Ormond Beach Restoration and Public Access Plan

Ormond Beach: A Special Place

Ormond Beach is a 1,500-acre area composed of wetlands, agricultural lands, and industry. The two-mile-long beach extends from Port Hueneme to the northwestern boundary of Pt. Mugu Naval Air Station and encompasses Mugu Lagoon. Although the wetlands have been drained, filled, and degraded over the past century, Ormond Beach remains one of the few areas in southern California with an intact dune-transition zone-marsh system. Ormond Beach is considered by wetland experts to be one of the most important wetland restoration opportunities in southern California. Additionally, Ormond Beach is an invaluable recreational beach area for not only South Oxnard, but the region as a whole.

The City of Oxnard partnered with the State Coastal Conservancy and the Nature Conservancy to develop the Ormond Beach Restoration and Access Plan (OBRAP) in 2021. The OBRAP balances habitat restoration and protection of sensitive plant and animal species with new and better ways for people to visit and enjoy the area. Input from community members and other Ormond Beach stakeholders played an important role in developing the OBRAP.

Next Steps for OBRAP Implementation

Work is underway to implement the first phase of the OBRAP. In January 2024, the project received a Statutory Exemption for Restoration Projects Concurrence by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. In February 2024, the State Coastal Conservancy was awarded funding for planning and implementation of the first phase of the project. The State Coastal Conservancy is moving forward in cooperation with the City of Oxnard and The Nature Conservancy towards more detailed design and permitting for Phase 1.

Get Involved!

Your input will help prepare a plan that benefits the community, restores ecologically sensitive areas, and ensures access for future generations to beautiful Ormond Beach.

A variety of in-person and virtual opportunities to learn about the project, hear updates from the project team, and most importantly to share your input are scheduled beginning in fall 2024 through early 2025. Details about engagement activities including date, time, and location will be posted on the City’s online calendar and social media once they are scheduled.

A community workshop on the OBRAP was held on November 13, 2024. Watch a recording of the community meeting or download the presentation below.

For additional information or to join our listserv please contact [email protected].