ASA CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF ADVOCACY

How the American Sand Association (ASA) Got Its Start 25 Years Ago

Intro

The American Sand Association (ASA) was born in 2000 with one clear mission: to unite, inform, and mobilize the sand duning community to protect access to our beloved dunes. From the very beginning, ASA has stood as the voice of dune riders, ensuring that off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation remains a cherished part of our public lands.

Building a Movement

What began as a grassroots effort quickly grew into a national organization. Vince Brunasso, founding President and one of the driving forces in ASA’s early days, took the crucial step of incorporating the association. That move gave ASA the ability to hire lobbyists, gain credibility with policymakers, and formally advocate for the rights of duners everywhere.

Advocacy at the Core

From day one, ASA’s focus has been sand duning advocacy. The organization built strong relationships with land managers, government officials, and other recreation partners. Whether it was pushing back against closures, promoting safety, or sharing information across the community, ASA became the trusted voice for riders.

ASA Protecting the Right to Ride

The dunes are more than sand—they’re a way of life. ASA recognized that without organized advocacy, these lands could be closed off, piece by piece. That’s why the association continues to fight for access, promote responsible recreation, and remind all of us that keeping the dunes open is a team effort.

Why This Story Matters

This “Did You Know?” series is all about honoring ASA’s history and showing how far we’ve come. Knowing our roots reminds us that every membership, every sponsor, and every voice matters in keeping the dunes open for generations to come. Join us in celebrating 25 years of successful advocacy.

READ ASA’s History and Start here.

JOIN ASA and help us keep the duning sports alive and well.

MORE on Vince Brunasso, author, ASA Board Member.

Special thanks to these ASA partners