Balancing ORV use, as well as a multitude of other recreation opportunities, and endangered species protection is the charge of a collaborative effort in both land ownership and management. Recently The Nature Conservancy transferred their remaining ownership and management to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which has established the new Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, and to the Center For Natural Lands Management. The Center has accepted the management of the 600 acre Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, which is owned by Santa Barbara County Parks and then leased to the Center. This site forms part of the southern anchor to the dunes complex, and is the least damaged by ORVs and exotic vegetation. It receives the highest visitation of any portion of the dunes, with the exception of the open ORV area at the northern anchor to the dunes system.
People visit dailyfor surfing, fishing, and hiking.
It also has one of the best least tern and western snowy plover nesting areas in the area. It is the Center s challenge to insure the protection of these precious natural resources and to accommodate the public access needs. To accomplish this task a kiosk is staffed daily in order to contact each visitor and explain the rules of entry aimed at minimizing the public access impacts, especially during nesting season. This along with regular patrolling helps maintain a difficult balance. There is currently no entrance fee, but donations are gratefully accepted.