The Coast Mounted Assistance (CMA) volunteers.

The CMA was established in 1973 by a group of local San Luis Obispo County equestrians who originally assisted State Park employees to map and construct the trails system within Montana De Oro State Park.  Today, this volunteer organization is part of the California State Parks Volunteers in Parks Program (VIPP.)

CMA volunteers are easy to spot along the trails within the Park, because of their gold shirts and jackets, and gold trimmed/blue saddle pads.

The purpose of the CMA organization is outlined in its charter as follows:
(1) Assist park visitors by answering any questions they may have. This is an especially valuable service since there is no kiosk or information booth at the entrance to Montana De Oro State Park.

(2) Patrol the beaches and trails within the park boundaries.

(3) Report any unusual situations and alert Park Rangers to violations of park rules and regulations.

(4) Gather information on trail conditions and report any changes to flora and fauna.

(5) Maintain and/or construct trails as approved by the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

(6) Assist in the improvement and maintenance of the Horse Camp facilities at Montana De Oro State Park.

The CMA consists of approximately 55 local county horse owner/volunteers. Members must be approved by the California State Parks Volunteers in Parks Program (VIPP), be at least 18 years of age, have their own seasoned trail horse, transportation to and from the park, and be able to demonstrate their riding ability during a certification ride with a Park Ranger.

Montana De Oro State Park consists of approximately 8,500 acres and has over 50 miles of trails which the CMA patrols on a regular basis.

The CMA meets at the Visitors' Center above Spooners Cove the first Sunday of every month at 3:00 P.M. during the winter season, and 4:00 P.M. during the summer season. Persons interested in more information on the Coast Mounted Assistance can call: (805) 466-1258.

Weekend Trail Work Camp Out Planned at Montana De Oro State Park in November.

This year CMA has reserved the entire Horse Camp from Thursday, November 6, 2008 through Monday, November 10, 2008.  You and your horse are invited to camp out and help work on trails.  The projects will focus on trails that get high use by equestrians and are within walking distance from Horse Camp. 

Volunteers who work on the trails for four hours over this weekend trail work camp out get to camp for FREE! 

A group potluck with be held on Saturday night, November 8, 2008 at Madrone Camp (the big group camp.)  Barbequed chicken, beef and garlic bread will be provided by CMA and SLOPOST.  Just bring a side dish or dessert.

The trails at Montana De Oro State Park need our help and we are looking forward to accomplishing several projects that will benefit all equestrian users.  This is an opportunity to give back to our State Parks.

Reservation must be made by Wednesday, October 15, 2008.  There is a limit of 50 horses for the weekend, so first come, first served.  For more information and to make reservations, please call (805) 528-1774.