VETERANS DAY TRIBUTE – Protect Access to Public Lands
Since OHV recreation is a very popular family activity
for those who serve or have served in the military, I think one way to honor
that service on Veterans Day is for those of us who have advocacy roles to
continue fighting for their freedom to enjoy access to public lands.
Ocean-based sand recreation on the West Coast is a
precious commodity and is enjoyed by many military families. Two of the most popular ocean sand OHV areas
are Oceano Dunes SVRA in California and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation
Area (ODNRA).
About 10 years ago, the Forest Service that operates the ODNRA
was developing a travel plan that included onerous closure-oriented management prescriptions
based mostly on political science vs. sound science.
When Congress created the ODNRA in the early 1970s it was
a 40,000 acre prehistoric dune complex that was largely open sand with very
little vegetation. Almost immediately,
the agency and other stakeholders planted invasive plant species to control
moving sand and dust caused by large wind events.
Those efforts over many years converted that large open
sand structure into an unnatural forested landscape that was detrimental to critical
species such as the western snowy plover and eliminated
about 90% of the open sand OHV recreation opportunities
that existed at the time of its congressional designation.
Fortunately, the OHV recreation community got engaged and
is working with the Forest Service and conservation groups to employ effective science-based
management practices that enhance the OHV recreation experience and improves
wildlife habitat.
Testimony presented at the recent CA OHV Commission
hearing on Oceano Dunes SVRA has day-lighted the fact that most, if not all, of the Park’s
dust mitigation measures are arbitrary and also based largely on political
science instead of sound science.
That reality means the greater OHV community at Oceano must
continue to challenge the ongoing efforts of regulators to close most, or all,
of the park to OHV recreation.
Today, let’s recommit ourselves to protect and preserve
our freedoms to access Oceano SVRA and other public lands in a responsible
manner for current and future generations.
Posts
