Similar to the public meetings held prior to the pandemic and the Coastal Commission hearing and draft HRCAP released in September 2021, the upcoming workshops are an opportunity for Hollister Ranch Owners to once again emphasize that the Ranch is committed to preserving the wild nature of the Gaviota Coast while welcoming public access consistent with the natural state of the land. (View the 2021 Draft HRCAP Report)

The HROA continues to host a variety of ongoing public access recreation events each month and welcomes thousands of children annually through collaboration with local schools and nonprofit organizations via the Tidepool School (TPS) — including over 400 students from the Guadalupe Dunes Center last year.

As always, calm and clear communication about Hollister Ranch’s longstanding conservation programs for natural resources and protection of significant Native American cultural sites remains essential.

The State has not yet revealed details regarding any specific access plan, but has stated that they intend to do so during these hearings. Their stated goal is:

“The goal is to strike a thoughtful balance among providing public access, the protection of environmental and cultural resources, respect for neighboring private property and public safety, and perhaps most importantly, construction and management feasibility.”

If that is indeed the goal of the HRCAP, Hollister Ranch Owners should welcome this opportunity to provide constructive input — to emphasize that the Ranch is already providing these benefits and that additional construction or new infrastructure would only damage the integrity of the Hollister Ranch Shoreline Preserve (See 2023 HRSP Annual Report and 2024 HRSP Annual Report).