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Oceano Dunes ecosystem needs constant care With so many uses, the Dunes requires exhaustive monitoring to ensure ecological concerns such as air and water quality, trash and wildlife are managed well

Posted by: Maven on February 17, 2010 at 6:17 am

From the San Luis Obispo Tribune:

“Take 4,000 acres of wind-swept dunes, five-and-a-half miles of beach and numerous rare plants and animals and combine that with 2 million people and tens of thousands of trucks and off-highway vehicles a year.

It’s a potent recipe for controversy. No other location in San Luis Obispo County and perhaps no other California state park consistently generates as many environmental conflicts as Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. The controversies cover a wide range beyond protecting wildlife — everything from air pollution to littering.

In fact, environmental issues have been one of the most potent tools critics have used to impose restrictions on off-highway-vehicle riding in the park. For example, a lawsuit by the Sierra Club recently forced the park to nearly double a seasonal shorebird closure area in the park.

Environmental issues are the main point OHV opponents cite in arguing that the county should retain ownership of a large parcel in the center of the park. They want the parcel to act as a buffer between riding areas and ecologically sensitive areas in the park. … “

Read more from the San Luis Obispo Tribune by clicking here.

February 17, 2010 · Filed Under Central Coast, Oceans & Beaches

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