Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Closed

Started by Biketographer, January 06, 2022, 06:50:29 AM

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Biketographer

Any California people here ?   A "vehicular recreation area" that does not allow vehicles ?


QuoteMore than 100 Oceano Dunes Acres Now Closed to OHVs

The California Coastal Commission, without deliberation, unanimously voted in late December to further restrict OHV use at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, immediately shutting down 108 acres of riding and driving area. Commission staff cited dust control and dune restoration as reasons to propose the shutdown, despite evidence that dust in the area is primarily caused by the wind and dunes themselves, not any human activities.

"The Coastal Commission rammed the closure through during the holidays with minimal public notice," said Scott Schloegel, MIC senior vice president of government relations. "This will further diminish the recreational experience and access for the millions of visitors to Oceano Dunes each year."

The MIC sent a letter to the CCC in December noting that claims about dust from OHVs have been debunked in two separate reports authored by Dr. Lynn Russell of the University of California, San Diego, Scripps Institution of Oceanography. And the MIC's Mario Mairena, senior manager, federal affairs, spoke at the commission meeting opposing closure during the public comment period.

"Throughout the public works plan process, we submitted comments and testified at public hearings suggesting ways to responsibly and safely preserve OHV access and resources at ODSVRA," stated the letter, signed by Erik Pritchard, president and CEO of the MIC, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association. "We repeatedly offered to partner with State Parks to enhance safety, training, and awareness of sensitive areas at ODSVRA."
When in traffic:  "Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity" or, just a simple mistake.