and habitat loss,
revegetation in areas where native vegetation has been
displaced or lost by sand encroachment or invasive
weeds, weed abatement, and vegetation monitoring to
evaluate the effectiveness of the projects.
The natural dunes process at Oceano Dunes District is
due to the active depositing and redepositing of sand
by wind. Stabilization of the moving sands has provided protection to features such as Oso
Flaco Lake and the fenced vegetation islands found in the dunes.
Each year, park staff work with California Conservation Corps members to revegetate and
stabilize various sites within the park. Prior to the installation of plants and the spreading
of native seed, park crews blow certified “weed free” straw over the project area and use a
sheep’s foot attachment to punch the hay into the sand.
The straw provides wind protection for the plants,
niches for the seed to land and germinate, organic
matter, and collects moisture from the marine layer. In
areas not accessible to heavy equipment, crews dig
the straw into the sand by hand.
California Conservation Corps
removing veldt grass
Sheep Foot used to punch hay into the sand
Each year the Oceano Dunes greenhouse staff
germinates an average of 30,000 plants and
collects hundreds of pounds of native seed, which
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California State Parks, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission