California to open 2,060 coastal acres near Diablo Canyon as trails and campsites after $42m deal

The conservation plan comes as the future of the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant remains under discussion For decades, 2,060 acres of California’s Central Coast remained closed to the public as a buffer around the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant. Now, the land above Avila Beach in San Luis Obispo County is set to become a nature preserve with hiking trails and campsites after a $42 million conservation deal.The Wildlands Conservancy, a nonprofit land trust, has agreed to acquire the property known as Wild Cherry Canyon, San Francisco Chronicle reported. On Thursday, the state agreed to provide $42 million through the State Coastal Conservancy, allowing the organisation to proceed with the purchase.The property is owned by Eureka Energy, a subsidiary of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, which operates the nearby nuclear facility. The land has coastal hills, valleys, native grasslands and oak and pine woodlands.The land which has been the subject of development plans, including proposals for high-end homes, is on the path towards becoming public open space, after the deal. The Wildlands Conservancy plans to create trails and camping opportunities while protecting Native American cultur...