Surfrider Foundation Disputes Claims of Financial Revenue Brought In By Oceano Dunes

OCEANO, Calif. (KEYT) - The SLO Surfrider Foundation is challenging claims regarding the financial contribution of the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area to the local economy. 

The foundation contends that widely circulated figures claiming off-road vehicle access brings hundreds of millions of dollars to San Luis Obispo County rely on flawed data and overstated figures.

The debate centers on economic studies used to measure the impact of off-highway vehicle access at the park, over the last decade.

To evaluate conflicting financial statistics, the California Coastal Commission initiated third-party peer reviews of state economic analyses.

Charles Varni, chair of SLO Surfrider, argues that previous news coverage failed to present a balanced view of legal challenges surrounding off-road driving in the area.

Addressing revenue claims cited by Jim Suty, who represents Friends of Oceano Dunes, Varni questioned the validity of reports claiming substantial regional spending. 

While the economic impact analysis concluded that tourists account for $511 million in overall local spending, only $50.5 million came from travelers who strictly visited the Oceano Dunes in previous years.

An additional $336.9 million was spent across various industries by 2.2 million visitors from outside San Luis Obispo County who visited the dunes as part of a broader trip, contrasting with a figure of 3.4 million claimed by Friends of Oceano Dunes.

A decision from a Superior Court of California judge on whether to allow Friends of Oceano Dunes to intervene is expected in the next few weeks.

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