Central Coast Heritage Protection Act

This bill, called the Central Coast Heritage Protection Act, would protect more public lands on California’s Central Coast. It sets aside new wilderness areas, creates two scenic areas, and adds more miles of creeks and rivers to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. In these protected places, no new mining or energy drilling would be allowed, and motorized use and new roads would be tightly limited. Hiking, camping, and horseback riding could continue. Firefighters could still act quickly to control wildfires and other threats. It also creates a large Fox Mountain Special Management Area that keeps recreation but safeguards wildlife and plants.

The bill asks the Forest Service to study a new Condor National Scenic Trail to link the northern and southern parts of Los Padres National Forest, to look at improving nonmotorized trails (including mountain biking), and to study a new off‑highway vehicle trail connection for small vehicles. Existing grazing could continue where it’s already allowed, and Tribes would have access for cultural and religious practices, with temporary closures for privacy when needed.

• Who is affected

  • Local residents and visitors; Tribes; hikers, campers, hunters, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and off‑highway vehicle users; ranchers who graze livestock.

• What changes

  • New and expanded wilderness and two scenic areas; more protected river miles.
  • Fox Mountain Special Management Area keeps recreation but limits new roads and motorized use to protect nature.
  • Studies for a Condor National Scenic Trail, better nonmotorized trail options, and a new small‑vehicle OHV connection.
  • Existing grazing may continue; horses remain allowed in wilderness; Tribal access and privacy protections.

• When

  • Trail studies are due within 3 years of enactment; the Fox Mountain management plan is due within 5 years.