Judge Allows Motorized Recreation at Oceano Dunes
The California Superior Court of San Luis Obispo County has ruled that the California Coastal Commission does not have the authority to prohibit motorized recreational and overnight camping access at Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (SVRA), the SEMA Action Network announced.
Judge Tana Coates ruled in favor of the Specialty Equipment Market Association, EcoLogic Partners (a legal collaboration between the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), American Sand Association (ASA) and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 37), and Friends of Oceano Dunes, ruling that the Coastal Commission abused its discretion by unilaterally ordering the elimination of off-highway vehicle (OHV) use at the Oceano Dunes SVRA, according to the SEMA Action Network.
“Today’s ruling is a huge win for SEMA, ORBA, ASA, and AMA District 37 in the fight to protect motorized recreation access in California and across the United States,” said Mike Spagnola, president & CEO of SEMA. “The Coastal Commission’s efforts to stop off-road access at Oceano Dunes were unreasonable and set a dangerous precedent,” continued SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “This is a hard-fought victory for the motorized recreation community and the millions of enthusiasts that recreate at Oceano Dunes each year. SEMA is proud to have supported this lawsuit and is committed protecting the right to responsibly recreate on California’s coast and public lands throughout the country.”
The court determined that San Luis Obispo County’s Local Coastal Program (LCP) governs activities at the SVRA under the Coastal Act. The LCP expressly allows OHV use at the Oceano Dunes SVRA. Under the Coastal Act, the County of San Luis Obispo has exclusive authority to enforce and manage the LCP, according to the ruling. The Coastal Commission, acting on its own, has no power to take any action inconsistent with the LCP.
Oceano Dunes SVRA is a destination for motorized recreation enthusiasts and tourists and is the only off-road park in the state offering direct access to the Pacific Ocean, according to the SEMA Action Network.
