California State Parks is working on an update to the general plan for three state parks on Santa Barbara County‘s Gaviota Coast and is asking the public to help shape the process.

The General Plan Update Project, which focuses on El Capitán State Beach, Refugio State Beach and Gaviota State Park, is intended to help California State Parks adapt, care for and preserve the three parks for future generations.

According to State Parks, draft concepts were developed using input from community members, stakeholders and Native American tribes. 

Two upcoming public meetings will give community members a chance to review those concepts and share feedback.

The first meeting will be held Feb. 12 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Vista de Las Cruces School, 9467 San Julian Road in Gaviota.

A virtual meeting is scheduled for March 4 from 6-7:30 p.m. Both meetings will cover the same material, and registration is available at ecrgplanupdate.com/participate/.

The general plan provides a long-term framework for how a state park is managed and protected, including an inventory of natural features, wildlife, historic and archaeological resources, and park facilities. For the El Capitán, Refugio and Gaviota parks, the process also includes an environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act and will be presented to the State Park and Recreation Commission for approval.

Unique Challenges For Each Park

At El Capitán State Beach, the general plan aims to address the operational demands and aging infrastructure of its 143 campsites, the most of the three parks included in this update.

In addition to the beach and campground area, the park includes more than 2,500 acres of inland backcountry north of Highway 101, bordering Los Padres National Forest. According to the project website, that portion of the park is not currently included in the general plan and remains vulnerable to wildfire.  

El Capitán is currently closed to all vehicles and camping for construction on its Entrance Improvement Project. Until further notice, only pedestrian access is allowed.

Refugio State Beach faces a mix of operational and environmental challenges, many of them stemming from inadequate stormwater infrastructure and coastal erosion. Located just west of El Capitán along the Gaviota Coast, the park’s drainage systems are inefficient and contribute to flooding, which can lead to beach closures.

The east side of Refugio campground and Bouchard group camp are closed due to infrastructure damage, according to the park’s website.

Gaviota State Park is also experiencing a range of issues tied to flooding and aging infrastructure. Erosion along Gaviota Creek is destabilizing banks, beach areas are prone to flooding, and utility systems are at capacity and vulnerable to damage. The park’s trails lack connectivity to the regional trail network, and access throughout the site is limited and, in some areas, unsafe, according to the project website.

The Gaviota Campground is currently in its seasonal closure and is scheduled to reopen April 1, but is open for day use.

Questions or comments about the project may also be submitted at any time to info@ECRGplanupdate.com.