By Mike McGarity, CORVA President
September 30, 2026

Vehicle access at Centerville Beach in Humboldt County faces a serious threat, and CORVA is getting involved. After learning about the issue last week, CORVA reached out to Humboldt County Public Works Deputy Director Hank Seemann and First District Supervisor Rex Bohn to request project records, clarify the County’s position, and identify opportunities to preserve responsible access.

An important distinction must be made: this issue concerns vehicle access to a beach, not preservation of a designated OHV riding area. Centerville Beach County Park encompasses approximately two acres; the surrounding shoreline extends much farther. Allowing vehicles on a beach does not automatically authorize every class of off-highway vehicle or unrestricted recreational riding. CORVA is seeking confirmation of the specific vehicle requirements, lawful driving boundaries, and existing restrictions so members understand precisely what access is threatened.

On September 9, the California Coastal Commission approved Coastal Development Permit 1-24-1028 for improvements to Centerville Road and its beach-access facilities, subject to conditions restricting public vehicle access onto the sand. The Commission also included an opportunity for the County to return with a managed vehicle-access proposal for separate review and approval.

What has not yet been confirmed is equally important. Permit approval does not establish that construction has begun, that Humboldt County has accepted the conditions, or that the vehicle restrictions have been implemented. Reporting published September 29 stated that the Board of Supervisors still needed to decide whether to accept the conditions before construction could begin. CORVA has requested direct confirmation of any subsequent Board action, the next meeting date, and the current status of beach access.

The road project addresses substantial infrastructure problems. Storm waves, erosion, and recurring sand accumulation threaten Centerville Road, while the former beach parking lot has been lost to the ocean. The proposal includes approximately 880 feet of rock armoring, raising portions of the road by as much as 10 feet, and constructing a small parking area. CORVA has requested the final plans to confirm the approved design and parking capacity.

These improvements are intended to provide interim protection while the County develops a longer-term solution. Moving the road inland would require planning, obtaining necessary property rights, and securing funding. Seemann’s correspondence to the Commission indicated that this process could take at least 20 years. The Commission’s September addendum describes a 20-year authorization period through September 9, 2046, along with a requirement for an adaptation planning study within five years.

Preserving the road matters to residents, emergency services, beach visitors, and people accessing the Lost Coast Headlands. CORVA recognizes that allowing the road to deteriorate could itself undermine public access. Our objective is to help preserve both the road connection and meaningful vehicle access to the beach.

The vehicle restrictions have generated substantial community concern. At the Commission hearing, residents described using vehicles to transport fishing equipment, reach distant fishing locations, and help older family members and people with mobility limitations enjoy the coast. Supervisors Bohn and Michelle Bushnell expressed opposition to the restrictions. Seemann described the proposed change as a significant policy issue requiring consideration by the Board of Supervisors.

Commission staff identified concerns involving sensitive vegetation, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and western snowy plovers. Concerns about unsafe driving and trespass have also been raised. CORVA believes these issues deserve careful examination using current, site-specific information and a full evaluation of practical management alternatives.

At Commissioner Mike Wilson’s request, the Commission included a path for the County to propose managed vehicle access. That proposal would need to address where vehicles could travel, how sensitive resources would be protected, and how restrictions would be enforced. This opportunity is not an approved access plan, and continued vehicle access is not guaranteed. It is, however, a concrete option that CORVA wants the County to evaluate promptly.

The approximately two-acre County park must also be distinguished from neighboring property and the longer shoreline. Ownership, easements, and public-access rights will determine where a lawful driving corridor could be established. References to the shoreline’s “wave slope” should not be interpreted as blanket permission to drive wherever sand is exposed. CORVA has requested the relevant maps, deeds, easements, and vehicle-use regulations.

Our outreach to Mr. Seemann requests the final permit conditions, exact amendment language, project plans, funding agreements, environmental studies, and records supporting the restrictions. We have also asked what would trigger implementation and which procedural, funding, or construction deadlines require immediate attention.

Our request to Supervisor Bohn focuses on Board direction and local coordination. CORVA has asked whether the Board has made any formal decisions, when the issue will next be discussed, and how members and local residents can participate. We are encouraging a clear commitment to evaluating a managed vehicle-access proposal with a timetable and community involvement.

Potential management measures could include a legally supported driving corridor, tide and storm restrictions, targeted seasonal wildlife protections, speed limits, pedestrian safeguards, and prohibitions on dune driving and trespass. Any proposal must also address enforcement, monitoring, funding, and the needs of people who rely on vehicles to reach and enjoy the beach.

Members and local residents can assist by sharing historical photographs, access records, and specific examples of how vehicle access supports fishing, family recreation, mobility, and local businesses. Please continue to follow posted rules, respect private property, and avoid sensitive habitat.

CORVA will advocate for responsible vehicle access at Centerville Beach and keep members informed as the County confirms its decisions and next steps. Protecting access requires accurate information, timely participation, and workable solutions that allow recreation and resource protection to coexist.