When is the Pismo Preserve Going to Open?

Since getting to enjoy the Pismo Preserve for a short window of time, many of us have been wondering, “When is the Pismo Preserve Going to Open for GOOD?” The following is a Press Release sent out by the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo:

THE LAND CONSERVANCY SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT THROUGH TRAIL USE SURVEY

While fundraising efforts continue, The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County is approaching the homestretch of the construction of visitor-serving amenities required to open the 900 acre Pismo Preserve to the public.

When is the Pismo Preserve Going to Open?

“Understandably, one of the most common questions we hear is, ‘When is it going to open?’” said Kaila Dettman, Executive Director of The Land Conservancy. “The answer is, if we secured the rest of the funding today, we would be open in six to eight months.”

The timeline for completion of the parking lot, ADA trail, and remaining amenities is dependent on The Land Conservancy receiving the remaining $ 2.4 million of $18 million project total (includes the purchase of the land) needed to complete the project and open the Pismo Preserve.

Funding Needed to Close the Gap and Open the Pismo Preserve

If remaining funding is not secured, The Land Conservancy will be forced to halt construction, delaying opening of the Preserve until the funds are raised, something the non-profit’s staff, board and volunteers are working hard to keep from happening.

“We are so close to realizing this incredible project and every bit of support helps us with this final stretch of construction and funding. We have created a magical place together with world class trails and an incredible outdoor experience, and now it’s time to rally again, just like we did during the campaign to save it in 2014, and open this property for our community to enjoy,” said Dettman.

The non-profit is relying heavily on gifts from local businesses and individuals to close the gap. If interested in helping bring this project to fruition, people are encouraged to contact The Land Conservancy office directly at (805) 544-9096.

Pismo Preserve Looking for Input from Local Equestrians

With the opening of the property and it’s 11-mile trail system on the horizon, The Land Conservancy is seeking information on potential visitor use at the Pismo Preserve via an online survey.

“Our hope is to get a feel for general use patterns, so we can better prepare to manage the parking lot and our trails once we are fully open,” said Dettman. “The Pismo Preserve is designed to accommodate hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Knowing when each of those groups is most likely to use the Preserve will help us manage parking expectations and special events.” The survey can be found online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/PismoPreserve.

Equestrian input needed in Pismo Preserve Survey

Future Access

Access to the Pismo Preserve’s 11 miles of trails is closed while construction is ongoing, but the public can look forward to daily access, from dawn to dusk, once all construction is complete at the end of this year, 2019. Once completed, walkers, hikers, bikers, and equestrians will be able to enjoy the Pismo Preserve seven days a week.

To make a tax-deductible charitable donation to support the Pismo Preserve individuals and businesses can make an online donation on The Land Conservancy’s website at www.LCSLO.org or call Kaila Dettman, Executive Director, at 805-544-9096.

History of the Pismo Preserve

The Pismo Preserve was purchased by The Land Conservancy in 2014 with outstanding support from the community. It will be a phenomenal public park for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians with high-quality single – track trails, beautiful panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, and stunning oak-studded canyons.

The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo

The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County is a community-supported local nonprofit land trust working to conserve and care for the diverse wildlands, farms, and ranches of the Central Coast, connecting people to the land and to each other.

The land trust helps to protect drinking water sources, prevent poorly planned development, restore wildlife habitat, promote family farmlands and ranches in our region, and connect people of all ages and backgrounds to the land.

The Land Conservancy leads collaborative efforts which have resulted in the permanent protection over 20,000 acres of land in San Luis Obispo County.

Equestrian input needed in Pismo Preserve Survey

Photo Credit: Sharon Jantzen

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