Crowdog
01-08-2002, 07:59 PM
Tuesday, January 8, 2002
Environment: Save the Oceano dunes
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I write this letter with a lot of apprehension and sadness. I don't know if most of you know this, but the Endangered Species Act has allowed the Sierra Club and other extremist groups to file a lawsuit to close the Oceano Dunes down.
There have been numerous handouts, fliers and posters handed out in the Pismo area. Unfortunately very few of the Valley people have heard or know of the activities that are going on.
First let me say, that there isn't enough time or space to explain all that is involved here. The National Park Service and Gov. Gray Davis are on the "Friends of Oceano Dunes" side. Unfortunately, the money allocated to shut down the beach, approximately $20 million, is on their side.
Studies show that the problems are not because of the off-roaders, but of another bird who eats the young -- the snowy plover. The bird is on the endangered species list.
On Feb. 9 there will be a meeting in Hanford at the Elks Club. If you or your friends or relatives have spent time on the beach and enjoyed the recreation and fun it has given us, please help us save the dunes. The injunction is to go into effect on the first of March. Time is short, and this order is to restrict all off-road vehicles and even the flying of kites.
Get involved. Call 1-805-788-4926 or go on line to www.oceanodunes.org and learn about this action.
All of us believe in being good stewards of the land, but this action by a small group of well-financed people and their efforts are about to stop you from ever visiting the dunes again with a motorized vehicle. Camping and all types of recreational events will end.
I hope all of you who feel the dunes is a special place to go and have fun, will help. Thank you.
MIKE HIGHAM
Visalia
http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/news/stories/20020108/opinion/1435994.html
Environment: Save the Oceano dunes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I write this letter with a lot of apprehension and sadness. I don't know if most of you know this, but the Endangered Species Act has allowed the Sierra Club and other extremist groups to file a lawsuit to close the Oceano Dunes down.
There have been numerous handouts, fliers and posters handed out in the Pismo area. Unfortunately very few of the Valley people have heard or know of the activities that are going on.
First let me say, that there isn't enough time or space to explain all that is involved here. The National Park Service and Gov. Gray Davis are on the "Friends of Oceano Dunes" side. Unfortunately, the money allocated to shut down the beach, approximately $20 million, is on their side.
Studies show that the problems are not because of the off-roaders, but of another bird who eats the young -- the snowy plover. The bird is on the endangered species list.
On Feb. 9 there will be a meeting in Hanford at the Elks Club. If you or your friends or relatives have spent time on the beach and enjoyed the recreation and fun it has given us, please help us save the dunes. The injunction is to go into effect on the first of March. Time is short, and this order is to restrict all off-road vehicles and even the flying of kites.
Get involved. Call 1-805-788-4926 or go on line to www.oceanodunes.org and learn about this action.
All of us believe in being good stewards of the land, but this action by a small group of well-financed people and their efforts are about to stop you from ever visiting the dunes again with a motorized vehicle. Camping and all types of recreational events will end.
I hope all of you who feel the dunes is a special place to go and have fun, will help. Thank you.
MIKE HIGHAM
Visalia
http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/news/stories/20020108/opinion/1435994.html