Four miles of beaches and nearly 1000 acres of coastal dunes became part of the California State Parks system in 2007 after superfund cleanup activities were completed on this section of the former Fort Ord Military Reservation. Army use preserved the open space character of the dunes but left a legacy of exotic plants, abandoned buildings, and contaminated soil. Much has been accomplished here since Fort Ord closed in 1994, but years of cleanup and restoration work still lie ahead for park staff and volunteers.