The Central Coast Heritage Protection Act aims to conserve significant federal lands and rivers in California. It designates approximately 246,000 acres of federal land as new wilderness areas or additions to the National Wilderness Preservation System. These designations include the new Caliente Mountain, Soda Lake, Temblor Range, and Diablo Caliente Wilderness areas, along with additions to seven existing wilderness areas primarily within the Bakersfield Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management and the Los Padres National Forest.

Beyond wilderness, the Act significantly expands protections for several California rivers by adding segments to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This includes new "wild," "scenic," and "recreational" classifications for portions of Indian Creek, Mono Creek, Matilija Creek, Sespe Creek, Sisquoc River, and Piru Creek. These designations aim to preserve the free-flowing condition and outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values of these waterways.

The bill also establishes the 41,082-acre Fox Mountain Special Management Area within the Los Padres National Forest. Its purpose is to conserve and enhance ecological, scenic, wildlife, recreational, cultural, historical, natural, educational, and scientific resources. Additionally, two new scenic areas are created: the Condor Ridge Scenic Area (18,666 acres) and the Black Mountain Scenic Area (16,216 acres), with similar conservation objectives.

Management of these newly designated areas will generally adhere to the Wilderness Act and other applicable federal laws, with specific provisions for fire management, continued grazing, and fish and wildlife protection. Within the scenic areas, certain activities are prohibited, including permanent roads, structures, most timber harvesting, transmission lines, and most motorized vehicle use, to preserve their natural character. The bill clarifies that the designation of wilderness areas does not intend to create buffer zones.

The Act mandates several studies, including one on the feasibility of establishing the Condor National Scenic Trail to connect northern and southern portions of the Los Padres National Forest. Another study will explore opening a new trail for smaller vehicles in the Ballinger Canyon off-highway vehicle area, and a third will focus on improving nonmotorized recreation opportunities in specific ranger districts. Importantly, the bill ensures that federally recognized Indian Tribes retain access to these wilderness and scenic areas for traditional cultural and religious purposes, allowing for temporary closures to protect privacy during such activities.