The American Sand Association (aSa) through its partnership with Ecologic Partners is pleased to announce that we have partnered with Tierra Del Sol Four Wheel Drive Club (TDS), and the California Off-Road Vehicle Association (CORVA), to oppose the lawsuit seeking to end open riding (riding on designated trails only) at the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area (OWSVRA). Last year, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) and the Desert Protection Council (DPC) filed suit against State Parks, claiming the open riding policy at OWSVRA was damaging natural and cultural resources. Our attorney, David Hubbard of Gatzke Dillon & Ballance (Calrsbad), will join Jesse Barton of Sacramento who has represented CORVA since they filed for intervener status last year, and will continue representing the organization.
PEER and DPC filed suit in Sacramento Superior Court alleging that State Parks is violating the Public Resources Code in their management of Ocotillo Wells. The Attorney General has aggressively defended State Parks’ management of the OWSVRA.
Now, EcoLogic, TDS and CORVA will be partnering to make sure every possible argument in favor of OHV recreation is developed and argued in this effort to keep OWSVRA open.
“Dave Hubbard has represented the aSa for many years with our ISDRA issues and is very knowledgeable in handling cases that impact OHV” stated Nicole Nicholas Gilles, aSa Executive Director, “He will be a great addition to the legal team.” “TDS has members whose families have recreated in this area for generations” said Tim Augustine, President of TDS, “we felt the more pairs of legal eyes reviewing this, the more likely we are to come out with a win”. David Hubbard and Jesse Barton and will collaborate on developing the legal briefs necessary to convince the judge that State Parks has not abused its discretion in the management of the Park and that the natural and cultural resources continue to be protected effectively according to the law.
The American Sand Association (aSa) is a contributing member of EcoLogic Partners Inc. which advances common sense land use policies through administrative, political and legal means so that American families can enjoy responsible outdoor recreation. Other EcoLogic Partners include the Off Road Business Association (ORBA) and American Motorcyclists Association (AMA District 37).