Dunes Off-Roading Permit Excuses Harm to Rare Species
Published Date: 11/24/2025
Notice
Summary
The California Department of Parks and Recreation wants permission to continue activities at Oceano Dunes and Pismo State Beach that might accidentally affect some endangered species. They’ve shared a plan and environmental report for public review and are asking for comments by January 23, 2026. This process helps protect wildlife while allowing fun and lawful use of these popular outdoor spots.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Permit would allow continued park activities
The California Department of Parks and Recreation applied for an incidental take permit (ITP) that would authorize take of certain listed animals incidental to lawful activities on 5,005 acres at Pismo State Beach and Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area in San Luis Obispo County, California. If issued, the ITP would allow CDPR to continue the covered public use, recreation management, and park and beach management activities described in the draft HCP.
HCP requires habitat and user-management measures
The draft habitat conservation plan includes measures CDPR will implement to avoid and minimize impacts, such as managing habitat to benefit covered species, minimizing human alteration or disturbance of native habitats, reducing conflicts between covered species and park users, restoring native habitats, and monitoring results. These management measures could change how CDPR operates the parks and how visitors are allowed to use certain areas.
Possible reduction of southern protected area
One draft EA alternative would allow the ITP while reducing the existing protected area boundary (the "southern exclosure") for the California least tern and western snowy plover if those species meet biological targets. That alternative could change which areas of the park are open to public use depending on species recovery metrics.
Alternative could impose year-round exclosures
The draft EA also considers an alternative in which issuance of an ITP would be conditioned on year-round exclosures, which would keep some areas closed to public use throughout the year. That alternative would change access to parts of Pismo State Beach and Oceano Dunes.
Public can review and comment by Jan 23, 2026
The draft HCP and draft environmental assessment are available for public review at Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2025-0143 on https://www.regulations.gov, and the Service requests written comments by January 23, 2026. Comments and submitted materials will be made publicly available through that docket.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14633, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations Pertaining to Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is updating how it protects threatened plants and animals. Starting August 20, 2026, they’re ending the automatic 'blanket rule' that used to apply to all newly listed threatened species, meaning protections will be more tailored. This change affects landowners, businesses, and conservation groups, aiming for smarter, clearer rules without extra costs or delays.
2026-14629, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Designating Critical Habitat
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service updated rules about how they decide which lands become critical habitats for endangered plants and animals. Now, they’ll clearly weigh economic, security, and other impacts before protecting an area, making the process more open and predictable. These changes start August 20, 2026, helping communities and businesses understand when lands might be excluded from protection.
2026-14299, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for the Contiguous U.S. Distinct Population Segment of the Canada Lynx
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service updated the protected areas for the Canada lynx in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Washington, covering about 14,030 square miles. This change fixes past legal issues and helps keep the lynx’s home safe. The new rule starts on August 17, 2026, and may affect land use and conservation efforts in these states.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-12951, Process for Authorizing Seasonal Migratory Game Bird Hunting
The Fish and Wildlife Service is changing how it approves seasonal migratory game bird hunting. Instead of yearly rules, they’ll issue a hunting plan every three years but still decide harvest levels annually. This new process saves time and money, helps States and Tribes, and kicks in August 25, 2026—unless big objections come in by July 27.
2026-12955, Process for Authorizing Seasonal Migratory Game Bird Hunting
The Fish and Wildlife Service is changing how it approves seasonal migratory game bird hunting. Instead of making new rules every year, they’ll issue a hunting plan every three years, updating it sooner if needed. This will save time and money, help States, Tribes, and hunters, and keep bird populations safe.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20723, District Export Council Nomination Opportunity
The Department of Commerce is looking for passionate volunteers to join one of 61 District Export Councils (DECs) across the U.S. These councils help local businesses grow by boosting exports and sharing trade know-how. If you want to make a difference, nominate yourself or someone else by December 15, 2025—no pay, but plenty of impact!
Next: 2025-20725, United States Department of Transportation Advisory Board; Public Meeting
The U.S. Department of Transportation Advisory Board is holding a public meeting on December 10, 2025, to share ideas on improving and modernizing America’s transportation systems. This meeting affects anyone interested in how roads, bridges, and transit get better and smarter, with a focus on new technology and funding partnerships. You can join the meeting online, and it’s a key step toward faster, more efficient travel in the future.