Victory for Oceano Dunes SVRA

Breaking News - Judge rules in favor of allowing OHV use at Ocean Dunes!

July 20, 2023 | San Luis Obispo County, California ~ California Judge rules in favor of maintaining OHV use at Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (ODSVRA).

Yesterday, we received word that the California Superior Court of San Luis Obispo County determined that the California Coastal Commission overstepped their authority in their attempt to ban OHV use and overnight camping at ODSVRA. The Honorable Judge Tana Coates ruled in favor of EcoLogic Partners (a legal collaboration between the Off-Road Business Association, American Sand Association and American Motorcycle Association District 37), SEMA and Friends of Oceano Dunes, stating that the Coastal Commission abused its discretion by unilaterally ordering the elimination of OHV use at Oceano Dunes SVRA.

ORBA President and CEO, Fred Wiley, said, “Today’s ruling represents a huge accomplishment for SEMA, ORBA, AMA District 37 and ASA as well as the Friends of Oceano Dunes, and a major win in the fight to protect off-highway, motorized recreation in California and the United States as a whole.”

The court determined that San Luis Obispo’s Local Coastal Program governs activities at the SVRA under the Coastal Act. The LCP expressly allows OHV use at Oceano Dunes SVRA, and the Coastal Commission has no power to take action that is inconsistent with the LCP.

The team here at ORBA is very excited for this win!