In tourist areas here, where they don't want people driving, they put barriers, like rocks, or a fence. If dune buggies driving on sensitive areas is a concern, just maybe they need to put barriers. Actually rocks would be good. And not the five pounders, but the 205 pounders or more.
A good barbe less fence (steel wire) and steel posts will corrode and disappear in a few years, but is not that difficult to put up.
Speaking of gas prices, here we are closer to production of oil and gas, which may have some to do with the lower prices. I am sure transportation costs do enter into the price. Also they do have seasonal blends of fuel here, so some of the special blend price is also seen here. But also since we are closer to the alcohol production areas of the flyover states, that is cost less to transport.
Also note that most refineries are set up for area specific crude oils. And I have heard the ones in CA are set up for heavy Alaska crude. Maybe it costs more to refine that.