Group Files for Legal Intervention in Ongoing Battle for Recreation at Oceano Dunes
OCEANO, Calif. (KEYT) - Non-profit 'Friends Of Oceano Dunes' is intervening in a lawsuit to protect recreational use and vehicular access to the state beach.
If approved, it could complicate the Center For Biological Diversity’s efforts in reducing OHV use.
The group represents members and motorized vehicle users who accuse state officials of not always fully defending the recreation area for its legislated purpose.
“25 years we've been in the fight to protect camping and OHV recreation,” says Jim Suty, president of Friends Of Oceano Dunes.
The legal filing submitted last week by the non-profit seeks to preserve off-highway vehicle access.
“It also protects the businesses,” says Suty. “The most recent economic impact study said $500 million, a half $1 billion is generated from the access by the people coming to visit the Oceano Dunes. It's huge.”
Organization leadership says the group remains committed to pursuing legal remedies to protect beach driving, camping, and off highway vehicle recreation, as it's been occurring for more than 100 years.
“A lot of our activities are right here on the beach and it's very inclusive,” says Oceano resident Jan Rudkin. “It always has been enjoyed by everybody. People come here from the valley on those 106 degree days and they can camp here for $10 a night and bring their vehicles.”
Local supporters of camping and OHV access say preventing it would cause long-term economic damage to South San Luis Obispo County.
“It just makes me smile to see all the people enjoying themselves, and from all over the world,” says Rudkin. “You hear languages out here when people are waiting for their vehicles to show up.”
The current state court action follows prior federal legal disputes involving protection efforts for the western snowy plover.
“We’ve got the most successful endangered species program in the state due to the off highway vehicle dollars investing in that, we have safe recreation,” says Suty. “State Parks does a great job of making sure the rules are enforced.”
By seeking formal intervention, Friends Of Oceano Dunes aims to become an official party in court proceedings and oppose restrictions on public motorized access.
A ruling on the motion is anticipated soon.
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