The American Sand Association (ASA) is proud to share extremely positive news that DUNERS have won an important legal case in the fight to keep the Oceano Dunes open to OHV and camping! The ASA, in cooperation with a number of other OHV groups, worked very hard for this result. The coalition included EcoLogic partners (ASA, ORBA and AMA District 37), Cal4Wheel and SEMA. This coalition was pleased to have Friends of Oceano Dunes, who has been fighting for this riding area for many years, work alongside the partners on separate litigation issues with the same common goal of preserving recreation access to Oceano Dunes SVRA (ODSVRA).

On July 19, 2023, Judge Tana L. Coates of the California Superior Court ruled that the California Coastal Commission exceeded its authority by ordering the elimination of OHV use at the Oceano Dunes SVRA. Judge Coates held that the San Luis Obispo Local Coastal Program (LCP) governs activities at ODSVRA for purposes of Coastal Act compliance, which includes OHV use at the dunes. Under the Coastal Act, the County of San Luis Obispo has exclusive authority to enforce and/or amend the LCP. The Coastal Commission, acting on its own, cannot do so. 

The ASA is extremely happy to share this news – this is a time to celebrate a WIN at OCEANO! The ASA works hand-in-hand with EcoLogic partners and other advocacy groups on multiple legal matters when it comes to Oceano Dunes and other riding areas, on and off the sand. The goal is always the same: to keep amazing riding areas open for duners and off-roaders to enjoy. 

A big THANK YOU to all of our supporting members – without your support, legal wins like these do not happen! The fight persists, let's keep the momentum going ...

If you are not a supporting member of the ASA (or other members of EcoLogic partners), please consider joining our fight by becoming a supporting member.