Date: 05/17/2011
BLUERIBBON COALITION PARTNER ACTION ALERT!
CALIFORNIA - Oceano Dunes SVRA in Jeopardy - Public Comments Needed!
Dear BRC members, supporters and action alert subscribers,
I just received an email from the American Sand Association (ASA) asking us to pass along an alert on an important issue concerning the Oceano Dunes SVRA that needs IMMEDIATE ACTION.
I've pasted their alert below, so please take a minute to read it over and take action. Then pass this important alert on to your friends and family, and ask them take action as well.
Thanks in advance for your involvement,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107
Comments on the proposed plan must be received by 5/23/11. The Friends of Oceano Dunes have drafted a letter for OHV enthusiasts to send to USFWS:
SUGGESTED LETTER:
Public Comments Processing,
Attn: FWS-R8-ES-2010-0070
Division of Policy and Directives Management
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222
Arlington, VA 22203
Re: Opposition to Inclusion of Oceano Dunes SVRA in the Critical Habitat Designation for the Western Snowy Plover
Dear Fish and Wildlife Service:
I OPPOSE designating Oceano Dunes SVRA as plover critical habitat. It should remain excluded for economic reasons as it has been for the past 6 years without harm to the plover.
I am a frequent visitor to Oceano Dunes SVRA in Pismo Beach, California, where I enjoy one of the most unique off-roading experiences in the world. I have just learned that the Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to declare a significant part of Oceano Dunes to be "critical" habitat for the western snowy plover.
I am confused by this proposal since I know that in 2005 the Service specifically excluded Oceano Dunes from plover critical habitat because of the severe impacts such a regulation would have on the local and regional economy in San Luis Obispo County. Miles of riding area have already been off-limits to off-road recreation even though this is not critical habitat. The plover seems to be thriving with all of the conservation measures that State Parks currently has in place. I understand that State Parks is planning even more. In light of all this, what additional benefit can adding the critical habitat regulation have? It seems like it will just be used by extremists to try to shut down the park to off-road recreation.
Sincerely,
Sign Name: *______________________________ Date* _________
Print Name:* ______________________________
Address: *________________________________
City *____________ State:* _______ Zip* ____
*REQUIRED
The American Sand Association
Unite, Inform, and Mobilize
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BLUERIBBON COALITION PARTNER ACTION ALERT!
CALIFORNIA - Oceano Dunes SVRA in Jeopardy - Public Comments Needed!
Dear BRC members, supporters and action alert subscribers,
I just received an email from the American Sand Association (ASA) asking us to pass along an alert on an important issue concerning the Oceano Dunes SVRA that needs IMMEDIATE ACTION.
I've pasted their alert below, so please take a minute to read it over and take action. Then pass this important alert on to your friends and family, and ask them take action as well.
Thanks in advance for your involvement,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107
Dear Fellow Duner,
The Friends of Oceano Dunes have asked that we help spread the word on the proposed plan by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) to designate a large portion of the Oceano Dunes SVRA in Pismo Beach, California as critical habitat for the Snow Plover which would eliminate OHV activity and would greatly affect access to the dunes.Comments on the proposed plan must be received by 5/23/11. The Friends of Oceano Dunes have drafted a letter for OHV enthusiasts to send to USFWS:
SUGGESTED LETTER:
Public Comments Processing,
Attn: FWS-R8-ES-2010-0070
Division of Policy and Directives Management
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222
Arlington, VA 22203
Re: Opposition to Inclusion of Oceano Dunes SVRA in the Critical Habitat Designation for the Western Snowy Plover
Dear Fish and Wildlife Service:
I OPPOSE designating Oceano Dunes SVRA as plover critical habitat. It should remain excluded for economic reasons as it has been for the past 6 years without harm to the plover.
I am a frequent visitor to Oceano Dunes SVRA in Pismo Beach, California, where I enjoy one of the most unique off-roading experiences in the world. I have just learned that the Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to declare a significant part of Oceano Dunes to be "critical" habitat for the western snowy plover.
I am confused by this proposal since I know that in 2005 the Service specifically excluded Oceano Dunes from plover critical habitat because of the severe impacts such a regulation would have on the local and regional economy in San Luis Obispo County. Miles of riding area have already been off-limits to off-road recreation even though this is not critical habitat. The plover seems to be thriving with all of the conservation measures that State Parks currently has in place. I understand that State Parks is planning even more. In light of all this, what additional benefit can adding the critical habitat regulation have? It seems like it will just be used by extremists to try to shut down the park to off-road recreation.
Sincerely,
Sign Name: *______________________________ Date* _________
Print Name:* ______________________________
Address: *________________________________
City *____________ State:* _______ Zip* ____
*REQUIRED
The American Sand Association
Unite, Inform, and Mobilize
Please DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL. Instead...
Please direct questions or comments to:
The aSa Board of Directors
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible recreation, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. With members in all 50 states, BRC is focused on building enthusiast involvement with organizational efforts through membership, outreach, education, and collaboration among recreationists. 1-800-BlueRib - www.sharetrails.org
_______________________________________________________
As a non-profit, grassroots organization funded primarily by membership dues and donations, we greatly appreciate your support. Visit http://www.sharetrails.org/make-a-difference-now to help fund our efforts to protect your trails!_______________________________________________________
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