02/17/2026
Point Sal is part of the ancestral territory of the Chumash people and holds great historical and cultural significance. The Point Sal State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) proposal is co-sponsored by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council and seeks to enhance Tribal co-stewardship. The Dunes Center is working in collaboration with the Natural Resource Defense Council as well as the Northern Chumash Tribal Council to advocate for the designation of Point Sal as a State Marine Conservation Area! Below are some facts that we will explore further on our hike:
🐟Designating this MPA would honor and strengthen Chumash stewardship of their ancestral waters, and elevate historical and present-day Chumash connections to the region.
🐠Point Sal is exceptionally rich ecologically, supporting diverse ocean wildlife and habitats—including kelp beds, rocky reefs, tidepools, sandy beaches, a migratory whale corridor, a critical larval retention zone, and a seabird and sea lion rookery.
🐙Point Sal is an important area for baby fish and invertebrates in their earliest phase of life. Protecting it would help maintain these populations and boost ecosystem health.
🌅Because Point Sal is remote and accessible only by trail, it remains relatively pristine and healthy. Safeguarding areas like Point Sal is increasingly important amid warming waters, shifting ocean conditions, and expanding uses such as aquaculture, offshore wind, and continued oil and gas activity
🐳By adding Point Sal to the state’s MPA network, Central California’s coast will benefit from increased habitat connectivity, representation, and replication – all key to increasing biodiversity in our waters.
Public access to Point Sal SB is available via Brown Road. No civilian access is available through Vandenberg Space Force Base. Motor vehicle access, bicycle access, and camping are not permitted. Access is from sunrise to sunset for recreational purposes only.
Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to get ready for this scenic adventure, link to register is in our bio!
Don’t miss out on the stunning views and nature insights. See you on the trail!
