State Parks proposes changes to Oso Flaco Lake with mixed reaction from visitors
GUADALUPE, Calif. - The California Department of Parks and Recreation is proposing major changes to Oso Flaco Lake.
It's part of a larger Public Works Plan to improve many state parks, including Pismo State Beach Boardwalk and Butterfly Grove.
The state is proposing several changes to the Oso Flaco Lake area, including changing some of the agricultural land to land designated for RVs and camping.
They plan to widen Oso Flaco Road to accommodate the RVs. Some visitors to the park are apprehensive about the RV park.
"I think that's a little overkill," said Gabriel Ramirez, who fishes at the park. "I think they should focus on the fishing and once the fishing is good, then they can bring an RV park in here."
Other visitors are concerned about the environmental impact.
"I don't agree with it," said Mike Wiese, a hydrologist who spent the day hiking at the park with his uncle. "We should keep as much undisturbed out here as possible. Any kind of development will ultimately affect the dunes."
Guadalupe Mayor Ariston Julian says the traffic could be a negative, as it would increase through rural roads in the area.
The mayor said that there were also positives, such as the potential to bring more customers to businesses in Guadalupe.
There are a few changes to pedestrian areas in the park, like extending the boardwalk to make it a full loop and putting in several new hiking trails on surrounding land.
Several hikers and fishermen said they liked the idea of the extended boardwalk.
"That would be great because it doesn't really cover a lot of the lake here," said Lee Holt, a fisherman. "That would be great if they maybe expanded it out this way too," he said, pointing to the other side of the lake.
The state would also like to install a lifeguard tower on the beach and create an environmental education center.
Public comments on the projects will be accepted until January 24.
If you're interested in submitting feedback, click here.
