Public meeting to explore future of Diablo Canyon lands Nov. 5

By Atascadero News · Sun Oct 25 2026

The future of approximately 12,000 acres surrounding Diablo Canyon Power Plant will be the focus of a public open house and meeting Thursday, Nov. 5, offering residents an opportunity to learn about conservation planning, potential ownership changes and expanded public access. The Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel, working with Pacific Gas and Electric Co., will host the event at the Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St. An open house runs from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by a public meeting from 6:15 to 8:10 p.m. Online participation will also be available through Zoom.

Representatives from the California Coastal Commission, State Coastal Conservancy and PG&E are scheduled to present updates on future ownership, management, conservation and access. Attendees can ask questions, provide public comment, speak with panel members and participating organizations, and sign up for guided tours of the lands.

The gathering comes as the Coastal Conservancy advances a multiyear planning effort for lands stretching along approximately 14 miles of coastline between Avila Beach and Montaña de Oro State Park.

That project encompasses North Ranch, South Ranch and Wild Cherry Canyon. Its goals include protecting environmental and cultural resources, incorporating local Native American tribes’ priorities, and identifying appropriate opportunities for public access. Planning for the power plant property itself, known as Parcel P, is being handledseparately through the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

Meeting resource materials outline Coastal Commission permit conditions that could substantially change conservation and recreation opportunities along the coast.

Conditions for the phase extending through 2030 include protecting approximately 4,500 acres of North Ranch through a conservation easement and transferring ownership to a public agency or eligible nonprofit conservation organization, including tribal organizations. They also call for a purchase option for Wild Cherry Canyon, dedication of more than 20 miles of new public trails and a $10 million contribution toward trail development, maintenance and long-term stewardship.

Potential trail connections include a route linking Montaña de Oro and Port San Luis. Additional South Ranch conservation requirements would apply after 2030 if plant operations continue, according to the summary.

The broader conservation planning effort began in fall 2024 and is expected to take three to five years, with completion potentially extending into 2029. Expected products include conservation and access recommendations, draft easements, and proposed ownership and management plans. Tribal consultation will also explore opportunities for ancestral lands to return to tribal ownership or stewardship.

The engagement panel serves as a volunteer advisory forum for community input on Diablo Canyon’s eventual decommissioning, land use, and facility repurposing. It has no regulatory authority; final decommissioning decisions rest with PG&E and the appropriate agencies.

Residents can find meeting information, access Zoom preregistration, and submit questions or comments in advance at diablocanyonpanel.org. A recording and written transcript are expected to be posted after the meeting.