COMMISSION

OHMVR Division archaeologists conduct annual
resource monitoring of known historical resources in
Oceano Dunes SVRA by visiting the resources and
documenting their existing condition and any observed
changes on ASCAR forms and through photography.
The Oceano Dunes SVRA resource monitoring
program also includes involvement from the local
Northern Chumash community. Prior to each resource
monitoring visit, Northern Chumash representatives
are notified and invited to accompany archaeologists
during site visits. Since 2011, results from the Oceano
Dunes SVRA resource monitoring program have not identified any significant impacts to
resources. Monitoring efforts in 2015 and 2016 identified several prehistoric sites where the
boundary fencing was in need of replacement or repair, and District staff acted promptly to
correct the problem.
Carnegie SVRA – Historic Brick and Pottery Plant
Since 2009, CASSP volunteers assist OHMVR
Division archaeologists in performing bi-annual
monitoring of known historical resources at
Carnegie SVRA. In 2012, CASSP monitors
identified impacts to two known historical
resources—CA-SJO-311H, ruins of a historic-era
brick and pottery company and CA-ALA-443, a
prehistoric occupation site. Impacts to CA-SJO-
311H resulted from ongoing road grading and
maintenance. Historic-era artifacts were identified
within the road, apparently unearthed because
of grading. OHMVR Division archaeologists consulted with the District and Sector
Superintendents to devise a workshop that would teach park staff what types of resources
are found in the SVRA and what to do and who to contact if they inadvertently uncover
cultural resources.
Northern Chumash Middens at
Oceano Dunes SVRA
Impacts to CA-ALA-443 occurred because of ongoing use by park neighbors and OHV
recreation that occurs through a portion of the site boundary. This road is an easement
road accessed by the adjacent property owners and is one of the primary roads that the
park uses to access portions of the recreation areas, and therefore cannot be closed.
Additionally, the surrounding steep topography does not permit a road reroute. In an effort
to stop resource impacts, several years ago a large portion of the site was fenced for
protection; however, over time the consistent vehicle activity has gullied portions of the
road and CASSP volunteers identified artifacts eroding from areas within the road bed. As
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California State Parks, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission