Nipomo Dunes
Map SatelliteThese dunes, which stretch along the coast south from Pismo Beach for some 19 kilometers (12 miles) and inland up to 3 kilometers (1.8 miles), form with the adjoining dune area to the south (see Guadalupe Dunes, Mussel Point and Point Sal Area) the largest coastal dune complex in the State. A number of small lakes lie on the landward side of the dunes.
The oldest dunes date back perhaps 18,000-20,000 years B.P.; however, most were formed between then and 5,000 B.P. Some recent (since 5,000 B.P.) dunes are found amidst the older dunes. Several types of dunes are present including the small, primary dunes back of the beach, the larger, secondary foredunes, 15-30 meters (50-100 feet) high and, in the inner central region, high, parabolic dunes ranging up to 60 meters (200 feet) high and without vegetation.
A remarkably large flora is found here, with many species endemic to the dunes. With the exception of the northern end, the area is surprisingly free of exotics. Several plant communities are presented. The coastal strand occurs on the beach and the less stabilized dunes. On these primary dunes characteristic vegetation includes several sand verbenas, Abronia latifolia, Abronia maritima and Abronia umbellata. On the stabilized dunes common plants include Lupinus chamissonis, Lupinus arboreus and Eriogonum parvifolium.
Grasslands occur in the hollows and on the edge of the dunes area. There are freshwater marshes in the moist deflation plains and in the lake areas. There is also a willow-wax myrtle community which attains a height of 6 meters (20 feet) in the hollows and by Oso Flaco Lake.
Seven rare plants are present: Rorippa gambellii, Cirsium loncholepis, Cirsium rhothophilum, Erigeron blochmaniae, Lupinus nipomensis, Monardella crispa and Monardella frutescens. Among the endemics restricted to the dunes and nearby areas are Chorizanthe angustifolia var. eastwoodiae, Eriastrum densifolium, Castilleja mollis and Malacothrix incana. Additional species are restricted to this and the Morro Bay area to the north. This area is also the northern limit for several plants, including the giant coreopsis, Coreopsis gigantea, which here may reach 2.5 meters (8 feet) in height.
Nearly 100 species of birds have been sighted in the area and there is an abundance of other wildlife.
Along the beach the Pismo clam, Tivela stultorum, is abundant and it breeds regularly here. There are numerous insects in the dunes area, some undescribed. Noteworthy is a yet unnamed moth, unique among North American moths in that both sexes are wingless.
There are archaeological sites present.
Integrity: Portions of the area have been developed for a State Park, oil field, and other uses. Much of the dunes area has been damaged, some probably beyond recovery, by off-road vehicles. There are, however, portions in private ownership that remain relatively undisturbed.
Use: Where off-road vehicles are not permitted, research, educational, observational and light recreational, much of the area is privately owned. The entire area has been recommended for a National Landmark.
Ref: Cooper, William S. 1967. Coastal Dunes of California. Geo. Soc. of Amer. Mem. #104, pp. 75-89.
October 1975
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
