Thursday, March 28, 2024

LEGAL JOLT HITS THE OREGON DUNES NRA

 

2018 Field Trip to OR Dunes NRA


LEGAL JOLT HITS SHORE AT OREGON DUNES NRA  

 

On March 25, the Center for Biological Diversity filed a 60-Day Notice of Intent to sue alleging violations of the Endangered Species Act Regarding both casual OHV use and permitted events that are or will be occurring in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

 

NEWS ARTICLE ON LETTER OF INTENT TO SUE

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/forest-service-faces-potential-suit-to-protect-coastal-martens-in-oregon-dunes/ar-BB1kA7Yz

 

In 1972, approximately 28,000 acres (out of 31K acres) was open for legal OHV use when Congress designated it as a National Recreation Area.  After implementation of the 1979 ORDNA Management Plan, the acreage available for OHV use was reduced by about 47% down to 15,000 acres.  When the 1994 ODNRA Management Plan was adopted, the acreage available for open riding was reduced significantly to 5,930 acres. 

 

After the 2014 Oregon Dunes NRA Management Area 10 (C) Designated Routes Project Record of Decision there is about 6,000 acres of open OHV use and 10 miles of designated routes (about 1 acre of tread footprint).

 

COLLABORATIVE WORKING GROUP AT OREGON DUNES

https://quietwarriorracing.blogspot.com/2019/08/collaboration-for-recreation-understand.html

 

Don Amador, QWR President and Pacific Northwest native, states, “This is not the first time that OHVers have had to fight against unwarranted beach closures in Southern Oregon and it won’t be the last.  Local OHVers have worked in a collaborative manner with conservation groups to protect resources while allowing for meaningful OHV use of the dunes.  I think this legal threat does a great disservice to that effort.”

 

“This is an important ocean/sand-based OHV mecca enjoyed by millions of American and foreign tourists and is worth fighting for.  I count myself as a long-time champion and supporter of this riding area and the Save the Riders Dunes Association, local businesses, powersports dealers, and other key stakeholders,” Amador concludes.  

 

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3 comments:

  1. Plenty of prior lessons learned to apply in this 'battle' front. Tx for the info/update Don!

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  2. Thanks Don for this update on CBD's potential lawsuit. In this case, the area has been "trimmed" down over the years, and CBD is sticking their noses into legal areas yet again as to take areas away from human recreation. Once again, critters have cohabitated with recreation and is starting to thrive regardless. When does the fundraising start? And what will be the LOSS of revenue for this form of recreation that supports local business activities................ Dave Pickett

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  3. I have been riding the dunes since my mom was pregnant with me in 1971. The dunes were my all time joy growing up and now I am sharing this with my sons, riding the dunes gave me joy, made me work to support my atvs, and learn mechanics and the joy of family events. Sadly just like cruising and other affordable events just take from this from kids who enjoy this and what have you left them to do?

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