UPDATE: Off-Road Access Threatened at Oceano Dunes
DON’T DELAY! Please submit written comments to the California Coastal Commission by Wednesday, July 10 or attend the July 11 meeting to oppose a recommendation that Oceano Dunes OHV use be limited and eventually prohibited—ask others to follow suit by spreading the word.
It is important that the California Coastal Commission hear from OHV enthusiasts who can highlight the importance of allowing responsible OHV use at Oceano Dunes without unreasonable restrictions:
WHEN: Thursday, July 11, at 9 a.m.
WHERE: Embassy Suites Hotel
333 Madonnna Road
San Luis Obispo, CA
You may use the following points in your message:
- The California Coastal Commission issued a staff report that recommends off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) be scaled back and eventually prohibited.
- Oceano Dunes SVRA encompasses nearly 3,600 acres along the Pacific Ocean, of which OHV use is now limited to 1,500 acres or less.
- Oceano Dunes became a state OHV park in the 1980s and is the only such park on California’s coast.
- OHV use contributes an estimated $20 billion to the California economy.
Overview: The California Coastal Commission will be reviewing the permit for OHV use at the Oceano Dunes SVRA during its July 11 meeting in San Luis Obispo. The Commission will review staff suggestions to amend the permit, which include a prohibition on night riding, the addition of more fencing to restrict OHV use, eliminating unlimited OHV use on holidays, and increased enforcement efforts focused on vehicle use and speed limit. The Commission will also review proposals to provide year-round protection to a 300-acre endangered species area, which is currently protected on a seasonal basis, and future closures for the purpose of dust control.
The SEMA Action Network (SAN) supports reasonable land-use policies. Unfortunately, members of the Commission have made clear their intent is to limit current OHV use at Oceano Dunes and eventually eliminate access. Whether in written comments or at the July 11 meeting, please let the Commission know about your experience riding at Oceano Dunes. It is imperative that we educate the members of the Commission on the OHV community’s passion for riding at the Oceano Dunes SVRA and the positive economic impact that motorized recreation has on the San Luis Obispo area.
